Nunavut Rental Deposit Rules & Calculator
Nunavut caps the standard security deposit at one month of rent for non-weekly tenancies.
Calculate the standard maximum
This models the standard rule summarized by the official source below. Special tenancy types, pets, keys or other permitted charges can follow different rules.
The rule in plain English
Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act allows a security deposit up to one month of rent for a tenancy other than weekly. A tenant may pay 50% at the start and the remaining 50% within three months.
For a normal monthly tenancy, the full deposit can reach one month of rent, but the Act provides a staged payment schedule instead of requiring the whole amount immediately.
What renters should verify before paying
- Maximum for non-weekly tenancies is one month of rent.
- Half can be paid at the start and half within three months.
- The Act prohibits separate first-month or last-month rent deposits beyond the permitted security deposit.
A landlord asking for money does not by itself establish that the payment is permitted. Ask what the payment is for, get the amount and purpose in writing, and keep proof of payment. This is especially important for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with local tenancy rules and may feel pressure to secure housing quickly.
Why this rule matters to your move-in budget
The deposit changes how much cash you need before move-in. At $2,000 monthly rent, a one-month deposit means another $2,000 upfront; a half-month cap means $1,000; and a rule that prohibits an additional security deposit can materially reduce the amount a landlord may require. Use the calculator with your actual rent rather than a national average.
Credit history does not erase tenancy law
Newcomers sometimes encounter requests for extra money because they have little or no Canadian credit history. Deposit rules still matter. Before offering several months of rent or an extra “damage deposit,” check what the relevant tenancy authority allows and consider safer ways to strengthen an application, such as employment evidence, references or a guarantor where appropriate.
Primary official source
Nunavut — Residential Tenancies Act, section 14 →
General information only. Residential tenancy law can change and special situations can have different rules. Check the official source before acting.
Related CanadaStarter tools
Compare deposit rules across Canada →
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