Top 10 Tenant Rights in Nunavut: Essential Guide for Renters

Renting a home in Nunavut comes with important protections for tenants. Whether it's about rent increases, privacy, repairs, or deposit refunds, understanding your rights ensures a fair rental experience. This guide breaks down the top 10 rights every tenant in Nunavut should know, using the current Nunavut Rental Act and official government sources. It’s designed to help you make informed choices, avoid common problems, and know where to turn if you need help.

Your Core Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut

Here’s an overview of the most important rights for Nunavut tenants. Each one is outlined with practical tips and clear explanations.

1. The Right to a Written Tenancy Agreement

Your landlord is required to provide a written tenancy agreement that clearly states the rental amount, payment schedule, and the responsibilities of both parties. Keep your signed copy safe throughout your tenancy.

2. Protection Against Unreasonable Deposits

Security deposits cannot be more than one month's rent. Your landlord must keep the deposit in trust and return it after you move out, minus any damage costs (excluding normal wear and tear).

For more details on how deposits work and how to protect yourself, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

3. The Right to a Safe and Healthy Home

Your landlord must maintain the property so it meets health, safety, and housing standards set by law. If something isn’t safe, you can ask for repairs.

If you have recurring health or cleanliness issues, including pests, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

4. Protection Against Rent Increases Without Notice

Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months, and must provide written notice at least three months in advance. Increases must follow the rules in the Nunavut Rental Act.

5. The Right to Notice Before Entry

Landlords need to give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit unless there is an emergency. You have the right to privacy in your home.

6. Fair Eviction Protection

Your landlord can’t evict you without a legal reason and must use the proper process, including written notice and (if needed) an order from the Nunavut Rental Office.

7. The Right to Prompt Repairs

Tenants should report repair needs in writing. Landlords must address urgent repairs quickly and routine issues within a reasonable time. If repairs are not completed, you may apply to the Rental Office for help.

8. Protection from Discrimination

Landlords cannot discriminate against you (e.g., based on race, gender, family status, or source of income) as per the Nunavut Human Rights Act.¹

9. Your Right to Information and Receipts

You are entitled to receipts for all payments made to your landlord, including rent and deposits, and access to contact details for emergencies or complaints.

10. The Right to Appeal and Seek Help

If you believe your landlord isn’t following the law, you can file a complaint or request mediation at the Nunavut Rental Office. Forms are available on their website. Common forms include:

• Application to Director (Form NRT-1): Used when you seek a decision about disputes (e.g., repairs, return of deposit). Download and file from the Nunavut Rental Office forms page. Example: Use this if the landlord refuses to return your deposit after you move out.
• Notice to End Tenancy (Form NRT-2): Used to give required notice if you plan to move out. Available at the official Rental Office.

To end your tenancy properly, follow the process in How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Always document important communications with your landlord, especially about repairs or deposit issues. Written proof helps if a dispute goes to the Rental Office.

Provincial Fact Sheet and Rental Resources

For more details on local laws, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

If you are looking for a new place to live, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme using interactive tools and up-to-date listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
   No. Your deposit can only be used for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs if the unit is left particularly dirty.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before increasing the rent?
   Landlords must give a minimum of three months’ written notice before a rent increase, and may only raise rent once every 12 months.
3. What can I do if repairs are not completed on time?
   First, send your landlord a written request. If there’s still no action, you can apply to the Nunavut Rental Office for help using the Application to Director (Form NRT-1).
4. Is it legal for a landlord to evict me without a written notice?
   No. The landlord must use the formal legal process and written notice. Evictions without proper procedure are not valid in Nunavut.

Key Takeaways

• Know your rights about deposits, rent, repairs, and privacy.
• Always get agreements and communications in writing.
• For unresolved problems, use the Nunavut Rental Office and official forms.

Staying informed can help you resolve issues quickly and protect your home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office: Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Supports tenants facing discrimination
• Nunavut Legal Aid: Free legal assistance for eligible tenants
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut: Local fact sheet and detailed rights

---

1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, See: official legislation
2. Nunavut Rental Act, Nunavut Housing Corporation

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy