Backup Heating Fuel Storage Rules for NWT Rentals

Tenants who rent in the Northwest Territories sometimes rely on backup heating fuel — especially in remote or cold-season rentals. As a renter, you should know the basic safety standards, landlord and tenant responsibilities, and where to find official rules that affect storing oil, propane, or other fuels on rental property. This guide explains practical steps for safe storage, what to check in your lease, how to document concerns, and when to ask your landlord to act. It also covers how to use official forms and who to contact if a dispute or safety issue arises, so you can keep your home warm without risking fines, damage, or tenancy problems.

What the rules cover

The Residential Tenancies Act sets out general rights and responsibilities for renters and landlords in the Northwest Territories ^[1]. Rules that affect fuel storage address safety, allowable quantities, permitted container types, and the need for landlord approval where tanks or large containers are involved. If a storage method creates a safety risk, the landlord or local authority can require changes and, in some cases, order removal. For urgent hazards, tenants should report the issue immediately and follow up in writing so there is a record.

Safe storage practices for tenants

• Store portable fuel containers outside living spaces and on non-combustible surfaces to reduce fire risk.
• Use only approved containers and keep labels intact so emergency services can identify the fuel type.
• Keep small reserves and rotate supplies to avoid long-term storage of old fuel that can degrade and clog systems.
• Keep a written record of amounts stored and any communications with your landlord about permission or concerns.

Lease terms and landlord permission

Check your rental agreement for any clauses about fuel storage and heating systems. If the lease is silent, ask your landlord for written permission before installing tanks or storing large quantities. If a landlord requires changes or denies storage, request the reason in writing and keep copies of all messages. For broader obligations and rights under tenancy law, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official forms and when to use them

• Application for Dispute Resolution — use this form to ask the Residential Tenancies Office to decide a dispute about safety, storage permission, or repairs; for example, when a landlord refuses a reasonable safety fix and you need a formal order.
• Notice or written request to landlord — not always a formal government form, but a dated written request (email or letter) asking the landlord to address unsafe storage can be attached to any future application to the tenancy office.

When describing how to use a form: include the date, details of the hazard, photos if possible, and the remedy you want (repair, removal of tank, or written permission). Keep copies of everything.

Enforcement and what the Residential Tenancies Office can do

If you cannot resolve a safety or storage dispute with your landlord, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for a decision ^[2]. The Office can order repairs, direct a landlord to remove hazards, or provide remedies if tenancy rights were breached. If a matter involves immediate danger, contact local emergency services first and then follow up with the Residential Tenancies Office and written documentation.

FAQ

Can I keep a portable propane cylinder in my rental?

Many small propane cylinders are allowed if stored outside, secured, upright, and away from ignition sources; check your lease and local fire code, and inform your landlord in writing.

Who is responsible for leaks or unsafe fuel installations?

Landlords are generally responsible for ensuring the rental is safe and habitable; tenants should report leaks or unsafe installations immediately and keep written records of notices.

What if my landlord refuses to fix a safety problem related to fuel storage?

If informal requests fail, use the official application process with the Residential Tenancies Office and include photos and dated correspondence as evidence.

How-To

1. Check your lease and any building rules for clauses about fuel storage and heating equipment.
2. Document the storage area with photos, note container types and quantities, and save receipts.
3. Send a dated written request to your landlord asking for permission or repair, and keep a copy of that message.
4. If the issue is not resolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Office asking for an order to remedy the hazard.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories
• Residential tenancies and dispute forms, Government of the Northwest Territories
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act and related rules, Government of the Northwest Territories
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories