Tenant Steps for Unsafe Employer Housing in Nunavut

Special Tenancy Situations Nunavut published: June 19, 2025 Flag of Nunavut

Employer-provided housing in Nunavut is common for workers in mining, education, healthcare, and remote industries. While these arrangements help address housing shortages, tenants have the right to safe and healthy living conditions as protected by Nunavut’s residential tenancy laws. If you are facing unsafe or unhealthy conditions in employer housing, knowing your rights and understanding the steps to resolve issues is essential for protecting yourself and those you live with.

Understanding Employer Housing and Tenant Rights

Even though your employer provides your home, you have legal protections as a tenant under Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act[1]. This law sets out your right to a livable, safe environment, and outlines what landlords (including employers) must do to maintain the property.

Some of your key rights and obligations include:

  • The right to a safe, healthy, and properly maintained home
  • Protection from retaliation if you make a complaint about conditions
  • Following the terms of your tenancy agreement, such as paying rent and not causing damage

Learn more on the official Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office page.

What Constitutes Unsafe or Unhealthy Housing?

Unsafe or unfit living conditions can take many forms. Examples include:

  • Mould, poor air quality, or lack of ventilation
  • No heat, electricity, or running water
  • Structural damage that could lead to injury (loose flooring, snow load risking roof collapse)
  • Pests like bed bugs or mice
  • Broken locks, unstable stairs, or unsafe outdoor areas

For more details on these issues and what tenants in Nunavut should watch for, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Landlord (Employer) Responsibilities

Under the law, the employer acting as a landlord is responsible for maintaining a safe and suitable residence. Repairs must be completed in a reasonable time after receiving a tenant complaint.

How to Address Unsafe Conditions: Step-by-Step

If you discover unsafe housing conditions, here is how you can take action:

  • Document the issue: Take written notes, photos, or videos of the unsafe conditions.
  • Notify your employer/landlord in writing: Be clear about the problem and ask for prompt repairs. Keep a copy for your records. Email or provide a written letter if possible.
  • Wait for action: Give a reasonable amount of time for the issue to be addressed, unless it is an emergency.
  • Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office if nothing changes. They can give further guidance and may intervene if the landlord does not make needed repairs.
  • For serious health or safety threats, such as no heat in winter, call to report immediately. The authorities may do an urgent inspection.
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If you face immediate danger (like gas leaks or fire hazards), call emergency services first, then notify your employer and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office as soon as possible.

Filing a Formal Complaint or Application

If your employer does not resolve the unsafe conditions after notification, you may file a formal application with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. Use Application to a Tenancy Officer (Form RN10) available here. This form is for tenants seeking dispute resolution, repairs, or intervention in unresolved situations.

  • When to use: If, after written notice and a reasonable wait, your employer-landlord does not fix serious health or safety violations.
  • How to use: Fill in your personal details, property address, description of the problem, and what you want the tenancy officer to do (such as ordering repairs). Attach copies of written complaints, photos, and other evidence.
  • Submission: Send the form and supporting documents to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (contact details below).

After reviewing, a Tenancy Officer may: order repairs, reduce rent for the time the unit wasn’t fit for living, or allow you to end your tenancy without penalty if conditions are extreme.

Emergency Situations

If the issue is urgent (like heating failure in winter or threat to life), call your local health or safety authority and notify the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office for immediate inspection. Always keep documentation of your requests and the responses you receive.

Learn more about sudden repairs and emergencies in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

After the Issue Is Resolved

Once repairs are made or if you move out, review your final payments, agreements, and ensure your deposit is returned if applicable. Your experience can help others—consider providing feedback or filing a report to prevent future unsafe housing scenarios.

For a detailed overview of all tenant protections and landlord duties in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

To find a safe new home or see what else is available in your area, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if my employer refuses to fix dangerous or unhealthy conditions in my housing? Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office and file an Application to a Tenancy Officer (Form RN10). Document every request and keep copies.
  2. Do the same tenancy laws apply to employer-provided housing in Nunavut? Yes, the Residential Tenancies Act applies to most employer housing arrangements.
  3. Can I end my lease early if my home is unsafe? In some severe cases, a tenancy officer may allow you to end your agreement without penalty if health or safety is jeopardized. Get official guidance before leaving.
  4. What support exists if I need to report unsafe employer housing? The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office will help tenants with unresolved issues. Advocacy services or local Legal Aid may also provide assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • Employer housing tenants in Nunavut have equal rights to safety and healthy conditions.
  • Always document and report unsafe situations formally—start with your employer, then use the Application to a Tenancy Officer if needed.
  • Emergency cases should be reported immediately, and provincial offices are there to help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut): Read the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
  2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: gov.nu.ca/justice/information/residential-tenancies
  3. Form RN10: Application to a Tenancy Officer: Official Application Form

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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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