Utilities and Services for New Nunavut Tenants: What You Should Know

Moving into a new rental home in Nunavut comes with unique questions about what is included in your rent, and who is responsible for setting up and paying for utilities and services. This guide explains what Nunavut tenants should understand about utilities, common pitfalls to avoid, and where to get support.

Understanding Utilities and Services in Nunavut Rentals

In Nunavut, rental agreements can vary significantly when it comes to utilities like heat, electricity, water, and services such as garbage collection or internet. Clarifying utility responsibilities before signing a lease can help prevent disputes and surprise costs later.

What Are Utilities and Services?

• Utilities: Usually include heat, electricity, water, and sewage. In Nunavut's climate, heating is especially critical.
• Services: May involve garbage pickup, snow removal, cable, phone, or internet.

Some rentals include all or some utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to set up and pay bills separately. Always check your lease for details.

Who Pays for Utilities?

The default responsibility depends on your rental agreement. In many Nunavut leases, especially social or public housing, utilities are included in the rent. For private rentals, you must check if you are expected to pay separately. If the lease isn't clear, ask your landlord before committing.

Tip: Get a list of all expected monthly costs—including utilities—before you sign your lease.

Utility Arrangements and Service Setup

• If you are responsible for utilities, you may need to contact the provider (like Qulliq Energy Corporation for electricity) to set up accounts.
• Some services, such as water delivery or fuel for heat, require scheduled deliveries—discuss these logistics with your landlord.
• Remember that in Nunavut, utility outages or delays can occur due to weather or remoteness.

Key Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

• Landlords must provide essential services, including heat and water, unless your written agreement says you must supply them.
• Tenants should never be cut off from heat in winter, even if utility bills are unpaid. If you face loss of an essential service, contact Nunavut's Residential Tenancy Office immediately.^[1]
• Some apartments may have shared utility meters. Know how costs are allocated and ensure you only pay your fair share.

What to Check Before Signing a Nunavut Lease

• Is the rent inclusive (covers all utilities) or exclusive (utilities billed separately)?
• Which utilities or services—heat, water, electricity, fuel, garbage pickup—are included?
• Who pays for optional services like internet or cable?
• What happens if there is a utility interruption? Who arranges for repairs or alternative services?

Taking the time to clarify these details can save you significant money and hassle. For a full list of rental rights and legal obligations, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Initial Inspections and Reporting Problems

When you move in, inspect the property for working heat, running water, power, and any signs of maintenance issues.

• Document any problems and inform your landlord immediately.
• It's helpful to review the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for more tips on recording utility or maintenance issues right from the start.

Essential Forms and Official Resources

• Residential Tenancy Complaint Form (no specific form number): Used to report if a landlord fails to supply essential services or there is a dispute over utility responsibilities.
  Download from the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office.
  For example: If your rental unexpectedly loses heat in winter, you can file a complaint using this form to request urgent intervention.
• Notice of Entry: Required if a landlord needs to access the unit to inspect or repair utility systems (as per the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act Section 33). Always receive notice unless there is an emergency.

The Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office is the official tribunal for rental disputes.

Legislation Covering Utilities and Services

All Nunavut rentals must comply with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.^[2] This law explains your rights regarding utility supply, repairs, and rental agreements. If you wish to review other aspects of tenant and landlord law, consider visiting government sources or reading helpful guides on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Useful Advice for Nunavut Renters

You can also Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to compare utilities and included services in listings from coast to coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are utilities always included in rent in Nunavut?
   Not always. Some rental agreements, especially in social housing, include all utilities, while others require tenants to handle and pay for utilities separately. Always confirm with your landlord and check your lease.
2. If my landlord fails to provide heat, what should I do?
   If you unexpectedly lose essential services like heat, report it to your landlord first. If not resolved immediately, you can file a Residential Tenancy Complaint Form with the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office for urgent help.
3. Who do I contact for electricity setup or problems in Nunavut?
   In Nunavut, electricity is generally provided by Qulliq Energy Corporation. Contact them for account setup. For disputes or unresolved issues, seek help through the Residential Tenancy Office.
4. Can I withhold rent if utilities are cut off?
   No, tenants should continue to pay rent even if utilities are interrupted. Instead, report the issue with official forms and seek help from the Residential Tenancy Office.

How To: Handling Utilities Issues in Your Nunavut Rental

1. How do I report a landlord who does not provide promised utilities?
   Complete a Residential Tenancy Complaint Form and submit it to the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office along with details of the issue and your attempts to contact the landlord.
2. How do I set up a new electricity account?
   Contact Qulliq Energy Corporation, provide your move-in date and address, and follow their process for starting service in your name.
3. How do I document utility issues for protection?
   Take date-stamped photos, note the time and duration of outages, and keep written communication with your landlord. Attach copies of this documentation if you submit a complaint or seek repairs.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Always clarify in writing which utilities and services are included in your rent before signing.
• Landlords must ensure essential services like heat and water are available unless otherwise agreed.
• The Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office can help with any unresolved utility disputes or emergencies.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office — forms, complaints, dispute resolution
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (official legislation)
• For additional legal advice, contact Nunavut Legal Aid — Nunavut Legal Services Board
• Detailed rights and obligations: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut Department of Family Services, Residential Tenancy Office: https://www.gov.nu.ca/fsd/programs-services/residential-tenancy-office
2. Read the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act for full legal details.

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