Nunavut Tenant Rights: Key Responsibilities & Protections

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Nunavut, knowing your rights and responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings and help you deal with common issues like repair delays, rental increases, and eviction notices. This guide outlines essential information for Nunavut tenants under the Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act and procedures handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Your Basic Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut

All tenants in Nunavut are protected by law against unfair treatment and unsafe living conditions. These are your fundamental rights:

• Live in a safe, well-maintained home
• Have written notice before entering, rent increases, or eviction
• Privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your rental property
• Right to dispute issues with your landlord through a fair process

If you’d like a quick overview of tenant and landlord rights in Nunavut, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for province-specific highlights.

Key Responsibilities for Nunavut Tenants

As a tenant, you must also meet certain obligations to keep your tenancy in good standing:

• Pay your rent on time each month
• Keep your unit reasonably clean
• Report any damage or required repairs to your landlord promptly
• Respect your neighbours and the property

Rental Deposits and Your Rights

Most landlords in Nunavut require a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit) at the start of a tenancy. This money cannot be more than one month’s rent. It must be returned to you when you move out, except for deductions to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent.

For a deep dive into deposit rights and return rules, check out Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Health, Safety, and Repairs

Your landlord must keep your home safe and in good repair. This includes providing working locks and ensuring the building is structurally sound, with functioning heating and appliances. As a tenant, report repairs in writing and allow reasonable access for maintenance.

For details about health risks and repair obligations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Happens After You Sign the Lease?

Once your lease or rental agreement is signed, your legal responsibilities and rights begin. You are entitled to a copy of your signed lease and must follow all rules agreed upon, as long as they do not violate Nunavut's tenancy laws. Wondering what comes next? What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement is a useful guide.

Rent Payments and Rent Increases

Rent must be paid on the date stated in your lease. If your landlord plans to increase the rent, they must provide written notice at least three months before the new rent takes effect. Check that the increase meets the rules set in the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. If you believe an increase is unfair, you can dispute it through the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Dealing with Repairs and Maintenance Requests

• Notify your landlord as soon as an issue arises—written communication is best.
• If the landlord does not address urgent repairs, you may be able to apply for help through the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Routine versus Emergency Repairs: Routine repairs include things like broken appliances or leaky taps. In an emergency (like no heat in winter), contact your landlord immediately and follow up in writing.

Moving Out: Notice and Deposit Return

If you wish to move out, you must provide written notice—usually at least one full rental period before you leave (for month-to-month tenancies). Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days after you move out, accounting for any deductions.

Official Forms for Nunavut Tenants

• Notice of Termination (Form 3): Use this form if you wish to end your tenancy. Provide your landlord with a written notice according to your lease (at least one full rental period in advance). Download Notice of Termination (Form 3).
• Application to Resolve a Dispute: If you have an issue (like a deposit not being returned or a repair dispute), you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for a hearing. Download Application to Resolve a Dispute (Form 5).

Always read instructions carefully and keep a copy for your records when submitting forms.

Which Laws and Tribunal Apply in Nunavut?

Northern tenants are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. When disputes arise, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies, Department of Justice (Nunavut). The tribunal offers free forms and guidance with tenancy disputes, rent increases, and deposit return issues.¹

Want to compare with other provinces? For example, how Nunavut’s laws differ from Tenant Rights in Ontario.

For those looking for rentals or considering moving, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to browse available options and make informed choices about your next tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nunavut Tenants

1. Can my landlord increase my rent at any time?
   No. Your landlord must give at least three months’ written notice before any rent increase and can only do so once every 12 months.
2. What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
   If your landlord does not return your deposit within 10 days of moving out, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies using Form 5 to resolve the dispute.
3. Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
   The landlord must make major repairs and maintain the property in a safe, livable condition. Tenants are responsible for keeping the place clean and reporting problems promptly.
4. How do I end my tenancy legally in Nunavut?
   Give your landlord written notice using the Notice of Termination (Form 3). For month-to-month tenancies, at least one full rental period’s notice is required.
5. Can my landlord enter my rental unit without notice?
   No. Your landlord must provide 24 hours’ written notice before entering except for emergencies.

How To: Resolve a Dispute with Your Landlord in Nunavut

1. How do I apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies about an issue?
   
   1. Identify the issue (such as repair neglect, unjust rent increase, or deposit dispute).
   2. Gather evidence (photos, written requests, lease agreement).
   3. Download and complete Application to Resolve a Dispute (Form 5).
   4. Submit the form to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
   5. Attend the scheduled hearing with your documentation.
2. What steps should I follow for an urgent repair?
   
   1. Inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
   2. Keep records of all communication and photos.
   3. If the landlord does not act, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
3. How do I end my tenancy in writing?
   
   1. Fill out the Notice of Termination (Form 3).
   2. Give the form to your landlord with the required notice period.
   3. Keep a copy for your records.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Renters

• Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act protects tenant and landlord rights equally.
• Deposits, repairs, and notices have clear rules—put everything important in writing.
• There’s a formal process for resolving issues through the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Stay proactive by understanding your legal obligations and communicating openly with your landlord. Use official forms when required and keep records of all major rental communications.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (Government of Nunavut) — file disputes, access official forms, and get advice
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act — full text legislation
• Nunavut Department of Justice — policy info and contact for tenancy support

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Read the official act
2. Nunavut Department of Justice: Office of Residential Tenancies Official Website
3. Residential tenancy forms: Nunavut tenancy forms

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