Nunavut Tenants: What Happens When Landlords Neglect Maintenance

If you’re renting in Nunavut and facing maintenance issues—like leaky plumbing, lack of heat, or unsafe conditions—it’s important to know what actions you can take and how local laws protect you. This guide explains your legal options and steps for enforcement when landlords fail to maintain your rental home in Nunavut.

Maintenance Responsibilities in Nunavut

Both tenants and landlords in Nunavut have important legal responsibilities. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1], landlords are required to keep rental premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. This includes providing heating, plumbing, lighting, and other essentials.

• Repairs to structural elements (walls, floors, roofs)
• Functioning heating and hot water systems
• Safe electrical wiring and appliances (if provided)
• Pest control and health standards

Tenants are responsible for keeping the property reasonably clean and notifying the landlord when repairs are needed. For a full overview of rights and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What is Maintenance Neglect?

Maintenance neglect occurs when a landlord fails to fix issues under their responsibility within a reasonable timeframe. Common examples include ignoring broken heating, allowing mold to grow, or failing to address major leaks.

If neglected maintenance leads to health or safety issues, it can have serious consequences. For more on common safety concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Enforcement Actions: What Can Tenants Do?

If your landlord is neglecting repairs, here’s what you should do:

1. Request Repairs in Writing

• Contact your landlord as soon as you notice a problem.
• Make your request in writing (email, letter, or text) and keep a copy for your records.

This provides a clear record and is required before further action.

2. File a Complaint with the Rental Office

The Nunavut Rental Office handles tenant complaints and disputes about maintenance. If your landlord does not respond, you can formally apply for enforcement.

• Use Form 2: Application to the Rental Officer
• Official source: Nunavut Rental Office Forms
• When and How to Use: Submit this form after your initial repair request is ignored (give a reasonable amount of time—often two weeks, unless it’s urgent). For example, if your heating stops working in winter and the landlord doesn’t act within a couple of days, you may apply sooner.

3. Inspection and Orders

Once your application is received, the Rental Officer may inspect the property, mediate, or order the landlord to carry out repairs. Orders are legally binding. Failure to comply can lead to monetary penalties or order for rent abatement (a reduction in your rent).

Health and Safety Emergencies

For urgent repairs (e.g., broken heating in winter, electrical hazards), you can contact emergency services, Nunavut Public Health, or apply immediately to the Rental Officer for quick intervention. Never attempt major repairs yourself without written permission.

Possible Penalties For Landlords

• Order to complete repairs by a set deadline
• Monetary penalty for failing to comply
• Rent reductions or compensation to tenants

The Rental Officer’s decisions are enforceable in court if landlords ignore compliance orders. In severe cases, continued neglect may become a health or safety violation, triggering further action.

In Nunavut, being proactive and documenting your requests helps protect your legal rights and ensures vital repairs are addressed promptly. You can also see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a complete local overview.

If you are searching for a new place due to unresolved maintenance issues, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme easily, with verified listings in Nunavut and beyond.

FAQs: Maintenance Neglect and Enforcement in Nunavut

1. How long does a landlord have to make repairs in Nunavut?
   Landlords must address maintenance issues within a “reasonable time,” typically within two weeks for non-urgent repairs. Urgent health or safety issues should be fixed much sooner—often within days.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord hasn't done repairs?
   No, tenants in Nunavut must continue paying rent unless the Rental Officer authorizes a rent abatement. Withholding rent without permission can result in eviction.
3. Who handles maintenance disputes between tenants and landlords?
   The Nunavut Rental Office is responsible for resolving maintenance complaints, issuing orders, and enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act.
4. What happens if my landlord ignores a Rental Officer’s order?
   If a landlord does not comply with an order, tenants may seek enforcement through the courts, and additional penalties may apply.
5. Are there special rules for emergency repairs?
   Yes, emergencies like heat outages or unsafe living conditions should be reported immediately. The Rental Officer can intervene quickly to protect tenant safety.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always request repairs in writing and keep records.
• The Nunavut Rental Office can order repairs and penalties for maintenance neglect.
• Never stop paying rent without official approval, even if repairs are delayed.

Being informed and proactive helps Nunavut tenants resolve maintenance issues effectively and maintain safe homes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office (complaints, forms, general inquiries)
• Legal Aid Nunavut: nulas.ca (for free or low-cost legal help for eligible tenants)
• Government of Nunavut housing information: gov.nu.ca/housing
• Tenant rights info: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) on CanLII
2. Nunavut Rental Office: Official Site
3. Nunavut Rental Office Forms

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