Many renters in Nunavut face questions about who must pay for pest control and what steps tenants should take to protect their health and home. This guide explains tenant duties and landlord responsibilities in plain language, with practical steps to document infestations, request treatments, and escalate concerns if necessary. It is written for tenants who want to understand habitability standards, timelines for reporting pests, and how to preserve evidence for disputes in Nunavut. Where relevant, the article links to official territorial resources and tenant-focused pages so you can find forms and contacts quickly.
Who is responsible for pest control in Nunavut?
Responsibility depends on cause and severity. Landlords must provide and maintain a habitable rental unit. If pests are caused by building-wide issues, structural problems, or previous infestations that are not the tenant's fault, the landlord generally arranges professional treatment. If pests result from tenant behaviour—such as poor housekeeping or improper food storage—the tenant may be expected to address the problem or reimburse reasonable treatment costs after proper notice and opportunity to fix the issue.
Key factors that affect responsibility
- Whether the infestation stems from building maintenance, shared spaces, or structural defects.
- How quickly a tenant reports sightings to a landlord or property manager.
- Evidence such as photos, pest sightings logs, or neighbour reports.
Tenant duties: practical steps to lower risk and protect rights
Tenants can reduce pest risk and strengthen their position if a dispute arises by taking a few straightforward actions.
- Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance to avoid attracting pests, such as promptly removing garbage and cleaning food areas.
- Report pest sightings and evidence to your landlord within a reasonable time or within 7 days of discovery.
- Keep copies of emails, texts, photos, receipts, and a dated log to document sightings and communications.
- Follow landlord or pest-control provider instructions about temporary preparation (removing food, covering items) to ensure treatment succeeds.
When landlords must act
Landlords must address infestations that affect habitability or that tenants cannot reasonably control. That typically includes professional extermination, repairs to entry points, and follow-up treatments. If the landlord does not respond after a written request, tenants may have the right to file an application with the territorial tenancy body or request an order for repairs or treatment.[1]
How to document, request treatment, and escalate
Follow these steps to protect your rights and help ensure timely action.
- Notify your landlord in writing (email or text with details) and describe where and when you saw pests.
- Attach dated photos or short videos and keep a log of sightings and related health effects.
- Give the landlord reasonable time to respond and arrange treatment; ask for dates and details in writing.
- If the landlord does not act, request that they file for professional pest control or apply for dispute resolution with the territorial tenancy office.[2]
- If you experience health or safety risks, consider contacting local public health or emergency services while continuing written requests to the landlord.
FAQ
- Who pays for pest control in a rental unit?
- It depends. Landlords typically pay for treatments that address building-wide infestations or structural problems; tenants may pay when pests result from their actions. Document the cause and communicate in writing.
- What should I do first if I find pests?
- Take photos, write down dates and locations, and immediately notify your landlord in writing. Follow any temporary preparation instructions and keep receipts for related expenses.
- How can I escalate if my landlord doesn’t respond?
- If the landlord does not arrange treatment, you can apply to the territorial tenancy tribunal or office for dispute resolution, providing your evidence and correspondence.
How-To
- Collect evidence: take dated photos, short videos, and notes about sightings.
- Notify your landlord in writing with the evidence attached and request professional treatment.
- Keep copies of all communications and receipts for any emergency measures you paid for.
- If the landlord fails to act, submit an application to the territorial tenancy office or tribunal with your documentation.[2]
- Seek advice from tenants’ services or legal aid if you need help completing forms or attending hearings.
Key Takeaways
- Report pests in writing and keep dated evidence to protect your rights.
- Landlords must address infestations that affect habitability; tenants should handle simple prevention steps.
- Use territorial dispute resolution if the landlord does not act after reasonable notice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential tenancies information, Government of Nunavut
- Nunavut Residential Tenancies Tribunal contact and forms
For help finding alternative housing if pest issues are unresolved, consider a national rental search tool: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
