Steps for Tenants in Nunavut When Landlords Won’t Make Repairs

If you’re renting in Nunavut and your landlord is not making necessary repairs, you might feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next. As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and livable home. This comprehensive guide explains your legal rights, steps you can take, key forms to use, and where to get support if your landlord won’t fulfill their repair responsibilities.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut Regarding Repairs

Under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, your landlord must keep your rental unit in good repair and comply with health and safety laws. If something in your home is broken, unsafe, or unfit for living (like heat not working in winter, plumbing leaks, or dangerous electrical issues), the landlord is legally required to fix it, unless you caused the damage intentionally or through negligence.¹

• Repairs include: Heating, electrical, plumbing, appliances provided in your rental agreement, structural issues, and safety hazards.
• You can request repairs for issues that affect your health, safety, or comfort.

What to Do When Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs

If repairs are needed, follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case if further action is needed.

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Write a clear, polite letter or email to your landlord describing the problem.
• Include the date, a detailed description, how it affects you, and your request for prompt repair.
• Keep a copy for your records.

2. Keep Records

• Document the repair issue with photos or videos.
• Record all communications with your landlord about the problem.

3. Allow Reasonable Time

• Give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to make the repair (what’s ‘reasonable’ can depend on the urgency).
• For heat outages in winter or water problems, immediate action is expected. For minor repairs, a week or two may be reasonable.

4. Apply to the Nunavut Rental Office for Help

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to do repairs, you can apply for assistance from the official Nunavut Rental Office (the tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes). The office can order your landlord to complete the repairs or provide remedies.

• Form to use: Form 6: Application by a Tenant
• When to use: If your landlord refuses or fails to make repairs after you’ve given proper written notice.
• How to use: Fill out the form describing the problem, your attempts to resolve it, and what outcome you want. Attach evidence (copies of letters, photos, etc.) and deliver the application to the Nunavut Rental Office.

For more on routine repairs and who is responsible, check out Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

5. What Happens Next?

• The Rental Office may ask for more information, investigate, or hold a hearing.
• They can order your landlord to do repairs, reduce your rent, or permit you to make repairs and deduct the cost (with prior approval).

Every step helps show you acted fairly and responsibly. Maintaining good records can help the process run more smoothly if you need official intervention.

Emergency Repairs

If a repair concern is urgent and threatens your safety or basic needs (like broken plumbing, no heat in winter, gas leaks, or electrical hazards), notify your landlord right away. If they do not address emergency repairs quickly, you can use the same Form 6 but mention the emergency nature in your application. Never attempt unsafe repairs yourself.

If your home becomes unsafe or uninhabitable due to the problem, you may have grounds to seek a reduction in rent or end your tenancy early. Always check with the Rental Office first.

Tips to Help Protect Your Rights

• Walk through the rental with your landlord at move-in and move-out. Take photos of the unit’s condition as evidence.
• Know your rights and responsibilities. For a clear breakdown, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.
• Concerns about pest infestations or health hazards? See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For the easiest way to find reliable and safe rentals or review your options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Tenants and Repair Issues in Nunavut

1. What if my landlord ignores repair requests?
   Always document the issue in writing and apply to the Nunavut Rental Office using Form 6 if the landlord refuses or fails to act.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made?
   No, you cannot withhold rent on your own, but you may apply for a rent reduction or repairs through the Rental Office. Always follow proper procedure.
3. What should I do in an emergency?
   Report the problem immediately in writing, and clearly state that it’s urgent. If unresolved, submit Form 6 and note the emergency.
4. Who decides if something is a ‘repair’ or not?
   The Nunavut Rental Office can determine if something is a repair covered by tenancy law if there is a dispute.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• You have a right to a safe and properly maintained rental in Nunavut.
• Document and report all repair needs to your landlord in writing, and keep records.
• Use Form 6 to apply to the Rental Office if repairs aren’t addressed.
• Check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for more details on your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office: Handles residential tenancy disputes (repairs, rent, evictions, etc.)
• Email: edtrentaloffice@gov.nu.ca
• Phone: 867-975-7100 (leave a message)
• Nunavut Legal Aid (free legal advice for tenants)
• Nunavut Family Services: Tenant Support

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: official legislation
2. Nunavut Rental Office: official tribunal website
3. Tenant application forms: view all forms

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