What Landlords Can and Cannot Do in Nunavut: Tenant Guide

If you’re a tenant in Nunavut, understanding what landlords are allowed and not allowed to do is key to protecting your rights, enjoying your home, and avoiding unnecessary disputes. Nunavut has its own set of rules under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, ensuring fair and safe treatment for renters. This guide covers the main rights and limits for landlords, explains common issues, and points you to official support if you have concerns.

Landlords’ Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Nunavut

Nunavut landlords do have important rights, such as collecting rent, setting reasonable rules, and maintaining the property. However, they also have strict legal responsibilities to ensure safe, healthy living conditions and follow the rules about privacy and notice.

• Provide tenants with a safe, clean, and well-maintained rental unit
• Make necessary repairs in a timely manner
• Give proper written notice before entering the rental unit, except in emergencies
• Follow the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act for notices, evictions, and rent increases
• Return security deposits according to the law

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities. For a detailed list of these obligations, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Enter your rental unit without proper written notice (usually 24 hours, except for emergencies)
• Increase rent more than once every 12 months or by more than allowed under Nunavut law
• Remove or restrict basic services (like heat, water, or power)
• Change locks or evict you without following the formal legal process
• Retain your security deposit without a valid reason and paperwork
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against tenants

Common Issues: Entry, Repairs, and Health & Safety

Many tenant-landlord disputes in Nunavut relate to repairs, privacy, and safety. Landlords must fix serious problems like broken heat, plumbing, or pest infestations promptly. They must also give advance notice before entering your home.

• If your landlord does not deal with urgent repairs (such as heating failures in winter), you may be able to apply for an order through the Nunavut Rental Office.
• Tenants are responsible for reporting problems as soon as possible and allowing access for repairs when required notice is given.

Learn more about your rights and steps for safe, healthy housing in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Security Deposits: What to Expect

Landlords in Nunavut may collect a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit), but the amount is limited by law—usually up to the equivalent of one month’s rent. After you move out, landlords must return the deposit promptly or give you a written notice if they intend to withhold any part for damages.

For details on deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Whenever there is a dispute or a need to make a formal request, tenants and landlords should use official forms from the Nunavut Rental Office:

• Notice to End a Tenancy (Form): Used to give legal notice if you want to move out or your landlord is asking you to leave.
  When should tenants use it? If you wish to end your lease (typically with advance notice, depending on the situation). Download it from the Nunavut government forms page.
• Tenant Application Form: Use this to apply to the Rental Office for help with disputes (for example, if your landlord won’t make required repairs, or you believe your deposit is unfairly withheld). Access the form here.

Always read the form instructions carefully and keep a copy for your records.

Where to Go for Help: Nunavut Rental Office

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a dispute, you can contact the Nunavut Rental Office. This office handles all residential tenancy issues in Nunavut—including complaints about repairs, rent, privacy, deposit returns, and evictions.

For general information about tenancy law in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you're exploring other housing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my home without my consent in Nunavut?
   Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice and can only enter at reasonable times unless there is an emergency.
2. How much notice does my landlord have to give to raise my rent?
   At least three months’ written notice is required, and rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
3. What should I do if repairs aren’t being made?
   You should notify your landlord in writing. If the issue is urgent or still unresolved, apply to the Nunavut Rental Office using the Tenant Application Form.
4. What is the maximum security deposit allowed?
   A landlord can only charge up to the equivalent of one month's rent as a security deposit in Nunavut.
5. Who do I contact if my landlord is not following the law?
   The Nunavut Rental Office resolves landlord-tenant disputes, including violations of tenancy law.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Landlords must respect tenant privacy and cannot enter without proper notice.
• Repairs and maintenance are a landlord’s responsibility. Urgent problems should be addressed quickly.
• Deposits, rent increases, and evictions are strictly regulated by Nunavut’s tenancy law.

Summary: Tenant rights in Nunavut are protected under clear laws. Understanding what landlords can and cannot do helps ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office: Government office for tenant-landlord disputes and tenancy forms.
• Nunavut Justice: Rental Office: General information and resources for renting in Nunavut.
• For broader support, contact local housing groups or tenant advocacy organizations.

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1. Legislation: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (full text)
2. Nunavut Rental Office: Official government portal
3. Official forms: Nunavut government forms page

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