Renovations and Rent Rules for Tenants in Nunavut

For Nunavut tenants, understanding how renovations can impact your rent is essential for protecting both your home and your budget. Renovations may improve your comfort, but they can also lead to rent increases or temporary disruptions. This guide covers your rights and obligations as a tenant in Nunavut, what to expect during renovations, and how the law protects you.

How Renovations Affect Rent in Nunavut

Renovations in rental properties often spark concern among tenants about rent increases or eviction, especially where affordable housing is scarce. In Nunavut, protections exist to balance landlord investment with tenant stability. Nunavut's main tenancy law is the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

Can Your Landlord Raise Rent Because of Renovations?

Landlords in Nunavut are permitted to increase rent, but they cannot do so arbitrarily after making renovations. Key rules include:

• Rent increases can only happen once every 12 months for a specific tenancy.
• The landlord must give at least three full months’ written notice using the approved Notice of Rent Increase form.
• Renovations alone do not allow a mid-lease rent increase.

If renovations make your home significantly better (for example, adding a new room or updating a bathroom), rent may be raised with proper notice. However, standard repairs or maintenance usually don’t justify a higher rent.

Your Rights During Renovations

Tenants in Nunavut have several protections if renovations are planned:

• Landlords must provide reasonable notice—typically at least 24 hours—before entering your unit for non-emergency renovations.
• If major work is required, you may need to temporarily leave the unit, but this must be discussed and agreed upon.
• Your landlord cannot evict you simply to do renovations, unless specific conditions set out in law are met.

Always keep a written record of notices and communications related to renovation work.

Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form 1): Landlords must give you three months’ written notice of any upcoming rent increase.
  When to use: If you receive this form, review the increase. If it’s linked to renovations, ensure it follows the rules. You can view this form at Nunavut Rental Office – Forms.
• Application to Determine Dispute (Form 3): If you believe your rent increase or renovation-related entry is not legal, use this form to apply for a decision by the Nunavut Rental Office.
  Practical example: If your landlord increases rent without notice due to renovations, complete this form and submit it with supporting documents.

Legislation and Tribunal Resources

All tenancy disputes and renovation/rent issues in Nunavut are handled by the Nunavut Rental Office. You can also read protections directly in the Residential Tenancies Act of Nunavut.

Staying Safe and Comfortable During Renovations

Renovations shouldn’t compromise your safety or basic housing standards. You can expect:

• Work to be done during reasonable hours
• Landlords to act quickly and safely if hazards arise
• Return to your rental unit after work (if you need to temporarily leave) unless the tenancy is properly ended

For more advice on keeping your rental unit safe during changes, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Challenging Unreasonable Rent Increases

If you feel a rent increase after renovations is excessive or unfair, you can challenge it through the Nunavut Rental Office using the official forms. Landlords must justify rent hikes and follow Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Learn More About Your Rights

For in-depth info on all tenant and landlord rules in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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1. Can my landlord evict me to renovate my rental unit?
   Usually, a landlord can only end your tenancy for renovations if major work makes the unit unlivable. Special rules and notices apply.
2. How much notice must I get for a rent increase in Nunavut?
   At least three full months’ written notice using the required form.
3. What if renovations make my home unsafe or unliveable?
   Contact the landlord right away. If unresolved, apply to the Nunavut Rental Office for help or to end the tenancy early.
4. Who can help if I disagree with a renovation or rent increase?
   The Nunavut Rental Office assists with disputes and provides guidance to tenants.
5. Does every renovation allow my rent to rise?
   No. Only major upgrades that add significant value may justify rent increases and landlords must follow formal notice rules.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Rent increases due to renovations must follow strict rules and notices.
• Tenants have the right to dispute unfair rent hikes or unsafe work through the Rental Office.
• Clear written communication and awareness of your rights are your best protections.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office: Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution
• Government of Nunavut – Housing: Programs and supports for tenants
• Legal Services Board of Nunavut: Free legal advice for qualifying tenants

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act of Nunavut (current version)

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