Roommates & Shared Housing Checklist for Nunavut Tenants

Living with roommates in Nunavut can offer savings and shared responsibilities, but it also brings unique legal and practical considerations. Whether you're moving into shared housing for the first time or have years of experience, understanding Nunavut-specific rules helps protect your rights and prevent disputes. This guide walks Nunavut tenants through everything to check and know before, during, and after your shared rental experience.

What You Need to Know Before Moving In

Reviewing key steps before agreeing to share a home can save troubles down the road. Here’s what to check:

• Confirm your status: Are all roommates signing the official lease, or is only one person listed? This impacts your rights and eviction risks.
• Rental agreement review: Get a copy of the written agreement. Verbal contracts are allowed in Nunavut but written terms prevent confusion. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for details.
• Understand deposits and rent: Who pays the security deposit and monthly rent to the landlord? Ensure everyone knows the payment method and schedule. Learn more from Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Utilities and bills: Write down who pays for utilities and how costs are shared.
• House rules agreement: Discuss cleaning, quiet hours, guests, and pets before moving in. Put house rules in writing to avoid disputes.
• Health and safety: Inspect smoke detectors, locks, and ensure the home meets basic living standards. For more, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Move-in inspection: Complete a walkthrough with all roommates present. Note damage and take dated photos.

These steps help everyone begin on the same page and clarify legal responsibilities.

Nunavut’s Laws for Shared Rentals

Nunavut tenants are protected by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act¹. The main tribunal handling rental disputes is the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.

• All tenants on the lease are equally responsible for following the agreement and paying rent.
• If only one roommate signs the lease (the "head tenant"), others may not have direct rights with the landlord. Subletting or informal arrangements do not provide full tenant protections.
• If problems happen (rent not paid, damage, etc.), the landlord may hold all leaseholders responsible, not just the person who caused the issue.

If issues arise, you may need to contact the Residential Tenancies Office or use official forms, described below.

Checklist for Settling in with Roommates

• Share contact info for emergencies and utility billing.
• Post house rules in a common space for easy reference.
• Calendar for chores and bill payments – helps prevent arguments and sets fair expectations.
• Know dispute resolution steps: Try to resolve conflicts within the household, but prepare to escalate seriously disruptive issues to your landlord or Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Office if needed.

Good communication is the most important part of successful shared living.

Key Official Forms for Nunavut Roommates

• Application to the Director Form (Residential Tenancies Act Form 1): Used by tenants or landlords to request official help with disputes (such as maintenance issues, disagreements about rent, or improper evictions). Example: If a roommate refuses to pay their portion of the rent and the group faces eviction, file this form to request intervention.
  Download from the Nunavut Education – Residential Tenancies Forms.
• Notice of Termination Form (Form 2): Use if a tenant or landlord needs to officially end a tenancy. Example: If all roommates agree to move out, or if one roommate is the only one on the lease but must give notice, complete and serve this notice as required by law.
  Find instructions and download at the same Nunavut Education – Residential Tenancies Forms page.

Double-check all forms and ask the Residential Tenancies Office if you have questions. Accurate forms protect your rights and speed dispute resolution.

What to Do If a Roommate Leaves or Won’t Cooperate

If a roommate moves out unexpectedly or stops paying, speak to your landlord and document everything. Depending on the lease structure, you might need to:

• Find a replacement roommate (with landlord approval)
• Negotiate a new agreement with the landlord
• File an application with the Residential Tenancies Office for unresolved disputes

Check if your agreement allows subleasing and read the terms carefully.

Moving Out and The End of a Shared Tenancy

Ending a shared tenancy in Nunavut has special considerations. If all tenants leave, the security deposit is returned according to legal guidelines. If only one tenant is leaving, clarify how the deposit and obligations are divided.

• Give the proper written Notice of Termination (see above)
• Do a final inspection with all roommates and your landlord to note any property issues before moving out. (See Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants)
• Request the return of the security deposit if entitled, ensuring all rent and bills are paid

Clear communication and written agreements minimize disputes over deposits and damages.

FAQ: Roommates & Shared Housing in Nunavut

1. Are all roommates equally responsible for rent and damages in Nunavut?
   Yes, if your name is on the lease, you are legally responsible, even if a roommate does not pay their share.
2. What if one roommate moves out unexpectedly?
   Notify the landlord right away and check your lease terms. Remaining tenants are usually still responsible for the total rent unless you reach a new agreement.
3. Can the landlord evict one roommate but not others?
   Usually, eviction applies to all tenants on the lease. The landlord can only evict one if the lease or law specifically allows it.
4. How are security deposits returned with multiple roommates?
   The landlord returns the deposit to whoever paid it (by law). Separate roommate agreements are needed to divide the money correctly among yourselves.

How To: Common Shared Housing Actions in Nunavut

1. How do I officially add or remove a roommate?
   Contact your landlord to change the lease. Written approval is required for full legal recognition.
2. How can I file a complaint if a roommate or the landlord breaks an agreement?
   Use the Application to the Director Form (Form 1) and submit it to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.
3. What steps should I take for a smooth move-out?
   Give the proper written notice, complete a final inspection, and ensure all shared bills are paid.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Always get roommate agreements and house rules in writing
• Understand lease structures—your name on the lease means full responsibility
• Use Nunavut’s official forms and resources to protect your rights in disputes

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: https://www.gov.nu.ca/education/information/residential-tenancies-office
• Official Forms & Guides: Nunavut RTO Forms & Documents
• Tenant legal support and advocacy (including local contacts): Check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office

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