10 Roommate & Shared Housing Facts for NWT Tenants

Sharing a home with roommates is common across the Northwest Territories, offering an affordable way to access housing and split living costs. But, living with others brings important legal and practical considerations. This guide unpacks 10 essential facts for tenants in the NWT to stay informed, safeguard your rights, and ensure a positive roommate experience.

Understanding Roommate and Shared Housing Arrangements

Roommate setups can be structured in two main ways: all tenants named jointly on a standard lease with the landlord, or one main tenant (the "head tenant") sublets or licenses rooms to others.

• If all roommates sign the lease, you share equal legal responsibility to the landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1].
• If only one tenant is on the lease, others may be subtenants or licensees. This means your main legal relationship is with that tenant, not directly with the landlord.

Fact 1: Roommate Agreements Are Vital

Roommate (or housemate) agreements aren't legally required in the NWT, but they help avoid disputes. Agreements should cover:

• Rent, utility, and deposit contributions
• Payment dates
• Rules for guests, chores, and privacy
• Process for moving out

Fact 2: Security Deposits—Who's Responsible?

In joint leases, the landlord can seek the full security deposit from any tenant—not just one. You should clarify who pays which share and how refunds will be divided. Learn the NWT rules in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Fact 3: Repairs and Maintenance

If all tenants are on the lease, everyone is responsible for keeping the rental in good condition. For shared areas, communicate openly about cleaning and maintenance. Report serious repair issues to the landlord together and keep records. If only one roommate is on the lease, other occupants must report problems to the main tenant, who then contacts the landlord. Get clarity on responsibilities in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Fact 4: Utility Payments and Shared Costs

Decide early how to fairly split utilities and other shared costs. It’s best if bills are in all roommates’ names or keep proof of payment if reimbursing one person. This reduces disputes and confusion when someone moves out.

Fact 5: Personal Belongings and Privacy

Each roommate has a right to privacy and the protection of personal property. Respect each other’s space, and never enter private rooms or handle belongings without permission.

Fact 6: Health, Safety, and Inspections

All tenants have a right to a healthy and safe living space. Report safety hazards, broken locks, or pests to your landlord. The Residential Tenancies Office can assist with disputes or if repairs are not addressed^[2]. See more about your rights and obligations in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Fact 7: Moving In and Moving Out

When a new roommate joins, update the lease if possible. When someone leaves, clarify how rent, utilities, and deposit shares will be handled. Use the official "Notice to Quit" form when ending a lease (see forms below). Conduct a move-out inspection together to avoid conflicts.

Fact 8: Subletting and Adding Roommates

You must get written consent from your landlord to add a roommate or sublet in most situations. Failure to do so may violate your lease or the law.

Fact 9: Disputes Between Roommates

The Residential Tenancies Office usually only handles disputes between tenants and landlords, not between roommates. For internal house disputes (e.g., unpaid rent shares or property damage), you may need to go to Small Claims Court or mediation. Communication and written agreements are your best prevention.

Fact 10: Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities

Whether you’re named on the lease or living as a subtenant, it’s crucial to understand your obligations to both the landlord and your housemates. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page offers a complete overview.

For additional housing options, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada to suit your needs.

Key Forms for Northwest Territories Roommates & Shared Rentals

• Notice to Quit (Form NWT RT-01): Used by tenants to legally end their tenancy. Submit at least one rental period in advance unless otherwise agreed.
  Access the form and instructions on the NWT Residential Tenancies Office website.
  Example: If all roommates want to end the tenancy, each should submit this form to the landlord. If only one roommate leaves, clarify any impacts to the shared lease and notify the landlord immediately.
• Application to the Rental Officer (Form NWT RT-03): Used to resolve disputes or request an official order (e.g., repair orders, disagreements over deposit returns).
  Download this form from the NWT Residential Tenancies Office.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to return a deposit after all roommates move out, submit Form RT-03.

All forms and resources are managed by the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office.

1. Are tenants responsible for their roommate’s unpaid rent?
   If you are both named on the lease, each tenant is jointly and individually responsible for the entire rent. If only one person is on the lease, subtenants’ primary responsibility is to the main tenant.
2. What happens if a roommate causes property damage?
   The landlord can seek the costs from any or all tenants on the lease. Roommates may sort out their shares among themselves through private agreements or Small Claims Court if needed.
3. Can the landlord evict just one roommate?
   Generally, eviction applies to all tenants on a lease. A landlord cannot evict a specific roommate unless clearly stated in the lease or by a court/tribunal order.
4. Do all roommates have to provide notice to end the tenancy?
   Yes. If you are a leaseholder, you must give proper written notice using the correct form. If you are a subtenant, notify the head tenant and follow your agreement.
5. Where can tenants get help with roommate disputes?
   The Residential Tenancies Office can assist with landlord-tenant issues. Roommate-to-roommate disputes are often settled through negotiation, written agreements, or Small Claims Court.

1. How to add a new roommate to your rental?
   Check your lease to ensure it allows more occupants. Seek written approval from your landlord, and have the new roommate sign a roommate agreement.
2. How to legally end a shared tenancy in the NWT?
   Give written notice to your landlord using the Notice to Quit (Form NWT RT-01) at least one rental period in advance. All leaseholders must sign, or one can give notice in a sublet situation.
3. How to split utilities and ensure fairness?
   Agree in writing on each person’s share. Where possible, put bills in all occupants’ names or keep written proof of payment.
4. How to report unsafe living conditions?
   Notifying the landlord in writing is the first step. If concerns aren’t fixed, submit Application to the Rental Officer (Form NWT RT-03) for assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Roommate agreements, written notice, and open communication are crucial for shared housing success in the NWT.
• Understand your legal obligations—consult the Residential Tenancies Office and the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page for detailed guidance.
• Use official forms and resources to make changes to living arrangements or resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office – Forms, dispute resolution, and tenant information
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – official legislation
• Local legal aid or tenant help lines for additional support

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office

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