Tenant Rights for Mold, Pests & Health Hazards in Nunavut Rentals

Moving In / Out Nunavut published: June 13, 2025 Flag of Nunavut

As a renter in Nunavut, dealing with mold, pests, or other health hazards in your home can be stressful and confusing. Nunavut's unique climate means dampness and pest issues are common, but you have legal rights and your landlord has specific responsibilities. If you’re facing these problems, understanding your rights, filing the right forms, and contacting the proper authorities can help you protect your health and your home.

Health Hazards in Nunavut Rentals: Understanding the Basics

Health hazards in residential rentals can include mold, cockroaches, bedbugs, mice, structural issues, or anything else that affects your safety or well-being. In Nunavut’s harsh climate, excess moisture can lead to mold, and pests may become a problem if units aren’t regularly maintained or sealed. The Nunavut Rental Office oversees tenancy matters and ensures landlords and tenants meet their obligations under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act[1].

Common Health Hazards

  • Mold: May cause allergies or respiratory problems. Often found in bathrooms, kitchens, or any area with poor ventilation and moisture buildup.
  • Pests: Includes insects like cockroaches or bedbugs, and rodents such as mice. Infestations can damage property and pose health risks.
  • Other Hazards: Structural issues, lack of heat, or inadequate sanitation can also threaten your health and safety.

Both landlords and tenants share responsibility for maintaining a habitable home. For details on these obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Are Your Rights and What Should Your Landlord Do?

Under Nunavut’s laws, landlords must provide safe, healthy, and well-maintained housing. This includes addressing:

  • Persistent dampness or water leaks
  • Mold growth
  • Pest infestations
  • Hazardous living conditions (broken windows, lack of heat, defective plumbing, etc.)

If you notice mold, pests, or any hazard, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. The landlord is required to make repairs in a timely manner.

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Taking Action: Steps to Protect Your Health

If your landlord does not address the problem quickly, follow these steps:

  • Document problems with dated photos and written notes.
  • Send a written repair request to your landlord (keep a copy).
  • If your landlord does not act, you can file an application with the Nunavut Rental Office.

For pest issues specifically, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for more targeted advice.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

  • Application to the Rental Office (Form 1): Use this if the landlord fails to remedy mold, pest, or any health hazard after written notice. Find and download the form on the Nunavut Rental Office – Forms Page. Practical example: After repeated written requests, a tenant applies for an order requiring the landlord to repair a leaky roof causing mold.

When completing the form, include all supporting evidence (photos, repair requests, witness statements) and submit to the Nunavut Rental Office. They may schedule a hearing or mediation.

Initial and Final Inspections: Your Opportunity to Spot Hazards

Before moving in or out, inspect for visible mold, leaks, pest droppings, or structural issues. Record your findings and alert your landlord to anything urgent.

Tip: Use inspection checklists and include all hazards, as this can help resolve disputes and keep you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues.

For a walkthrough on inspections, visit Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Legislation and Tribunal Information

The Act outlines your right to a safe and healthy rental. The Rental Office resolves disputes if landlords do not meet their obligations.

Additional Resources for Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if I discover mold in my Nunavut rental? Notify your landlord in writing, document the problem, and, if unresolved, submit Form 1 to the Nunavut Rental Office.
  2. Can my landlord make me pay for pest removal? In most cases, landlords are responsible for eradicating pests unless the issue is caused by tenant negligence.
  3. How fast must my landlord fix health hazards? The law requires repairs to be made in a timely, reasonable manner – especially when health is at risk.
  4. Is there official support if a landlord refuses to address hazards? Yes. The Nunavut Rental Office can offer dispute resolution and enforce orders for repairs.
  5. What laws protect me from unhealthy living conditions in Nunavut? The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act protects tenant health and safety.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

  • Landlords must provide safe, healthy, and habitable rentals under Nunavut law.
  • Report all hazards in writing and keep records; use Form 1 if your landlord does not act.
  • The Nunavut Rental Office is your resource for dispute resolution and support.

Early action and clear documentation can make resolving these issues smoother and protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

[1] Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act | Nunavut Rental Office

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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