Nunavut Tenant Rights: Maintenance & Repairs Guide

If you're renting a home in Nunavut, it’s important to understand how maintenance and repair laws protect you as a tenant. Dealing with repair issues in a remote or Northern location can be challenging, but Nunavut's laws set clear rules for who is responsible, how to report problems, and what steps to take if repairs aren’t done. This guide explains your rights and practical action steps, all in plain language.

Who’s Responsible for Repairs in Nunavut?

Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1] requires landlords to keep rental units in good repair and meet all health, safety, and housing standards at all times. Tenants also have responsibilities to keep the unit clean and to not cause damage.

• Landlords must fix problems that make the unit unsafe, unlivable, or don't meet local codes. This includes heating, plumbing, electrical, structural issues, and pest infestations.
• Tenants are responsible for cleanliness and for repairing any damage they (or their guests) cause beyond normal wear and tear.

For a detailed breakdown of obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Types of Repairs

• Emergency Repairs: These are urgent, like loss of heat in winter, dangerous electrical issues, or water leaks.
• Routine Repairs: Issues that don’t pose an immediate risk but affect comfort and maintenance, such as leaky faucets or broken appliances.

Knowing the difference is important for how quickly a landlord must act. Learn more in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

How to Request a Repair in Nunavut

If something needs repair, always notify your landlord in writing. This creates a record in case you need to take further action later. Include these details:

• What’s broken or unsafe
• When you noticed the issue
• Request for prompt repair, especially if urgent

Keep a copy of your request. Email or text is fine if that's how you normally communicate with your landlord.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If your landlord doesn’t make repairs within a reasonable time, Nunavut law provides options:

• Follow up in writing a second time if needed
• If the issue is urgent and your landlord won’t fix it, you may be able to pay for necessary repairs and deduct the cost from your rent – but only after giving reasonable notice and attempting to contact the landlord
• File an application with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), the tribunal handling rental disputes

The RTO can make legal orders for repairs or compensation. Never withhold rent unless a tribunal orders you to do so.

Official Forms Tenants May Use

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office: Use this to formally request the RTO to order repairs or resolve disputes. Download the form and instructions from the official Nunavut RTO website. Example: If you reported a heating problem and it wasn't fixed after several days, use this form to start the complaint process.
• Notice of Repair (Letter): While there isn’t an official province-wide template, tenants should always put repair requests in writing (email/letter), describing the problem, dates, and desired action. Bring copies to the RTO if you need to file a complaint.

Health and Safety Repairs

Northern climates mean some repairs (like heat or running water) are especially urgent. Lack of repairs to these can create serious Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Always report these issues right away and document the problem with photos if possible.

Before You Move In: Inspections

Scheduling an inspection with your landlord at the start of a tenancy helps identify any pre-existing damages. Keeping a record protects you from being blamed for problems that aren’t your fault. For best practices, read Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Related Information: Regional Facts and Other Provinces

Rights and procedures differ by province. For more Nunavut-specific facts, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut. Looking for rentals elsewhere? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

1. Who pays for repairs in my Nunavut rental? Landlords must pay for repairs that relate to wear and tear, safety, or essential services. Tenants must pay for damages they (or their guests) cause.
2. What if my landlord refuses to repair something dangerous? Document your requests in writing. For urgent problems, you can apply to the RTO, which can order repairs or compensation. Never stop paying rent unless ordered.
3. Can I do repairs myself and bill the landlord? Only in emergencies, after a reasonable attempt to contact the landlord. Keep receipts, and notify your landlord first. Try not to make non-urgent repairs on your own.
4. What repairs are considered urgent in Nunavut? Things like no heat, loss of running water, major leaks, and anything affecting health or safety are urgent and should be handled right away.
5. Where can I get official help with a repair dispute? Contact the Residential Tenancies Office in Nunavut for information and to file an application if needed.

How To Deal With Repairs in Nunavut Rentals

1. Put your repair request in writing. Email or send a letter to your landlord describing the issue.
2. Follow up if there’s no response. Wait a reasonable amount of time, then send another written reminder.
3. Gather evidence. Take photos, keep copies of your communications, and track when problems occur.
4. If urgent, notify the landlord immediately. For emergencies, try to contact them by phone/text and email, and explain the urgency.
5. Apply to the RTO if necessary. If repairs aren’t made, download and submit the Application to the Residential Tenancies Office with copies of your evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Nunavut law protects tenants by requiring safe and well-maintained rentals.
• Always document repair issues and requests in writing.
• If the landlord doesn’t respond, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) — advice, complaint forms, and legal information
• Phone: (867) 975-6597 / Toll-free: 1-866-223-8146
• Email: rto@gov.nu.ca
• Full text: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
• Tenant support: Local housing authorities or legal aid (Nunavut Legal Aid: 1-866-606-9400)

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (full legislation)
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – rental disputes official site

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