What laws cover roommates and shared housing in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act governs most shared rental situations with a formal tenancy agreement.
Who handles tenant disputes in Nunavut?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolves rental disputes.
Do tenants have rights if they rent a room in someone’s house?
Yes, if you have a written or verbal rental agreement, you're protected under Nunavut’s tenancy laws.
Am I responsible for my roommate’s rent if they don’t pay?
If you signed a joint lease, you’re usually both responsible for the full rent.
Can the landlord evict me because of my roommate’s actions?
Yes, if the lease is joint, both tenants can be evicted for one’s serious breach of rules.
How do I remove a problematic roommate?
Only the landlord can serve an eviction notice; tenants cannot evict roommates directly.
What if my roommate moves out without notice?
You may have to cover full rent if you are on a joint lease until the agreement ends or a replacement is found.
Is subletting or replacing a roommate allowed?
Usually yes, but you must get written permission from the landlord before subletting or assigning a new roommate.
Get written landlord consent before any sublet or new roommate; attach the proposed roommate's name, move-in date, and the lease terms to your request, and keep a copy for your records. If consent is withheld unreasonably, you can seek help from the ORT.
What form do I use to request approval for a sublet or assignment?
Submit a written request to your landlord; there is no specific official form in Nunavut, but get written consent.
Include the roommate's full name, proposed move-in date, and sublease term in your request; send it in writing and ask for a written response to avoid disputes later.
What happens if my landlord refuses a reasonable sublet or assignment?
You may apply to the ORT for dispute resolution if approval is unreasonably withheld.
If approval is unreasonably withheld, you can apply to the ORT for dispute resolution; gather your lease, communications with the landlord, and the landlord’s stated reasons, and file your application as soon as possible.
What form do I use to apply for dispute resolution?
Use the Application Form (Tenant Application Form) to request a hearing at the ORT.
Can my landlord raise the rent if I take in a new roommate?
Rent can only be increased with proper notice and as allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act, not just because of a new roommate.
What notice is needed to end my tenancy in shared housing?
Usually 30 days’ written notice is required by the tenant; check your agreement for details.
Make sure your notice is in writing and clearly states your last day of tenancy; keep a copy and send it with enough time for the 30-day period, and confirm receipt with your landlord.
Does every roommate need their own tenancy agreement?
No, one agreement can cover multiple tenants; all should be listed on the lease for full protection.
What if my roommate steals or damages my property?
This is a civil or police matter; tenancy laws apply mainly to landlord-tenant relations.
Am I allowed to lock my bedroom door?
Generally yes, unless your lease says otherwise, but do not change locks without landlord approval.
Can my landlord set rules about guests or overnight visitors?
Landlords may set reasonable guest policies in the lease. Always check your agreement.
Can a roommate be evicted for not paying their share of rent?
If on a joint lease, the landlord may evict both; on separate leases, only the person in breach may be evicted.
Is my security deposit affected by my roommate moving out?
Deposits are usually returned to those named on the agreement after all obligations are met.
What should I do if I disagree with my roommate about bills?
Bill sharing is not regulated by tenancy law; discuss and make a written agreement among roommates.
If my roommate is violent, what can I do?
Contact the police if you feel unsafe. Only a landlord or the tribunal can evict a tenant.
Can I end my lease early because of roommate problems?
You may negotiate with your landlord or apply for an early termination through the ORT. Fees may apply.
Am I responsible for cleaning up after my roommates?
You are collectively responsible for the unit’s condition if sharing a lease; discuss chores with roommates.
What should I do before moving in with someone?
Sign a written roommate agreement and ensure all tenants are listed on the lease.
Can a landlord limit the number of roommates?
Yes, if specified in the lease or if occupancies go above safe or legal limits.
Can a roommate break the lease without my agreement?
Any tenant may give notice, but it may end the tenancy for everyone if you’re on a joint lease.
Who pays for damages in shared housing?
If there’s joint liability, all tenants may be held responsible unless the actual culprit is identified.
What is a roommate agreement and is it legally binding?
A roommate agreement is a private contract between roommates and may be enforceable in small claims court, not by the ORT.
What notice must the landlord give to enter a shared rental?
At least 24 hours’ written notice is required, unless it’s an emergency.
Does the landlord have to notify all roommates of inspections?
One notice to the unit is enough; all tenants should be informed.
Can a landlord evict just one roommate?
Only if roommates have separate tenancy agreements; otherwise, all may be affected.
If you’re on a joint lease, eviction decisions can affect everyone in the unit; consult ORT before signing or challenging eviction notices to understand your rights and possible remedies.
Should utilities be in everyone’s name?
It’s best to have all roommates on the utility contract, but this is not required by tenancy law.
Who is at fault for noise complaints?
All tenants in the unit may be held responsible for disturbances, unless the offender can be identified.
Can I refuse to live with a new roommate chosen by my co-tenant?
If your co-tenant is assigning or subletting, you may object to the landlord or ORT only for reasonable grounds.
What paperwork is needed when a roommate moves out?
Notify the landlord in writing and ask for an amended lease if necessary.
Can I get my part of the security deposit back when leaving?
The landlord returns the deposit at the end of the tenancy; work with roommates to agree on division.
What is the process if a roommate dies?
Their estate is usually responsible for their part of the lease; inform your landlord immediately.
Can a roommate change the locks?
No, only the landlord can change locks and must provide all tenants with new keys.
Does Nunavut’s tenancy law apply to informal living situations?
If you pay rent and have a regular arrangement, tenancy law likely applies even if no written lease exists.
Are there forms for giving notice to end tenancy?
There is no universal form, but give written notice to your landlord. Example templates are at ORT.
If my roommate won’t leave, what can I do?
Only landlords or ORT can evict; notify the landlord and consider applying to the ORT for assistance.
How do I file a complaint about my roommate or landlord?
Use the Tenant Application Form to start a complaint with the ORT.
Am I allowed to have pets if my roommate is allergic?
Only if your lease allows pets; roommate preferences are not covered by tenancy law.
What happens if everyone wants to move out?
Provide notice as required in your lease to end the tenancy for everyone.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to us based on family status?
No, discrimination based on family status is not allowed under Nunavut’s Human Rights Act.
Can a roommate be held liable for another roommate stealing rent money?
If rent is unpaid and you share a lease, you may all be responsible, regardless of who kept the money.
Can under-18s rent or share housing in Nunavut?
Minors can sign rental agreements but may have limited capacity for contracts; seek legal advice.
Are roommate disputes handled by the landlord or ORT?
ORT covers landlord-tenant issues; roommate-only disputes are private civil matters.
Can I apply for a hearing online in Nunavut?
No, applications must be delivered to ORT in person, by mail, or email.
What if a roommate wants to add someone else to our home?
Get landlord approval for any new tenants or sublets in writing.
Is there a limit to how much rent each roommate can be charged?
Total rent must follow the lease. Roommate cost-sharing is a private matter, not regulated by tenancy law.
Can the landlord ask for a separate deposit from each roommate?
Security deposits must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act and cannot exceed one month’s rent per tenancy, not per person.
