What Nunavut Tenants Can Do If Utilities Are Shut Off

Having your utilities shut off in Nunavut can be stressful and even put your well-being at risk, especially given the territory's climate. Whether you're worried about heat, water, or power, it’s important to understand your rights as a tenant and the steps you can take to restore essential services. This article breaks down what the law says, what to do when service is disrupted, and where to find help—all in plain language for Nunavut renters.

Tenant Rights to Utilities in Nunavut

In Nunavut, tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)[1]. The law makes it clear that landlords cannot arbitrarily turn off essential services such as heat, water, or electricity—especially when it could affect your health or safety.

• Essential services must always be available unless there's an unavoidable interruption (for example, scheduled maintenance or utility company issues).
• Landlords are responsible for providing these services unless your written lease states the tenant must pay directly to the utility company.

When Is Utility Shut-Off Legal?

Normally, landlords are not permitted to disconnect or threaten to disconnect essential utilities to force rent payments or as a form of eviction. The only legal exceptions are:

• If the tenancy agreement clearly states you are responsible, and your account with the utility provider is in arrears
• Utility companies acting independently due to non-payment (and not at the request of your landlord)

What To Do If Your Utilities Are Shut Off

If your heat, water, or power is shut off, act quickly and calmly. Loss of utilities can quickly become a serious health and safety risk—especially in Nunavut’s extreme temperatures.

• Contact your landlord immediately to find out the reason for the shut-off.
• Ask if it's a scheduled or accidental interruption (like a local repair or outage by the utility company).
• If your landlord is refusing or has caused the shut-off, explain that this is not permitted under territorial law.

• Contact the utility provider to confirm the cause of the disconnection. Sometimes service is interrupted due to unpaid bills, often as a result of tenant or landlord account issues.
• Keep thorough notes with dates, who you spoke to, and what was said.

Filing a Complaint or Requesting Restoration

If you cannot resolve the issue directly with your landlord, you have the right to seek help from the Nunavut Rental Office. This office resolves landlord-tenant disputes and can order landlords to restore essential services.

Official Form: To request an emergency hearing for an urgent issue like a utility shut-off, use the "Form 5: Application by Tenant" supplied by the Nunavut Rental Office.

• When to use: When your landlord refuses or fails to restore utilities, and health or safety is at risk.
• How to use: Download "Form 5 – Application by Tenant" here (PDF) and follow the instructions. File it in person or by email as directed on the form.
• Example: If your landlord will not turn the heat back on in winter, even after you have asked in writing, file this form to request an urgent order restoring service.

Your Health and Safety are Protected

Utility shut-off can create safety hazards, especially where lack of heat or water is involved. Tenants faced with these conditions may also have grounds to make a separate complaint about unsafe living conditions. Learn more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and your options if you're feeling unsafe in your home.

Responsibilities: Who Pays for Utilities?

Check your rental agreement to see whether you or the landlord are responsible for each utility. Unclear on what your lease says, or on the division of responsibility? See our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page for guidance.

Other Common Issues Linked to Utility Disruption

Sometimes loss of utilities is part of a larger problem—like non-payment of rent, disputes about repairs, or health hazards. You can browse Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for a broader overview or guidance on related rental problems.

Finding Your Next Rental

If you’re considering moving after ongoing utility issues or need a fresh start, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada from coast to coast for your next home.

Want a full overview of your rights in the territory? Explore Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for more provincial specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord turn off my heat, water, or power if I owe rent?
   No. Even if you owe rent, a landlord is not legally allowed to cut off essential utilities or threaten to do so to force payment. This is considered an illegal act under Nunavut law.
2. I’m responsible for utilities but the account is in my landlord’s name – what if they don’t pay?
   If your landlord fails to pay for utilities they control, and services are disconnected, you can file an emergency application with the Nunavut Rental Office for assistance.
3. Is loss of utilities considered an emergency?
   Yes, especially during cold weather or when water and electricity are affected. File "Form 5: Application by Tenant" immediately to request an urgent hearing and restoration order.
4. What happens if disconnection is the utility provider’s fault?
   If an outage or shut-off is caused by the utility company itself (such as unpaid bill or emergency repairs), contact the provider directly and notify your landlord.
5. Where can I get help if my rental unit is unsafe after utility loss?
   You can make a complaint to the Nunavut Rental Office, and may also wish to contact local tenant advocates or health authorities to protect your well-being.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Landlords cannot legally disconnect utilities, even if you’re behind on rent.
• If you lose heat, power, or water, act right away: contact your landlord, the utility provider, and file "Form 5" with the Rental Office if not resolved.
• Your safety matters: maintain a record of all communications and know where to turn for emergency help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office – handles urgent utility complaints and tenancy disputes.
• Form 5: Application by Tenant (PDF) – for emergency tenant applications.
• Nunavut Legal Aid – offers free legal help to eligible tenants (official site).
• Tenant organizations or housing advocacy groups in Nunavut – for extra support or guidance.
• For a full guide to your local laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (via Rental Office)

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