What to Do After Receiving an Eviction Notice in Nunavut

If you’ve received an eviction notice in Nunavut, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Understanding your tenant rights, the eviction process under Nunavut law, and how to respond can help you protect your home and make informed decisions. This guide explains the steps you should take right away, introduces relevant official forms, and highlights where you can get trustworthy help.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut

Nunavut residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). If your landlord gives you a Notice to Terminate your tenancy (an eviction notice), specific rules must be followed for it to be legal. The notice must include:

• The reason for eviction (e.g., non-payment of rent, significant damage, illegal activity)
• The amount of time you have before you must move out
• Information on how you can dispute the eviction

As a tenant, you have the right to receive proper notice and to attend a hearing to dispute the eviction if you believe it is unfair or incorrect. Review your notice carefully and check your rights under Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for more details.

Common Reasons for Eviction Notices in Nunavut

Eviction notices must be based on valid reasons under the Act. The most common reasons include:

• Non-payment of rent
• Substantial damage to the rental unit
• Interference with others’ enjoyment of the property
• Illegal activity in the unit

A landlord cannot evict you simply because they want to raise the rent or without following the legal process.

What to Do Immediately After Receiving an Eviction Notice

Take the following steps as soon as you receive an eviction notice:

• Read the notice carefully—note the date, the reason, and any deadlines
• Gather all communications, rent receipts, and your rental agreement as evidence
• Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office to verify the validity of the notice and ask questions
• Consider possible solutions—such as paying outstanding rent, correcting issues, or negotiating with your landlord

Disputing an Eviction: Forms and Hearing Process

If you believe your eviction notice is not fair or valid, you have the right to dispute it by applying to the Residential Tenancy Office (RTO). Below are official forms you may need:

• Application to the Rental Officer (No official number): Use this form to ask the Rental Officer to review your case if you want to dispute an eviction. For example, if you receive a notice for alleged non-payment but have proof you paid, you can submit this form. Download the Application to the Rental Officer.

At the Rental Officer hearing, you and your landlord will both have the opportunity to share your evidence and explain your positions. The Officer will then make a binding decision.

Other Important Steps and Tips

• If you resolve the issue (e.g., pay overdue rent), ask your landlord to provide a written statement confirming that the notice is withdrawn
• Never withhold rent even if you disagree with the notice—a missed payment can worsen your situation
• Document all communication with your landlord for your records
• If you must move out, review your options for How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant

What Happens After the Hearing?

After the Rental Officer makes a decision, both landlord and tenant must comply. If you lose the hearing, you may be ordered to leave by a set date. If the decision is in your favour, you can remain in your home.

For more detail on tenant and landlord responsibilities after an eviction or hearing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

FAQ: Eviction Process and Tenant Rights in Nunavut

1. How much notice must a Nunavut landlord give for eviction?
   The required notice period depends on the reason, but most evictions for non-payment require at least 14 days. Always check your notice for the exact date.
2. Can my landlord evict me during the winter?
   Nunavut law does not prohibit winter evictions, but landlords must still follow all legal procedures and provide adequate notice.
3. What if I pay my overdue rent after receiving an eviction notice?
   If you pay the rent before the notice period ends, your landlord may withdraw the eviction, but get their agreement in writing and ask the Rental Officer to confirm.
4. Where can I get help disputing an eviction?
   Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office or a local legal aid organization for advice and support.
5. What if I cannot attend the hearing?
   Notify the Residential Tenancy Office immediately. You may be able to reschedule or provide a written statement instead.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Carefully review and keep all eviction notices and communications.
• You have a right to dispute the notice and attend a hearing before being evicted.
• Seek help from the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office as soon as possible.

Remember, there are resources available if you are struggling with eviction. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you need to search for a new home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office: Offers information, forms, and dispute resolution (Phone: 867-975-6049)
• Legal Aid Nunavut: Free legal assistance for qualifying tenants (nulas.ca)
• More details on your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Read the full legislation
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office: Official government portal
3. Application to the Rental Officer Form: Download the form

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