Nunavut Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Nunavut's landlord-tenant laws are governed primarily by the Residential Tenancies Act, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both property owners and renters in the territory. Understanding these regulations is essential for running a compliant and successful rental business in Nunavut.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws may change. Always consult a licensed attorney in Nunavut for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Nunavut Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

In Nunavut, landlords may charge a security deposit of up to one month's rent. Tenants have the unique option to pay half of this deposit upfront and the remaining half within three months of moving in. If pets are allowed, landlords can charge an additional pet deposit of up to 50% of a month's rent for new tenants.

Landlords must hold the deposit in trust, pay interest on it, and return it within 10 days of the end of the tenancy along with an itemized list of any deductions.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits guide.

Rent Increases

Nunavut does not have a formal rent control policy capping the amount rent can be increased. However, the Residential Tenancies Act heavily regulates the process:

• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Landlords must provide at least 3 months' written notice before the increase takes effect.
• The first rent increase cannot occur until 12 months after the tenancy begins.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Evicting a tenant in Nunavut requires strict adherence to legal notice periods:

• Non-payment of Rent: If rent is 5 days late, a landlord can serve a 10-day notice to end the tenancy.
• Breach of Lease: If a tenant breaches a statutory condition, the landlord must give 3 days' notice to correct it. If uncorrected, the landlord can serve a 5-day notice to end the tenancy.

Note that only a Sheriff, authorized by the Rental Officer or the courts, can forcibly remove a tenant.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures

While Nunavut may not have as exhaustive a list of specific disclosures as some other jurisdictions, the lease agreement itself must clearly outline the terms, the legal name and address of the landlord, and explicitly detail any rules or additional charges.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords have a fundamental duty to provide and maintain the rental premises in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and complying with all health, safety, and housing standards. This duty applies even if the tenant knew of the lack of repair before entering into the tenancy agreement.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Lease Agreements

A tenancy agreement in Nunavut can be written, oral, or implied, but standard terms defined by the Act apply to all. It is highly recommended to use clear, written agreements that specify rent, deposit terms, utility responsibilities, and any other rules that do not conflict with the Act.

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Late Fees

The Residential Tenancies Act sets limits on when and how penalties like late fees can be applied. Any fee must be reasonable and explicitly outlined in the tenancy agreement.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing a rental property in Nunavut requires careful attention to the Residential Tenancies Act. Landager helps property owners automate lease management, ensure accurate rent increase notices, and securely track deposit accounting.

Explore more Nunavut compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees