Subsidized Housing Transfers and Portability in Nunavut: Tenant Guide

If you live in subsidized housing in Nunavut and need to transfer to a different community or unit, understanding the process and your rights is essential. Whether you’re moving for work, family, education, or health reasons, Nunavut’s unique housing system—administered by the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) and local housing organizations (LHOs)—has specific steps for tenants seeking a transfer or portability of their subsidy. This guide explains what to expect, how to initiate a transfer, and the support available for tenants in Nunavut.

Understanding Subsidized Housing and Portability in Nunavut

Subsidized housing in Nunavut is managed largely through public housing programs, where rent is geared to income. Portability refers to your ability as a tenant to move your housing benefit (or eligibility) from one Nunavut community to another.

• Transfers within a community: Moving to a different unit in the same community, often for health, family size, or accessibility reasons.
• Inter-community transfers: Moving your subsidized housing application or status to a new community, which usually requires you to join the waiting list in the new location.
• Portability: The ability to keep your eligibility for subsidized rent when moving between Nunavut communities.

All subsidized housing transfers and portability issues are administered by local housing organizations (LHOs) in partnership with the NHC. Each LHO may have slight differences in process, but core requirements apply across the territory.

How to Apply for a Transfer or Portability

If you want to transfer from one subsidized housing unit to another, or take your housing subsidy with you to a different Nunavut community, you need to follow an official process:

• Contact your local housing organization (LHO) and explain why you require a transfer—reasons may include overcrowding, medical needs, safety, or change in family status.
• Fill out the Application for Transfer form (available from your LHO). This form requires you to provide your current housing details, reason for requesting the transfer, and new preferred location or unit size.
• Submit necessary documents to support your application (for example, a doctor’s note for medical transfers).
• Your application will be assessed in line with the LHO’s priority transfer policies, usually based on urgency and availability.
• If seeking to move to a new community, you may be placed on the waiting list for that location, based on the date of your new application.

For step-by-step information on initial inspections or move-out processes, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Relevant Forms and Where to Get Them

• Nunavut Application for Transfer (available from LHOs or NHC offices):
  When to use: When you need to move units in your community or wish to relocate to a different Nunavut community. For example, a family with a new baby may need a larger apartment.
  How to use: Obtain this paper form at your LHO or download from the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Public Housing portal. Submit the completed form at the LHO office with your supporting documents.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During the Transfer Process

As a subsidized housing tenant, you have rights protected under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. Both you and your LHO have responsibilities during moves and transfers:

• Follow the transfer application process as outlined by your LHO and provide all required documentation.
• Keep paying your rent consistently, even during the waiting period or if you’re moving. If you’d like more details, see our Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Leave your former unit in good condition.
• Attend any unit inspection the LHO requires at move-out or move-in.

If you are facing health or safety issues that require an urgent move, document your situation clearly and ask your LHO about emergency transfer procedures. For more on general housing health and safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your transfer application is approved:

• Your LHO will give you move-in instructions for your new unit, including date, keys, and any rules specific to the property.
• You may be required to update your income information for rent calculation.
• Initial and final property inspections may be carried out to document the condition of both units.

Remember: Timely communication with your LHO is important throughout the process to avoid delays or confusion.

Tribunal or Board Handling Tenancies in Nunavut

All tenancy issues, including subsidized housing transfers, fall under the jurisdiction of the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), part of the Department of Justice. The RTO helps resolve disputes and provides legal guidance for both tenants and landlords.

Relevant Legislation: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

Your rights in subsidized housing are protected by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act¹. This law sets out landlord and tenant obligations, transfer rights, rent calculation, and more. It is important to refer to this Act if you are unsure about any part of the process.

See also Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a summary of local rental laws and key facts.

For tenants interested in moving or exploring rentals in other territories, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings quickly and easily from anywhere in Canada.

FAQs: Subsidized Housing Transfers in Nunavut

1. Can I keep my place in subsidized housing if I move to a different Nunavut community?
   In most cases, you need to apply for a transfer and will be placed on the waiting list for the new community from your application date. Your LHO can clarify your status.
2. How long does a transfer between units usually take?
   This depends on unit availability and transfer priority, which can be quicker for urgent medical or safety reasons. Your LHO will provide estimated timelines.
3. Do I need to pay a new deposit when transferring to another public housing unit?
   Generally, Nunavut’s public housing does not charge a rental deposit, but always confirm with your LHO as requirements may differ for non-subsidized housing.
4. What should I do if my transfer request is denied?
   Ask your LHO for the formal reason, and if necessary, contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office for advice or to appeal a decision.
5. Will a transfer affect my rent-geared-to-income calculation?
   You may need to update your income and household information with the LHO, which can lead to a rent adjustment if your circumstances have changed.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Subsidized housing transfers in Nunavut require applying through your LHO with supporting documents; inter-community moves usually start a new waitlist period.
• Your rights are protected by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act; reach out to the RTO for support with disputes.
• Clear communication and updated information help your application move smoothly.

By understanding your transfer options, official forms, and where to get help, you can make the process less stressful and ensure your housing needs are met.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC): NHC Public Housing Portal (forms, info, and LHO directory)
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), Nunavut Department of Justice: Nunavut RTO Contact Page (complaints, guidance, applications for dispute resolution)
• Legal Aid Nunavut: Free tenant and housing advice: Nunavut Legal Aid

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

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