Paying Rent Before Lease Start in Nunavut: Tenant Rights

If you’ve found a place to rent in Nunavut, you might be excited to move in. But what if your landlord asks you to pay the first month’s rent before your lease’s official start date? It’s important to know your rights under Nunavut tenancy law and what action you can take if you face this situation.

When Can a Landlord Legally Request Rent in Nunavut?

In Nunavut, rental relationships are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹. According to the Act:

• Landlords may ask for a security deposit (also known as a rental deposit) before you move in, but it cannot be more than one month’s rent.
• Rent is normally due on the date your rental agreement says your tenancy begins—not before.
• Prepayment of rent for future months, or asking for multiple months of rent upfront, is not allowed unless explicitly agreed upon in your lease.

For more details about deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How to Handle Early Rent Demands

If your landlord is demanding rent before the stated start date on your lease, consider the following actions:

• Review your lease or rental agreement to confirm the official start date and payment terms.
• Ask the landlord to clarify why payment is expected before the lease begins.
• Politely reference the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act if you feel the request is not allowed.
• Keep all communications in writing for your records.
• If you’ve already signed a lease, your right to move in should be protected starting on that date.

What If I’m Pressured to Pay?

If you feel pressured or uncomfortable with a landlord’s demand for early rent, you have the right to decline unless your lease explicitly requires it. By law, only the security deposit can be collected before the lease starts unless specifically agreed otherwise.

Forms and How to Respond

There are currently no Nunavut-specific forms for disputing early rent requests before moving in, but general guidance applies:

• If a dispute comes up after signing the lease (for example, over the move-in or rent payment), you may apply to the Nunavut Rental Office using their Application for Resolution of Dispute form.
• Form: Application for Resolution of Dispute (no numeric code). Use this to file a written complaint or request a hearing if your landlord withholds the unit or demands payment in violation of the law. Official form and contact.

Sample scenario: If your landlord refuses to give you your keys until you pay rent before move-in, fill out the dispute application form and submit it to the Rental Office along with your lease and communications. The Rental Office will review the case and may schedule a mediation or hearing.

What Happens After You Sign the Lease?

Once both tenant and landlord have signed the lease, you have a legal right to move in on the date it starts—after paying the deposit, not full rent in advance (unless otherwise agreed to). For an overview of next steps as a tenant, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Can a Landlord Refuse Entry If I Don’t Pay Early?

Landlords cannot deny you access to the rental unit if you have met all legal deposit and documentation requirements. If you are refused entry, contact the Nunavut Rental Office.

Your Rights Under Nunavut Law

Tenants in Nunavut have special legal protections so you cannot be unfairly pressured to pay more than is allowed. You can read a comprehensive summary at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord ask me to pay rent before my lease officially starts in Nunavut?
   Landlords may only ask for a security deposit before move-in. Rent is due on the date the lease says your tenancy begins, unless you’ve made a different written agreement.
2. Is my security deposit different from first month's rent?
   Yes. A security deposit in Nunavut can be no more than one month’s rent and is held as protection against damages, not as advance payment of rent.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to let me move in because I won't pay early?
   Contact the Nunavut Rental Office and consider submitting a Dispute Application if your legal rights are being denied.
4. Where can I get official help for a rental dispute in Nunavut?
   The Nunavut Rental Office handles tenancy complaints and legal issues. See the resources below for contact details.
5. What official forms are available for Nunavut rental issues?
   The main form is the Application for Resolution of Dispute, found on the Nunavut Rental Office website.

Conclusion: Key Points for Tenants

• Landlords in Nunavut cannot require rent before your lease officially begins, except for a legal security deposit.
• Always check your written lease to confirm payment terms.
• Help is available from the Nunavut Rental Office if you have concerns or need to make a formal complaint.

It’s important to know your rights and respond calmly if you’re ever asked for an early rent payment. Most issues can be clarified or resolved by understanding the law and communicating in writing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office – The official body for tenancy concerns, complaints, and dispute forms.
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act – Full legislation text and summary of tenant protections.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Plain-language summary of all rights and responsibilities.

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, Government of Nunavut. Read the Nunavut RTA
2. Nunavut Rental Office, Family Services, Government of Nunavut: Contact and forms here

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