5 Essential Things Tenants Should Know About Utilities in Northwest Territories

Understanding utilities and essential services is a critical part of renting a home in the Northwest Territories. Whether services like heat, power, and water are included, how responsibilities are divided between you and your landlord, and what to do if a problem arises can all impact your safety and comfort. Below, discover the most important aspects of utilities and services for tenants under Northwest Territories rental law, so you can avoid surprises and protect your rights.

1. Who Pays for Utilities? What Your Lease Should Say

In the Northwest Territories, whether tenants or landlords are responsible for utility payments (such as electricity, heat, water, sewer, or garbage) depends on your written rental agreement. Carefully read your lease:

• Included: Sometimes rent covers all or some utilities. If so, your agreement must specify which ones.
• Excluded: If you are responsible, you must arrange and pay for the specified utilities directly with service providers.

If your agreement is unclear, ask for clarification and written confirmation from the landlord. This helps avoid disputes over unpaid services or unexpected costs. For more on your rights and responsibilities after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

2. Minimum Heat and Essential Service Standards

Landlords are legally required to provide essential services—including heat—in most tenancies, especially during the cold Northwest Territories winters. The Residential Tenancies Act of Northwest Territories sets out these minimum standards.^[1] If your landlord controls the heat, they must maintain safe, reasonable temperatures. Other essential services may include:

• Hot and cold water
• Sewer and sanitation facilities
• Electricity
• Garbage removal (as outlined in your lease)

To learn more about keeping your rental safe and healthy, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

3. What to Do If Utilities or Services Are Interrupted

If your landlord is responsible for utilities and they are disconnected or interrupted (other than for repairs or emergencies), this could be a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]

• First, contact the landlord and request immediate action.
• If not resolved, inform the Residential Tenancy Office and consider filing an application (see 'Forms' below).
• Keep records of communications and the duration of the service disruption.

You may be entitled to compensation or a rent reduction if essential services are withheld without good reason.

4. Required Notice for Entering to Repair or Inspect Utilities

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental unit to repair or inspect utilities, unless there is an emergency. This rule helps protect your privacy while allowing landlords to maintain essential services. Emergency entries, such as fixing a broken water pipe or lost heat in freezing temperatures, do not require advance notice.

For persistent issues or repeated interruptions, consider using the Residential Tenancy Office complaint and application process.

5. Important Forms and How to Use Them

• Application Form – RT 1: Use this form to resolve disputes about utilities or other tenancy issues. For example, if your landlord refuses to restore essential services, you may submit Form RT 1 with the Residential Tenancy Office.
  Download Application Form (RT 1)
• Notice to Landlord – RT 3: If you plan to move out because essential utilities are not provided, this form can be used to notify your landlord of your intention to end the tenancy for cause.
  Download Notice to Landlord (RT 3)

Always submit your completed forms directly to the Residential Tenancy Office for timely processing.

As a summary, utilities and services can affect your well-being and rental costs. Know your agreement, the standards required by law, the landlord’s and tenant’s responsibilities, and your options if there’s a problem. For more about tenant and landlord rights in the territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

For those looking to relocate or secure housing in the North or beyond, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for added convenience and variety.

1. Who pays for utility bills – me or the landlord?
   It depends on your rental agreement. The lease should clearly state which utilities (if any) are included in rent and which ones the tenant must pay. Never assume—in Northwest Territories, both the landlord and tenant can negotiate these terms beforehand.
2. What if the heating in my rental unit isn’t working?
   Landlords must provide adequate heat, especially during winter. If the heat isn’t working, contact your landlord first. If they don’t fix it quickly, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Office for help or possible compensation.
3. Can my landlord cut off my electricity or water?
   No, landlords cannot deliberately withhold essential services. If your utilities are interrupted for non-payment or neglect (not your fault), report it to the Residential Tenancy Office as it may be a legal violation.
4. Is there a standard notice period for entering my unit to fix utilities?
   Yes—at least 24 hours' written notice is required except in emergencies, to respect your right to privacy.
5. Which government office manages rental disputes about utilities?
   The Residential Tenancy Office for Northwest Territories handles all tenancy-related disputes, including issues with utilities and essential services.

1. How do I apply to resolve a dispute over utility issues?
   
   1. Download and complete the Application Form (RT 1) from the Residential Tenancy Office.
   2. Gather evidence—such as your lease agreement, photos, and records of communication.
   3. Email, mail, or deliver the completed form to the Residential Tenancy Office.
   4. Wait for a hearing or decision from the Office—they may contact you for more details.
2. How do I notify my landlord if I need to end my lease due to lost services?
   
   1. Complete the Notice to Landlord (RT 3) form.
   2. Give the notice in writing to your landlord, citing the loss of essential utilities as the reason.
   3. Keep a copy of your notice for your records.
3. How do I check which utilities I’m responsible for before signing a lease?
   
   1. Carefully review the written tenancy agreement before signing.
   2. Ask the landlord to clarify any unclear sections about which services are included.
   3. Get all promises about utilities in writing as part of your agreement. This prevents misunderstandings.

• Always check your lease to understand who is responsible for each utility.
• If your landlord controls essential services, they must meet minimum standards by law and cannot withhold utilities unfairly.
• Dispute or disruption? The Residential Tenancy Office can help; use the correct forms and keep written records.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancy Office – Information, complaints, and forms for tenants and landlords
• Residential Tenancies Act of Northwest Territories – Full legislation text and explanations
• For more about your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act of Northwest Territories

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