Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Checklist for Nunavut

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is essential for a smooth rental experience in Nunavut. This comprehensive checklist—designed for Nunavut rental laws—will help you navigate tenancy from move-in to move-out. In Nunavut, tenant protections are set out under the Residential Tenancies Act, overseen by the Office of the Rental Officer. Let’s break down what you need to know, step by step, when renting your home in Nunavut.

Key Rights and Responsibilities Overview for Nunavut Tenants

Nunavut tenants enjoy important rights, but with those rights come some key responsibilities. Here’s a summary to guide you:

• Right to a safe and habitable home that meets health and safety codes
• Right to privacy and notice before landlord entry
• Responsibility to pay rent on time as stated in your agreement
• Responsibility to keep the rental in reasonable condition
• Right to repairs and maintenance, and responsibility to report problems promptly
• Right to receipts for rent and deposits
• Responsibility to respect neighbors and comply with building rules

For more details about Nunavut-specific standards, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Before You Move In: Initial Checklist

1. Review and Sign a Written Rental Agreement

• Get all terms in writing: rent amount, payment method, rules, and services included.
• Keep a signed copy for your records. A standard lease isn't mandatory but is recommended.

2. Deposits and Receipts

• Landlords can collect a security deposit (often up to one month’s rent). Demand a receipt and ensure the deposit is held as required by Nunavut law.
• You have the right to an itemized refund (with any deductions explained) at the end of the tenancy.
• Learn more about your protections by reading Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

3. Move-In Inspection

• Inspect the unit together with your landlord at move-in; document any damage or needed repairs.
• Complete an inspection report if provided—photos are helpful. This can protect your deposit later.
• Ask your landlord to complete the official move-in inspection checklist.

4. Health and Safety Basics

• Check smoke detectors, secure locks, and working plumbing before moving in.
• If you spot issues, report them before accepting the unit. For more tips, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

During Your Tenancy: Your Ongoing Rights and Duties

Once you move in, your rights and responsibilities don’t end. Ongoing tenant tasks include:

• Paying rent in full and on time every month—get a written receipt
• Letting your landlord know promptly about serious repair needs or damage
• Keeping your rental clean and not causing damage on purpose
• Allowing landlord entry only after receiving required 24-hour written notice (except for emergencies)
• Making sure your behavior and your guests’ behavior is respectful of others
• Letting your landlord know if you plan extended absences, as stated in your lease

If you’re unclear about what to do after signing your agreement, our What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement guide can help you settle in successfully.

Forms Every Nunavut Tenant Should Know

Nunavut uses a series of official forms, managed by the Office of the Rental Officer. Here are the most useful for tenants:

• Form 9: Tenant’s Application to the Rental Officer (download here)
  When to use: If you need to resolve a dispute with your landlord—such as repairs not being made or disagreements about deposit refunds—use Form 9 to ask the Rental Officer for a decision. Example: You requested a heating repair, your landlord has not responded for weeks, and you want an official order for repairs.
• Form 12: Notice to Terminate Tenancy (download here)
  When to use: Use this form to legally end your lease, giving the proper amount of notice. Example: You are moving out and want to avoid penalties by giving the correct written notice to your landlord.

You can find all forms and detailed instructions on the Nunavut Rental Office website.

Ending Your Tenancy and Moving Out

• Give the required written notice using Form 12, or otherwise as per your agreement.
• Arrange a move-out inspection; compare with your original move-in notes.
• Return all keys and provide your forwarding address to speed up your deposit refund.
• Follow up with your landlord about your security deposit refund. If there’s a dispute, you can use Form 9 to make a claim through the Rental Officer.

Dealing with Issues: Repairs, Complaints, and Rent Increases

• Repairs: Report problems in writing and keep copies. Landlords must address health and safety repairs promptly. If they don’t, you can apply to the Rental Officer.
• Complaints or disputes: Try to resolve issues directly, but you can submit Form 9 if needed.
• Rent increases: Landlords must provide at least 3 months’ written notice of any rent increase, and can only raise rent once every 12 months.

For guidance on common issues, visit our Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them resource.

Quick Tips for Renting in Nunavut

• Always communicate with your landlord in writing for important issues or repairs.
• Keep copies of all forms, notices, agreements, and correspondence.
• Understand your lease terms—and your rights—before signing.
• If in doubt, consult the Office of the Rental Officer for neutral advice.
• Browse apartments for rent in Canada for updated Nunavut and nationwide listings.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nunavut Tenants

1. What notice do I need to give to move out of my rental in Nunavut?
   Generally, you must use Form 12 to give your landlord proper written notice, usually at least 30 days before you plan to end your tenancy. Always confirm the exact timing in your lease or via the Office of the Rental Officer.
2. What can I do if my landlord doesn't make necessary repairs?
   If your health or safety is affected, notify your landlord in writing. If repairs aren’t made, use Form 9 to apply to the Rental Officer for an order requiring repairs.
3. How much can my landlord increase my rent?
   Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months and must provide you with at least 3 months' written notice. There is no government-set cap, but increases must be reasonable and not in bad faith.
4. Can my landlord enter my rental unit without notice?
   No, except in emergencies. For routine matters, landlords must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice specifying the reason and time of entry.
5. Where can I get help if I have a dispute with my landlord?
   You can contact the Office of the Rental Officer in Nunavut, who can help mediate disputes and provide official rulings.

How To Handle Key Tenant Actions in Nunavut

1. How do I end my tenancy legally in Nunavut?
   Give your landlord written notice using Form 12 at least 30 days before you want to leave. Deliver this notice in person or as outlined in your tenancy agreement.
2. How do I apply for repairs or dispute a landlord's claim?
   Fill out Form 9: Tenant’s Application to the Rental Officer and submit supporting documents. The Rental Officer will schedule a hearing or review your case.
3. How can I protect my security deposit?
   Document the unit’s condition at move-in and move-out, keep copies of all communications, and follow up with your landlord in writing if delays occur in the refund.

Key Takeaways

• The Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) protects your rights—review it to understand your position.
• Timely communication and proper documentation are your best tools as a tenant.
• Use official forms and the Rental Officer for resolving disputes or ending your lease legally.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in Nunavut

• Nunavut Office of the Rental Officer – Get forms, dispute guidance, and contact details: Nunavut Rental Office
• Download official forms – Find Form 9, Form 12, and more: Nunavut Justice – Forms & Publications
• Review the law: Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)
• Further reading: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Government of Nunavut, Office of the Rental Officer: https://gov.nu.ca/justice/information/rental-office
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)
3. Official Forms: https://gov.nu.ca/justice/information/forms-and-publications

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