Above-Guideline Rent Increases in Northwest Territories: Tenant Guide

If you're renting in the Northwest Territories and your landlord is seeking to raise your rent by more than the usual amount, it's important to understand how above-guideline rent increases work. This article explains your rights, what rules landlords must follow, the application process, and how you can respond. Staying informed ensures you're prepared if you ever receive a notice for a significant rent increase.

What Is an Above-Guideline Rent Increase?

In the Northwest Territories, there is no provincially-set rent increase guideline. However, landlords must follow legal requirements for increasing rent—including notice periods and potential dispute processes. An "above-guideline" increase generally refers to any rental increase that is seen as excessive or higher than normal, often justified by major renovations, repairs, or extra services provided by the landlord.

Who Regulates Rental Increases?

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) of the Government of Northwest Territories oversees landlord-tenant matters, including rent increases. The law governing these relationships is the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹.

Rules for Rent Increases in Northwest Territories

• No Limit on Increase Amount: There’s no legal cap on how much rent can increase in the NWT.
• Notice Required: Landlords must provide tenants with at least three full months’ written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for a given tenancy.

What Should Be Included in a Rent Increase Notice?

Landlords must give notice in writing, stating:

• The amount of the new rent
• The effective date of the increase

Tenants should keep this notice for their records. If you aren’t sure if the notice is valid, you can ask the Residential Tenancies Office for help.

Disputing an Above-Guideline Rent Increase

While there are no official caps, tenants in the Northwest Territories have the right to object if they believe an increase is unfair, retaliatory, or not justified by property improvements or additional services. The Residential Tenancies Act gives you the option to apply for a hearing if you want to challenge the increase.

How to Object: Application Process and Forms

• Form Name: Application to Determine Dispute
• Where to Get: Available on the Residential Tenancies Office forms page
• When to Use: Use this form if you want the RTO to review the rent increase or any other dispute between you and your landlord.

Example: If your landlord raises the rent by 20% and you believe this is not reasonable or justified by significant improvements, you can submit the Application to Determine Dispute before the increase takes effect.

What Happens After You Apply?

• The RTO schedules a hearing—typically by telephone or videoconference.
• Both landlord and tenant have the chance to present evidence.
• The Hearing Officer decides if the rent increase is allowed under the law.

Tenants should act quickly: It’s best to submit your objection well before the increase is set to begin, giving the RTO time to review your case.

Your Rights and What to Watch Out For

• Rent increases must always follow legal notice rules
• Landlords cannot raise rent more than once every 12 months
• If you have a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased until the lease ends (unless your lease says otherwise)
• Above-guideline increases should be based on legitimate reasons, not as a response to complaints or requests for repairs.

For more advice on typical rental concerns, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know or Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For a detailed summary of tenant protections in your territory, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

What If You Can’t Afford the Increase?

If an above-guideline increase puts your housing at risk, you may want to explore subsidies or alternative affordable housing options. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare options and see if more affordable rentals are available in your area.

Step-by-Step: Disputing a Rent Increase

If you decide to challenge an above-guideline rent increase, here’s what to do:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for advice or clarification
• Gather your lease, rent increase notice, and any supporting documents
• Fill out the Application to Determine Dispute form
• Submit it to the RTO as soon as possible—ideally well in advance of the rent increase date
• Attend the scheduled hearing and present your case

FAQ: Above-Guideline Rent Increases in Northwest Territories

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give for a rent increase?
   At least three full months’ written notice before the increase begins.
2. Is there a maximum amount my landlord can increase rent by?
   No, the Northwest Territories does not cap the amount of rent increase, but notice and frequency rules apply.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent more than once a year?
   No. Rent can only be raised once every 12 months for a given tenancy.
4. How do I object to a rent increase I think is unfair?
   Complete the Application to Determine Dispute form and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office before the new rent takes effect.
5. What if my rent was increased after I complained about something?
   Retaliatory rent increases are not allowed. You can dispute this by filing an application with the RTO.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• There is no limit on rent increase amounts in the NWT, but notice and frequency rules protect tenants
• Tenants can dispute unfair increases at the Residential Tenancies Office
• Understanding your rights helps you make informed choices if you receive an above-guideline increase notice

Stay proactive and seek help if you’re unsure about your situation. Comparing rental options can help if affordability is a concern.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Advice, forms, dispute resolution
• NWT Housing Corporation Rent Supplement Program – Help with affordable housing
• Legal Aid NWT: Free or low-cost legal support for tenants
• Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a detailed summary of local laws

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1. Northwest Territories: Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Northwest Territories)
3. Rent Supplement Programs - NWT Housing Corporation

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