Tenant Rights to a Safe, Habitable Home in Nunavut

As a tenant in Nunavut, you are legally entitled to a rental home that is safe, healthy, and fit for living. This article explains your rights, the law that protects you, and the practical steps to take if your rental isn't up to standard.

What Does a Safe and Habitable Home Mean?

Nunavut law requires all rental properties to meet basic health, safety, and maintenance standards. Your home must:

• Be structurally sound and free from dangers, such as exposed wiring or faulty heating
• Have working plumbing, heating, and electricity
• Be free from serious pest infestations
• Provide adequate ventilation and weatherproofing against Nunavut’s harsh climate
• Follow local health and building codes

If your rental is unsafe or in poor condition, your landlord must make repairs. These obligations are set out under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

Your Legal Rights and Landlord's Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have important responsibilities in Nunavut. Landlords must maintain rental units in good repair and comply with health and safety regulations at all times—even if you were aware of issues when moving in.

• Landlords must act quickly to fix urgent or emergency issues (like heating failure in winter or plumbing leaks).
• As a tenant, you must keep the home clean and let your landlord know in writing if repairs are needed.

To learn more about the shared roles involved, see our article on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Health and Safety Problems

Some examples of health and safety issues include:

• Mould, water leaks, or unsafe drinking water
• No heat or hot water during extreme cold
• Broken locks or windows
• Pest infestations like bedbugs or rodents

If you face concerns like these, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for practical guidance.

If Your Home Needs Repairs: What to Do

If your rental has issues, you should take these steps to resolve them:

• Inform your landlord in writing about the problem as soon as possible. Clearly describe the issue and request repairs by a reasonable date.
• Keep copies of all communications and take photos of the issue for your records.
• If the landlord does not respond, you may file a complaint with Nunavut’s rental authorities.

How to Make a Formal Complaint in Nunavut

The body responsible for residential tenancy issues in Nunavut is the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). If your landlord refuses or fails to fix safety concerns, you can apply to the RTO to resolve the dispute.

Official Form:

• Application to the Rental Officer Form (no standard number)
• When to use: If repairs are not addressed after written notice to your landlord, use this form to request an official decision from the Rental Officer.
• Where to find: Nunavut Application to the Rental Officer (official PDF)
• Example: You reported a heating problem, but your landlord has not responded within a reasonable time. Submit this form with your evidence (letters, photos).

Moving In: Protecting Yourself from the Start

Before moving in, consider documenting the unit’s condition. Following Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home can help you avoid disputes later.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to start your search for well-maintained, safe rentals.

Know Your Rights

For a full summary of tenant protections and the law in Nunavut, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

FAQ: Safe and Habitable Homes in Nunavut

1. What makes a home “habitable” in Nunavut?
   A habitable home must meet standards of safety, cleanliness, and have working heat, plumbing, and protection from the elements. Severe disrepair, ongoing pest problems, or lack of vital services can make the home unfit to live in.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made?
   No. In Nunavut, you must continue paying rent even if repairs are needed. Instead, report the issue in writing and apply to the Rental Officer if necessary.
3. How do I apply to the Rental Officer for help?
   Complete the Application to the Rental Officer and submit it as described above if your landlord does not fix serious problems after you notify them in writing.
4. Are landlords responsible for routine maintenance?
   Yes, landlords are required to keep the property in a good state of repair, even if the lease says otherwise. Tenants must do basic cleaning and report problems.
5. What are emergency repairs, and what should I do?
   Emergency repairs are urgent issues that make the unit unsafe (like no heat in winter or flooding). Report these immediately and follow up with written notice.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Your Nunavut rental must be safe, sanitary, and maintained by your landlord at all times.
• If repairs are ignored, use the appropriate forms to ask the Rental Officer for help.
• Document issues and keep records of all communication to protect your rights.

Remember, understanding and exercising your rights makes renting safer for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office — Main government resource for tenant/landlord questions: 1-867-975-6522
• Nunavut Tenant and Landlord Support Services
• Legal aid or community advocacy groups (where available)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut — Overview of tenant laws and protections

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Read the legislation
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: Dispute resolution and tenant support resources

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