Living with roommates is a common and practical way to rent in Nunavut, whether you’re in Iqaluit or a smaller community. Shared housing can help lower costs and build community, but it also comes with unique rules, rights, and responsibilities for tenants. Here are ten must-know facts to guide you through renting with roommates in Nunavut’s unique rental environment.
1. Know Who Is Legally a Tenant
In Nunavut, a person is considered a legal tenant if their name appears on the rental agreement with the landlord. Only legal tenants have the right to stay or receive notice from the landlord. Roommates who are not listed may not be protected under Nunavut’s rental laws if disputes arise.
2. All Roommates Should Be on the Lease
Ensure everyone living in the home is named on the written rental agreement. This protects both you and your roommates by clearly stating your rights and responsibilities. It also ensures the landlord recognizes each roommate as a tenant—important if someone moves out, or if notice needs to be given.
3. Joint and Several Responsibility
Most shared housing arrangements in Nunavut use a joint lease. This means everyone listed is jointly and individually responsible for paying rent, following rules, and covering any damages. If one roommate doesn’t pay, the landlord can ask any of the other tenants to cover the shortfall.
4. Make a Roommate Agreement
Consider creating a written roommate agreement covering daily living (chores, rent shares, quiet hours, etc.). While this is separate from a legal lease, it can help resolve disputes among roommates. Note: these agreements are not legally enforceable by the landlord or under territorial law but may guide internal roommate issues.
5. Rental Deposits in Shared Housing
Landlords can request a security deposit (called a "rental deposit" in Nunavut) from all roommates, but they cannot ask for more than one month’s rent in total. Make sure you understand how deposits are handled among roommates, and keep clear records of who paid what. For more detailed information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
6. Health and Safety are Shared Responsibilities
All tenants—whether on the lease or not—have an obligation to keep the unit safe, sanitary, and livable. Issues like cleanliness, faulty smoke alarms, or pests require cooperation. If there are ongoing problems, your landlord may require all tenants to address them. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
7. Resolving Roommate Disputes
Roommate disputes (like noise, cleaning, or unpaid rent) are usually resolved among yourselves. Landlords rarely intervene unless the issue breaks the terms of the lease or Nunavut’s rental laws. For persistent problems, mediation through a community service or documenting concerns in writing may help.
8. Moving Out or Changing Roommates
If a roommate leaves, you cannot simply swap in a new person without informing the landlord and, in most cases, signing a new agreement. In joint leases, all tenants are responsible for rent until the agreement ends, unless the landlord formally accepts a replacement roommate.
9. Tenancy Forms for Nunavut Shared Housing
- Rental Agreement: This outlines all tenants and is typically supplied by the landlord. Always ensure your name is on any agreement you sign.
- Notice to Terminate Tenancy: Use the Tenancy Termination Form (PDF) if you or your roommates need to give legal notice to end tenancy. Submit this directly to the landlord. For example, if you are moving out of a shared unit, use this form to give the required notice period (usually at least 30 days).
Always keep copies of any forms submitted.
10. Your Rights Under Nunavut Law
Rental relationships in Nunavut—including shared housing—are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)1. This sets minimum rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. For a full overview specific to Nunavut, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.
Joint tenancy means you could be held liable for your roommate’s unpaid rent or damages—even if you paid your own share on time. Have a clear agreement before moving in.
Additional Resources
- Nunavut Rental Office (Official Tribunal) – Where tenants can get help and submit complaints
- Tenancy Termination Form (PDF)
- Residential Tenancies Information – Nunavut Department of Justice
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates in Nunavut
- Can my landlord evict just one roommate? Usually, eviction notices apply to all tenants named in the lease. If one roommate breaks the rules, the landlord can ask the entire household to move out, unless agreed otherwise with the landlord.
- What happens to my deposit if a roommate moves out? When one tenant leaves, the landlord may keep the deposit until the tenancy ends for all roommates. It’s up to roommates to agree on returning or dividing the deposit.
- Does every roommate have the same rights? Only tenants named on the lease are fully protected by Nunavut’s laws. Unlisted occupants may not be covered and could be asked to leave without notice.
- What if a roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent? In joint tenancies, remaining roommates are legally responsible for the full rent. You may need to pay the missing share to avoid late fees or eviction, and seek repayment from your roommate.
- Can I add or remove roommates from the lease? You need your landlord’s approval and likely a revised written agreement to add or remove tenants. Do not move in a new person without telling the landlord.
How To: Manage a Roommate Change in Nunavut Rental Housing
- Review your lease. Make sure you know whether you have a joint or individual agreement.
- Notify your landlord. Talk to your landlord before adding or removing a roommate. Written consent is usually needed.
- Complete required forms. If ending your tenancy, fill out the Tenancy Termination Form and submit to the landlord.
- Divide deposits and responsibilities. Agree among remaining roommates about splitting the deposit or covering shared costs.
- Sign new agreements if needed. If the landlord accepts a new roommate, make sure the lease reflects current occupants.
Many issues can be avoided with good communication and written agreements among roommates.
Key Takeaways
- Always put roommate arrangements in writing and make sure everyone is listed on the lease.
- Joint leases mean shared financial and legal responsibility for the entire rent and unit.
- Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) and use official forms for notices and changes.
Understanding these facts ensures you stay protected and comfortable in shared Nunavut housing.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Nunavut Rental Office – Information, complaints, and forms for tenants
- Residential Tenancies (Department of Justice Nunavut)
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
