Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in Nunavut

If you’re a tenant in Nunavut concerned about health or safety hazards in your rental unit, it’s important to know what steps to take when your landlord does not address these issues. Unhealthy living conditions are a serious matter, and there are official processes in Nunavut aimed at protecting tenants from unsafe homes. This guide will walk you through how to report a landlord to public health, what you can expect from the process, and where to get help if you need it.

Understanding Your Rights and Landlord Obligations

In Nunavut, both landlords and tenants have clear responsibilities when it comes to maintaining safe and healthy rental housing. The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act sets out these obligations, which include keeping units free from hazards that could affect your well-being. Issues can range from mould, pest infestations, or lack of heat, to water contamination and more.

To learn about the full set of responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For a broader view of tenant and landlord rights in Nunavut, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

When to Contact Public Health in Nunavut

Public Health—managed by the Department of Health in Nunavut—assesses housing complaints that impact the health or safety of tenants. If you have notified your landlord about hazardous or unsanitary conditions and they have not taken timely action, you can report these concerns to your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO).

• Mould growth on walls or ceilings
• Persistent pest infestations (such as bedbugs or rodents)
• Water leaks or sewage backups
• Unreliable heating or lack of running water in winter
• Other unresolved issues posing a health risk

See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more about identifying and addressing these problems.

How to Report a Landlord to Public Health: Step-by-Step

Before reaching out to public health, always inform your landlord of the problem in writing. Give them a reasonable amount of time to fix it (usually several days for emergencies, or up to a couple of weeks for less urgent issues).

Step 1: Gather Documentation

• Write down dates, times, and details of the complaint
• Take photos or videos of the issue
• Keep copies of messages to/from your landlord

Step 2: Contact Your Local Environmental Health Officer (EHO)

Find the EHO serving your area via the official Nunavut Department of Health Environmental Health Offices contact page. Call or email to explain the issue and request an inspection of your rental unit.

Step 3: Complete the Public Health Complaint Form

• Form Name: Public Health Complaint Form (no formal number assigned)
• Where to Obtain: Download or request from the Nunavut Department of Health Documents page, or ask your local EHO.
• How to Use: Fill out the complaint form describing your concern, attach any documents or photos you have, and submit as instructed by the EHO. For example, if you report black mould in your bathroom, document attempts you made to notify your landlord and include supporting photos.

Step 4: Inspection and Follow-Up

The EHO will assess your complaint and may inspect your rental. If violations are found, your landlord can be ordered to fix the problems. Severe or ongoing non-compliance can lead to fines or legal action against the landlord.

For recurring pest issues, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

What Happens After You Report?

After you file your complaint and the inspection is complete, the EHO will inform you and your landlord of the findings. If the landlord is required to take corrective action, public health will monitor compliance and follow up if repairs aren’t made. Should you need to escalate your complaint further—for unresolved issues or compensation—you may contact the Office of Residential Tenancies.

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal in Nunavut

In Nunavut, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles rental disputes, including those relating to maintenance and landlord compliance. You can apply for an order if the landlord fails to meet health and safety responsibilities after a public health order is issued.

Remember, the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act is the primary legislation protecting tenants in these cases.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re looking for a healthier home environment.

FAQ: Reporting Landlords to Public Health in Nunavut

1. What conditions justify a complaint to public health in Nunavut?
   Serious issues like persistent mould, pest infestations, water leaks, sewage problems, or lack of heat can be reported to Public Health if your landlord does not fix them promptly.
2. Do I need to give my landlord notice before reporting?
   Yes, you should notify your landlord in writing about the problem and give them a chance to resolve it unless the situation is an emergency.
3. What official form should I use to submit a complaint?
   Use the Public Health Complaint Form, available from your local Environmental Health Officer or the Nunavut Department of Health website.
4. Who investigates tenant health and safety complaints in Nunavut?
   Environmental Health Officers with the Department of Health investigate rental housing complaints that affect tenant health.
5. What happens if my landlord ignores a public health order?
   Public health authorities can impose penalties or refer unresolved matters to the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Tenants are protected by Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act and the public health system.
• Always document issues and give landlords written notice first.
• If your landlord fails to act, contact your local Environmental Health Officer and use the public health complaint process.
• The Office of Residential Tenancies can help with unresolved disputes.

Ensuring your home is healthy and safe is a fundamental right. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Department of Health – Environmental Health Offices (to locate your area’s Environmental Health Officer)
• Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) (for rental disputes and landlord compliance issues)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
• For finding alternate housing options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Read the full Act
2. Nunavut Department of Health Environmental Health: Official information and forms
3. Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies: Tribunal and complaint process

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