Adding Someone to Your Lease in Northwest Territories: Tenant Guide

Thinking of sharing your rental with a new roommate, partner, or family member? In the Northwest Territories, adding someone to your lease requires a few careful steps to protect everyone’s rights. This guide explains what tenants need to do, provides links to key resources, and answers common questions—so you can make an informed move.

Understanding the Basics: Adding a Person to Your Lease

When you want to include another person on your lease (making them a co-tenant rather than just a guest or occupant), it usually means updating your rental agreement with the landlord’s consent. This change affects responsibilities for rent, property care, and your rights under territorial law.

In the Northwest Territories, residential tenancies are regulated by the Office of the Rental Officer, under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT).¹

Why Add Someone to the Lease?

• They’ll have legal tenant rights and obligations
• You both become financially responsible for rent and damages
• Transparency helps avoid disputes with your landlord

For more on responsibilities as a tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Steps to Add a Person to Your Lease in Northwest Territories

• Review your lease agreement for any clauses about changes to occupancy or adding roommates.
• Contact your landlord or property manager. Written consent is required before the lease can be updated.
• Submit a formal request—preferably in writing—explaining who you wish to add and their relationship to the tenancy.
• If landlord agrees, you’ll both need to sign an addendum or a new lease agreement including the new tenant’s details.
• If your landlord refuses unreasonably, you may apply to the Rental Officer for dispute resolution.

Official Forms You May Need

• Tenancy Agreement Addendum (NWT):
  This is not a government-specific form, but a written agreement (signed by all parties) can act as an addendum to your existing lease. Ensure it clearly names the new tenant and confirms landlord approval.
  Find the standard tenancy agreement form here for your reference.

For complex situations (such as if your landlord objects), ask the Rental Officer for the appropriate application form to resolve the dispute.

Things to Consider Before Adding a Roommate or Co-Tenant

• Adding a new person means sharing responsibility for payment of rent and damages.
• The landlord may require the new person to complete a rental application or background check.
• Security deposit adjustments may be discussed.

If you’re unsure about deposit rules or refunds, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Tip: Always get landlord approval in writing before letting a new person move in. This protects both tenants and avoids accidental lease violations.

If you’re searching for a new place to live together, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to see current listings and options near you.

After Adding a New Tenant

• Keep a signed copy of any lease amendments or addenda for your records.
• Ensure all tenants understand their rights and joint responsibilities. For an overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Adding a person to your lease is a shared commitment. Open communication with your landlord can help prevent misunderstandings down the road.

FAQ: Adding Someone to Your Lease in Northwest Territories

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add someone to my lease?
   Yes. You must get written consent from your landlord before making any changes to the lease or allowing someone to move in as a co-tenant.
2. Can my landlord refuse to add another tenant?
   Landlords can refuse the addition of a new tenant for a valid reason (such as occupancy limits or concerns about the new tenant), but cannot refuse unreasonably. If you feel the refusal is unfair, you can apply to the Rental Officer for resolution.
3. Is it enough to just inform my landlord, or do we need new paperwork?
   Simply informing the landlord is not enough. You and your landlord must sign a lease amendment or an addendum identifying the new tenant’s details and responsibilities.
4. What if the new person will only stay temporarily?
   If someone will stay for an extended period (not just occasional visits), discuss with your landlord whether their status will be as a tenant or an occupant, as this can affect your lease terms.
5. What rights does the added tenant have?
   Once added, a new co-tenant has the same legal rights and responsibilities as the original tenants, including paying rent and following the lease.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You must get landlord approval before adding someone to your lease in the Northwest Territories.
• Use a written lease amendment or addendum for clarity and recordkeeping.
• If disputes arise, the Rental Officer can assist you.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Office of the Rental Officer – Information, forms, and dispute support
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
• Local legal clinics or tenant associations—often offer free guidance on tenancy problems

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT): Official Legislation PDF
2. Northwest Territories Office of the Rental Officer: Government Resource

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