Tenant Rights: Denying Tradespeople Entry in Nunavut

Tenants in Nunavut sometimes face situations where a landlord wants entry for repairs or to bring in tradespeople. This can bring up questions about privacy, safety, and your legal rights. The rules for when you can deny tradespeople entry—and when you must allow it—are clearly outlined in Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act¹. This article will help you understand your responsibilities and what you can do if you believe your landlord is not following the law.

When Can a Landlord or Tradesperson Enter Your Unit?

Landlords in Nunavut can enter your unit to perform repairs or inspections, but only under specific circumstances and with proper notice. Generally, a landlord must:

• Provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entry, stating the date, time, and reason for entry
• Enter only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Not enter on holidays or your day of religious observance (if you inform them in advance)

They may need to bring in a tradesperson for repairs, maintenance, or inspections. The landlord must still give proper notice in these situations.

Exceptions to the Notice Requirement

• Emergencies: If there’s an urgent issue such as a fire, flood, or serious maintenance problem threatening health or safety, landlords and tradespeople can enter without notice.
• Tenant Consent: If you agree to immediate entry, written notice is not needed.

For more on what constitutes an emergency and your rights, see the Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities page.

Your Right to Deny Entry: What Is and Isn’t Allowed?

You can deny entry:

• If the landlord or tradesperson does not provide proper notice
• If entry is requested outside permitted hours
• If the reason for entry is not valid under the law

However, if notice is proper and the reason is valid, repeatedly denying lawful entry can put you in violation of the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. This could lead to eviction proceedings if the landlord files a complaint.

If you ever feel unsafe or harassed during a tradesperson’s visit, you can request the landlord’s presence or document the interaction for your own records.

Common Reasons for Tradespeople to Need Entry

• Repairs requested by the tenant or legally required
• Inspections for health, safety, or maintenance issues
• Work related to pest control or urgent hazards

Keeping your rental safe, functional, and up to code is a shared responsibility. For more coverage on roles and obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Forms and How to Take Action in Nunavut

If you believe your landlord or their tradespeople have entered your home without notice or without a valid reason, you can:

• Contact Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• Keep all written communications with your landlord
• Document any unauthorized entries or issues

The main application form for tenant complaints is the Residential Tenancy Application Form (available here). Use it to file a dispute if your rights have been violated.

What If Repairs Are Neglected Because of Denied Entry?

Sometimes a tenant’s denial of entry leads to delays in repairs or maintenance. In such situations:

• Landlords may claim they were prevented from making repairs due to lack of access
• Tenants should show evidence of why entry was denied (for example, no proper notice was given)

Proper communication and documentation help protect your rights and prevent misunderstandings.

For more details on the rights and obligations of both parties, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Before moving into a new rental, you can also check recent listings and advice on Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Denying Entry to Tradespeople in Nunavut

1. Can I refuse entry to a tradesperson if I feel unsafe?
   If you feel unsafe, you can request that the landlord is present during the visit. You cannot refuse lawful entry if the proper notice is given, but you can raise your concerns with the landlord and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
2. What should the landlord's notice include before entry?
   The notice must be in writing and state the date, time (within 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and specific purpose for entering the unit.
3. What if repairs are urgent?
   In emergencies, landlords and tradespeople may enter without notice for health and safety reasons (like a burst pipe or fire risk).
4. Can I make a complaint if entry rules aren’t followed?
   Yes, submit a Residential Tenancy Application Form to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your privacy rights have been violated.
5. Are there penalties for denying lawful entry?
   Repeatedly refusing legal entry may allow a landlord to make a complaint to the Tribunal, possibly leading to consequences like eviction.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Landlords must give proper written notice before entering with tradespeople.
• Denying entry is your right when notice requirements aren’t met or the entry is outside allowed hours.
• If you believe your rights have been breached, you can file a formal complaint with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Communicate clearly, document all notices, and use official forms to resolve serious disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Dispute resolution and forms
• Nunavut Department of Justice – Residential Tenancies
• Local housing authorities and community legal services
• Tenant advocacy groups for more advice and support

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Tribunal
3. Residential Tenancy Application Form

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