Moving into a new rental in Nunavut brings practical tasks beyond boxes: updating your mailing address, arranging mail forwarding, and understanding who is responsible for packages and personal mail. Tenants should know their privacy and delivery rights, how to tell landlords and service providers about a new address, and which official offices to contact if mail or packages are withheld or misdirected. This guide explains simple, tenant-focused steps to update records, request building or landlord policies in writing, and collect evidence if problems arise. It also lists the official contacts and forms to use so you can resolve delivery issues quickly and protect your personal information after a move.
Who handles mail and package delivery responsibilities?
Generally, Canada Post and private couriers handle delivery, while landlords or building managers may offer package storage or reception services. A landlord who agrees to accept deliveries for tenants should follow a written policy that protects tenant privacy and clearly explains where packages are kept and for how long. Tenants retain a right to receive mail and to have their mail treated as private; opening someone elses mail can be unlawful. If a building has a concierge or front-desk service, ask for the written policy and keep a copy for your records.
How to update your address and arrange mail forwarding
- Contact Canada Post to set up mail forwarding online or in person so important letters follow you after the move.[3]
- Tell Service Canada and other government programs about your new address using their official change-of-address pages to avoid missed benefit or notice mailings.
- Update banks, insurers, subscription services, and employers directly and ask for confirmation emails or a stamped form where possible.
- Keep a short log with dates, whom you told, and screenshots or receipts as proof you updated each account.
If packages are held or go missing
First, check the buildings written package policy and any delivery receipts. Contact the courier with tracking details and ask for proof of delivery. If a landlord or staff member has accepted packages on your behalf but they go missing or are opened, raise the issue in writing and request a remedy. Keep copies of emails, photos of package labels, and any receipts.
When to involve official bodies
If a landlord or building operator refuses access to your mail, repeatedly misdirects packages, or your written requests are ignored, you can raise the issue with Nunavuts official justice or housing contacts for guidance and possible dispute resolution.[1] Provide a clear chronology, copies of policies, and your evidence. For habitability or safety concerns tied to delivery access (for example, blocked entry to retrieve essential items), include those details when you apply for review or assistance.
Practical templates and steps to protect yourself
- Request a written delivery policy from your landlord and keep the reply as evidence.
- Save tracking numbers, photos of delivered packages, and any messages from couriers or building staff.
- If informal requests fail, call the appropriate territorial office for next steps and to learn which official forms to file.[1]
FAQ
- Can my landlord open my mail or packages?
- No. Tenants have a right to private mail; landlords should not open mail addressed to you and doing so may be a legal offence. If it happens, document the incident, tell the landlord in writing, and contact the appropriate territorial office for advice.[1]
- Who pays for mail forwarding?
- Mail forwarding with Canada Post is usually paid by the person requesting the service. If a landlord agreed to forward mail as part of a move service, confirm who covers costs in writing and keep receipts.[3]
- What if a courier leaves a package in a common area and it goes missing?
- Report the loss to the courier with tracking details, notify building management, and keep all correspondence. If the building accepts responsibility, ask for a written resolution; otherwise, you can seek assistance from territorial dispute resolution services.[1]
How-To
- Set up Canada Post mail forwarding online immediately after your move and save the confirmation number.[3]
- Update government accounts (Service Canada, tax agencies) and key service providers; keep screenshots or confirmations.
- Request your buildings delivery policy in writing and file that document with your records.
- If delivery problems continue, contact the territorial office named below for guidance and next steps.[1]
Help and Support / Resources
- Government of Nunavut Department of Justice - tenancy and dispute information
- Government of Nunavut Housing Division and tenant resources
- Canada Post Mail Forwarding and delivery services
- [1] Government of Nunavut Department of Justice
- [2] Government of Nunavut Housing Division
- [3] Canada Post Mail Forwarding
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