Security deposits in Nunavut
Many tenants in Nunavut provide a security deposit or last-month rent when moving in. What a landlord can collect, how it must be held, and when deductions are permitted depends on territorial rules and any written rental agreement. Always get a written receipt and keep copies of the lease and any move-in inspection notes. For a step-by-step look at deposits and acceptable deductions, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and keep dated photos of the unit at move-in.
Eviction: what to expect and how to respond
If a landlord starts eviction steps, you usually receive a written notice giving reasons and a deadline to fix the issue or vacate. Common reasons include unpaid rent, breaches of the lease, or illegal activity. Read any notice carefully and note the deadline so you dont miss important timeframes.[1]
- Respond to a written notice immediately and note the date you received it.
- If the notice is for unpaid rent, pay the owed amount or get a written agreement with the landlord and keep receipts.
- Gather evidence: photos, dated receipts, emails, repair requests, and a copy of the lease.
- If the landlord files an application with the tribunal or court, file your response on time and prepare to attend the hearing.
- Seek legal help or tenant advice early if you are unsure about your rights or how to respond.
Official forms, names and practical examples
There are official forms or filings for ending a tenancy, opposing an eviction, and claiming a security deposit. Examples of commonly used items include:
- Notice to End Tenancy (used by a landlord to start an eviction) — tenants can use a written reply or mitigation evidence if they wish to contest the notice.
- Application to the tribunal or court to resolve a dispute about rent arrears or deposit deductions — file this when the landlord has kept your deposit and you disagree with the amount withheld.
Practical example: if you receive a Notice to End Tenancy for unpaid rent, pay the outstanding rent before the deadline and get a receipt, or file a response with the appropriate tribunal to dispute the notice and request a hearing.[2]
FAQ
- Can my landlord keep my security deposit for normal wear and tear?
- No. Landlords commonly cannot deduct for normal wear and tear; they may only deduct for damage beyond normal use or unpaid rent, and must provide an itemized list of deductions.
- How long does a landlord have to return a deposit after I move out?
- Deadlines vary; check the territorial rules and your lease, document the condition of the unit, and provide a forwarding address so the landlord can return the deposit or a statement of deductions.
- What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
- Read the notice, note the deadline, collect records, seek tenant advice or legal help, and, if appropriate, file a response with the tribunal to request a hearing.
How-To
- Document the unit with dated photos and a written checklist on move-in day.
- If you receive a notice, read it fully and note the deadline; file a written response or contact tenant advice before that date.
- Keep all rent receipts and records of payments to challenge claims of unpaid rent or incorrect deductions.
- If a hearing is scheduled, submit your evidence on time and attend the hearing prepared to explain your side.
- If you need to find alternative housing quickly, consider using a national listings tool like Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Government of Nunavut Justice and Legal Services
- [2] Government of Nunavut Housing and Community Development
- [3] Nunavut Courts and tribunal information
