What to do right away after flooding
Acting quickly protects your health, your belongings, and your position if you later need to request repairs or file a dispute. Use this checklist as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Notify your landlord in writing describing the damage, where it is, and when it happened; keep a copy for your records.
- Take dated photos and video of ceilings, walls, floors, appliances, and personal property to document the condition.
- Make temporary repairs or reasonable mitigations to prevent further damage (for example, move items off wet floors, mop up standing water) and keep receipts.
- If the flooding creates hazards (electrical, structural, sewage), call emergency services and your landlord immediately.
Who is responsible for repairs
In Nunavut, landlords must generally maintain rental units in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. That means fixing structural leaks, restoring heat and hot water, and addressing major mold or sewage issues. Tenants are usually responsible for damage they cause through negligence or careless acts.
- Major structural or system repairs (roof leaks, burst pipes, sewage backup) are normally the landlord's responsibility and should be arranged promptly.
- If you pay for an emergency repair that the landlord should have handled, keep all receipts; you may be able to seek reimbursement or an order through the tribunal.
- Check whether your renter's insurance covers damaged personal property and temporary housing costs.
Official forms and how to use them
When informal requests do not lead to repairs, official forms and an application to the territory's tenancy office or tribunal can be required. Use the forms listed here to communicate clearly and to begin a formal review.[1]
- Notice to Repair (example name: "Request for Repair / Notice to Landlord") — Use this written notice to formally ask the landlord to fix the damage. Practical example: send a dated letter or email describing the flooding, attach photos, and state a reasonable deadline for repairs; keep a copy.
- Application to the Residential Tenancy Tribunal (example name/number: "Application for Repair Order, Form RT-1") — File this when the landlord does not arrange timely repairs. Practical example: include your notice to the landlord, photos, receipts for any emergency mitigation, and a short timeline; the tribunal can order repairs or compensation.[2]
Filing a dispute and what evidence helps
If repairs are not made, you can apply to the territory's tenancy office or tribunal to request an order for repairs or compensation. Before filing, collect clear evidence and a timeline of events to support your claim. See guidance for emergencies and repair timelines in the tenant emergency resources.[1]
- Keep a dated log of communications with your landlord, including letters, emails, texts, and any in-person conversations.
- Attach photographic and video evidence that shows the damage and progress (or lack of repairs) over time.
- Include invoices or receipts for emergency repairs, cleaning, dry-out services, or temporary accommodation.
Health, safety and temporary relocation
Mold, sewage, and structural hazards are health risks. If you believe your unit is unsafe, notify your landlord and seek guidance from health services or tenant-support agencies. For immediate health guidance, see the territory health pages and tenant safety resources.
For practical tenant safety advice see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Finding short-term housing after displacement
If flooding forces you to relocate temporarily, document expenses and seek receipts. You can also look for replacement rentals while repairs proceed; for a nationwide rental search resource, try Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
FAQ
- Who must fix flood damage in my rental unit?
- Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs and restoring habitability; tenants must take reasonable steps to limit damage and may be responsible for damage they caused.
- Can I withhold rent until the repairs are done?
- Withholding rent is risky; follow local rules and use formal applications to the tenancy tribunal instead of unilaterally stopping payments.
- What if my landlord refuses to fix the problem?
- Document everything, send a written notice requesting repairs, and if needed file an application with the territory's tenancy tribunal for an order or compensation.[1]
How-To
- Write and send a clear written notice to your landlord describing the flooding and requesting repairs; keep a copy.
- Document damage with dated photos, video, and a log of events and communications.
- Take reasonable temporary steps to prevent further harm and keep receipts for any costs incurred.
- If repairs are not made, prepare and submit a formal application to the territory's tenancy tribunal with your evidence.
- Request reimbursement for allowable emergency expenses and document any loss of personal property for insurance or tribunal claims.
- If you must relocate temporarily, secure receipts and keep notes about dates and costs for your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything with photos, dated notices, and receipts to support any repair request or tribunal application.
- Landlords are typically responsible for major repairs; tenants should address urgent safety issues and keep evidence.
- Use formal notices and tribunal applications when informal repair requests fail.
Help and Support / Resources
- Government of Nunavut - Official services and contacts
- Nunavut Legislation and official acts
- Nunavut Justice and tribunal information
