Top 50 Utilities & Services Questions for Tenants in Nunavut

Utilities & Services Nunavut published June 26, 2025

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in Nunavut rentals?

It depends on your lease agreement. Your lease must clearly state whether you or the landlord pays for utilities.

Which utilities are usually included in rent in Nunavut?

Commonly included utilities are heat, water, and sometimes electricity. Check your lease for details.

What if my rental agreement is silent on utilities?

If not clearly stated, utilities are typically considered the landlord’s responsibility. Ask your landlord to clarify in writing.

Can my landlord shut off my utilities?

No, landlords cannot shut off utilities as a way to force you to move or for any other reason. This is illegal in Nunavut.

What should I do if there's a utility interruption?

Contact your landlord immediately. If not resolved, notify the Rental Office (Nunavut Rental Office).

Can landlords increase rent if they start paying for utilities?

Yes, but only with proper written notice and within legal rent increase limits under Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act.

What if my landlord fails to provide an essential service like heat or water?

Report it to the Nunavut Rental Office. Landlords must provide essential services under the law.

Who regulates tenant and landlord disputes in Nunavut?

The Nunavut Rental Office handles residential tenancy matters.

Am I allowed to change utility providers?

Usually, there is only one utility provider per service in most Nunavut communities; changes are rarely an option.

Can my landlord require me to pay a utility deposit?

Only the utility company may require a deposit, not the landlord unless stated in your lease.

What official forms are used to make a complaint about utilities?

Use the "Application to the Rental Office" form (download here) to file a complaint about utilities or services.

How do I use the Application to the Rental Office form?

Fill out the form describing your utility/maintenance problem and submit it to the Nunavut Rental Office for review.

What if the electricity bill is not paid and service is disconnected?

Notify your landlord and the Rental Office. Essential utilities must be maintained under the law.

Does my landlord have to provide heat in winter?

Yes, providing adequate heat during cold months is required under Nunavut's rental laws.

Is it legal for a landlord to bill tenants separately for utilities?

Yes, if the lease states so. Charges must be fair and based on actual usage or as described in your agreement.

My landlord says I'm using too much water/electricity. Can they charge extra?

Only if your lease allows for this. Otherwise, additional charges are not permitted.

Who arranges utility accounts when moving in?

If you are responsible for payments, you must open accounts. Otherwise, the landlord manages them.

Can my landlord enter my unit to inspect the furnace or utilities?

Yes, with proper notice (usually 24 hours), unless it is an emergency.

What should I do if my apartment is too cold?

Inform your landlord in writing. If not fixed quickly, report it to the Rental Office.

What maintenance is my landlord responsible for regarding utilities?

Landlords must repair and maintain existing utility systems like heating, plumbing, and wiring.

Do tenants pay for repairs to appliances provided by landlords?

No, repairs to landlord-owned appliances are the landlord’s responsibility unless you caused the damage.

Am I responsible for clearing snow to access utility meters?

Only if stated in your lease; otherwise, this is generally the landlord's responsibility.

Can a landlord require tenants to use specific appliances to save power?

No, unless stated in the lease. Landlords cannot dictate usage beyond agreement terms.

Are there rent reductions for utility outages?

You can request a rent reduction through the Rental Office if loss of service makes the unit partly unusable.

What electricity rates can I expect in Nunavut?

Rates are set by the Nunavut Power Corporation. Contact them directly or see your utility bill for details.

My landlord says the water bill is too high. What can I do?

Review your lease. If you pay the bill, it is your responsibility unless there's a leak or fault; notify your landlord if you suspect issues.

Can my landlord install separate utility meters?

Yes, but they must give proper notice and ensure the lease reflects billing changes.

What happens if I can't pay my utility bills?

Utility providers may disconnect service. Let your landlord and utility company know immediately to discuss solutions.

How do I complain about unfair utility charges?

Submit an Application to the Rental Office to have the matter reviewed officially.

Is internet or phone considered an essential utility?

No, only water, heat, and sometimes electricity count as essential services under Nunavut law.

Who fixes damaged wiring or faulty fuses?

Landlords are responsible for repairs unless you caused the damage.

Can utilities be shut off if I am behind in rent?

No. Utilities must not be shut off for overdue rent; this is landlord harassment and illegal.

Can the landlord pass on property tax or other service fees?

Only if clearly stated in your lease agreement.

Is submetering allowed for multi-unit buildings?

Yes, but charges must be fair and written into your lease.

Does my landlord have to provide lightbulbs or filters?

Generally no, unless your lease says so. Usually, tenants replace these items themselves.

Who is responsible for frozen pipes?

Landlords must prevent pipes from freezing with adequate heat and maintenance. Inform them immediately of problems.

What if I am absent and pipes freeze?

Notify your landlord before long absences to avoid joint responsibility for any damage.

Can I withhold rent if I have no heat or utilities?

No. Instead, file an application with the Rental Office for help resolving the issue.

Is fuel oil or propane delivery covered under utilities?

If your lease states fuel delivery is included, then yes. Otherwise, you may be responsible.

Who pays for emergency repairs to utility systems?

Landlords are responsible unless the tenant caused the damage. Notify them immediately of all urgent issues.

Is the landlord required to provide garbage or recycling services?

Yes, unless the lease clearly makes this the tenant’s duty. Check your agreement.

What do I do if my landlord won’t pay for promised services?

File a complaint with the Nunavut Rental Office using their application form.

Can I get compensation for loss of utilities?

Potentially, if you incur losses. Claim this through the Rental Office.

Is pest control considered a service or utility?

It is a service; landlords are responsible unless caused by tenant negligence.

What can I do if I pay utilities and my landlord doesn’t reimburse as agreed?

Provide receipts and apply to the Rental Office for an order of reimbursement.

Can my landlord disconnect cable or internet?

Not if your lease includes these services. If they are not included, you are responsible.

Is water-quality testing my responsibility?

No, landlords must ensure water is safe and potable if included in your housing arrangement.

What if my lease conflicts with the Act regarding utilities?

Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act overrides any lease terms that violate tenant protections.

Where can I get more information about tenant rights in Nunavut?

Visit the Nunavut Rental Office and review the Residential Tenancies Act (click here).

Top 50 Utilities & Services Questions for Tenants in Nunavut

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Bob Jones

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