Nunavut Tenant Utilities & Services Checklist: What to Know

Moving into a rental home in Nunavut comes with unique challenges due to the territory’s climate, infrastructure, and remote communities. It’s crucial for tenants to know which utilities and essential services are included, how to set them up, and what to do if problems arise. This guide provides a step-by-step checklist so Nunavut renters can ensure their home is safe, functional, and meets all legal standards.

Understanding Utilities and Essential Services as a Nunavut Tenant

Utilities in Nunavut rentals often include heat, electricity, water, and sometimes fuel (oil or propane), but arrangements can vary widely. Always confirm with your landlord which services are included in rent and which are your responsibility. Some services, such as internet and phone, may require additional setup and could vary by community.

Nunavut’s Rental Law and Your Rights

In Nunavut, tenant rights and responsibilities are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. The Act requires landlords to maintain the rental property in a state fit for habitation, including providing essential services like heat and water when covered in the lease.

For an overview of general tenant and landlord rights in the territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Utility & Services Checklist for Nunavut Tenants

• Confirm which utilities are included: Is heat, fuel, water, or electricity covered in your rent?
• Set up any required utility accounts: If a utility isn’t included, contact local providers (e.g., Qulliq Energy Corporation for electricity, the Hamlet for water).
• Check for safe and working smoke detectors and CO monitors.
• Ask for written confirmation on responsibility for utility payments. This is especially important if utilities can fluctuate or bills are in your name.
• Keep copies of all agreements and receipts.
• Report any lack of essential services (no heat, water, electricity) immediately to your landlord.

Common Essential Services in Nunavut Rental Units

• Heat: Often provided by fuel oil or electric baseboards; clarify who orders and pays for the fuel.
• Electricity: Usually supplied by Qulliq Energy Corporation. Confirm account setup and who pays the bills.
• Water and Sewage: Managed at the community or municipal level. In remote communities, water is delivered and stored in tanks; do not let the tank run dry.
• Internet & Home Phone: Limited providers; you may need to arrange for installation or activation yourself.

This list may change with your community’s infrastructure—confirm specifics before signing your lease.

Initial Inspections and Health & Safety

Always request an inspection (walkthrough) before moving in to ensure all essential services are working and no health or safety hazards exist. If you spot problems, document them and notify your landlord in writing. For more on this process, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Nunavut landlords must provide a home safe for occupancy under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act; if there is a persistent lack of essential services, such as heat during winter, you may have grounds for a complaint or rent abatement.

Official Forms Tenants May Need

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1): Used to file a formal complaint with the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies regarding repairs, unsafe housing, or disputes over utility responsibilities. For example, if your landlord does not restore a vital service, you can file this form. Access the form here.
• Notice to Terminate for Non-Performance of Obligations (Form 5): If your landlord fails to provide essential services required by law or your lease, you may use this notice after following required notice periods. Access Form 5 here.

Submit completed forms to the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies. Retain a copy for your records and keep all related correspondence.

Tenant Tips for a Smooth Move-In

• Schedule utility account activations to align with your move-in date.
• Take photos of meter readings, property condition, and installed detectors at move-in.
• Clarify the emergency contact process for utility failures or urgent repairs.

For more practical advice, check out Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

What to Do if There’s a Utility Dispute

If you and your landlord disagree about who should pay for or fix a utility, document your communications and seek help from the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies. Mediation or formal dispute resolution is available if a solution cannot be reached informally.

For every rental journey—whether you’re moving in or seeking a new home—Browse apartments for rent in Canada to see transparent listings and available rental homes across the country.

FAQ: Nunavut Tenant Utilities & Services

1. Are landlords in Nunavut required to provide heat and water?
   Yes, if your lease states that heat or water is included, your landlord must supply these services. Essential services are protected under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]
2. What can I do if heat or water stops working in my rental?
   Notify your landlord immediately in writing. If not resolved promptly, use Form 1 (Application for Dispute Resolution) to file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
3. Do I need to set up my own electricity account in Nunavut rentals?
   This depends on your lease. Always confirm with your landlord and the Qulliq Energy Corporation whether accounts are in your name or included with rent.
4. Can my landlord shut off my utilities for late rent?
   No. Landlords cannot legally disconnect essential services for non-payment. They must follow legal eviction or rent recovery processes.
5. Where can I get help if I am having trouble with utilities or landlord disputes?
   The Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies offers support and official dispute resolution for rental issues involving utilities and services.

How To Handle Common Utilities & Services Issues in Nunavut Rentals

1. How do I set up utilities when moving into a Nunavut rental?
   Check your lease, contact the landlord for provider information, set up accounts in your name (if needed), and schedule activation for your move-in date.
2. What steps should I take if my landlord does not fix an essential service?
   Document the issue, notify the landlord in writing, and if unresolved, submit Form 1 to the Office of Residential Tenancies with supporting evidence.
3. How can I prevent running out of fuel or water in remote communities?
   Learn the delivery schedule, keep contact info for your supplier, and monitor your tank levels regularly. Notify your supplier before you run out.
4. How do I make a formal complaint about unsafe or unserviced rentals?
   Gather documentation, fill out Form 1, and submit to the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies. Include photos of any health or safety issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies: Official dispute resolution forms, help, and guidance for rental issues, including utilities and essential services.
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Full legislation and tenant protections.
• For comprehensive rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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1. ^[1] Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

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