Nunavut repairs, landlord access and essential services

Request repairs clearly

Photograph the issue, describe how it affects use of the home, document written requests, and identify whether vital services are interrupted.

Section 30 requires the landlord to maintain the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. For a substantial breach brought to the landlord’s attention, sections 30(5)–(6) call for reasonable notice from the tenant and a remedy within ten days. Keep a dated written repair request and evidence of the condition; section 33 separately addresses vital services. The Rental Office can explain the application route if the issue is unresolved.

Entry

The Act has specific landlord-entry and notice provisions with exceptions. Read the relevant section rather than borrowing another territory’s forms.

Under sections 26(2)–(4), a landlord entering for an authorized purpose must usually provide at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the purpose and the entry days and hours. The stated hours must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A tenant who objects may specify reasonable alternative days or hours (section 26(5)).

Section 27 permits entry without the usual notice for an emergency, with the tenant’s consent at the time, or when the landlord has reasonable grounds to believe the premises have been vacated or abandoned. These are exceptions, not permission for routine unannounced inspections.

What Rental Officer can do

The Nunavut Rental Office helps settle disputes, may hold hearings and makes orders under the Act. Ask which remedy is appropriate for an unresolved repair dispute.

Repair-request record that can be used in a hearing

For an example, if a furnace stops providing heat, record the indoor temperature, when the problem began, photographs or readings, and the time the landlord was informed. Explain whether anyone is at immediate risk and keep copies of requests for urgent service. For a non-urgent leaking tap, document the repair issue and follow-up dates separately. The appropriate speed of action depends on the condition and risk.

In a continuing dispute, attach the tenancy agreement, the repair request, evidence it reached the landlord, a timeline of responses and any repair invoice or inspection report. Do not stop paying rent merely because the repair has not occurred; ask the Rental Office which applications and remedies are available.

Entry notice example

A notice delivered at 9 a.m. Monday for an inspection at 10 a.m. Tuesday has more than 24 hours' advance warning, but the proposed reason and hours must still be authorized. A tenant who cannot accommodate the time should respond in writing with a reasonable alternative. Emergency access and entry with contemporaneous consent must be assessed under the Act's exceptions, not treated as an all-purpose right to inspect without notice.

For current procedure, contact the Rental Office. The specific timing and entry provisions above are drawn from the previously reviewed statutory consolidation and require confirmation if a 2026 dispute depends on them.