Facing bedbugs or other pests in a rental unit can be stressful. As a tenant in the Northwest Territories you have rights and practical steps to protect your health, your belongings, and your legal position. This guide explains what landlords must do, how to document and report infestations, the official forms and tribunal to contact, and realistic remedies including repair requests, pest control, temporary relocation and dispute filing. It also covers how to work with public health, when to call for an inspection, and what to expect from the Residential Tenancies Office so you can act quickly and preserve evidence for any hearing.
What landlords must do
Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining a rental unit in a habitable condition. That includes arranging pest control when infestations affect the unit's livability or are caused by building conditions. If the infestation is building-wide, the landlord should coordinate extermination across affected units and may need to arrange temporary accommodation while treatment occurs. If your landlord does not respond, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution.[1]
What tenants should do first
Act quickly and calmly. Your primary goals are to stop the spread, document the problem, notify the landlord in writing, and follow reasonable instructions for treatment so you do not jeopardize your case.
- Gather evidence: take dated photos and videos of bites, live bugs, shed skins and mattress seams, and keep receipts for treatments or replacement items.
- Notify your landlord in writing immediately and request pest control and repair; keep a copy of the message and note the delivery method and date.
- Follow reasonable preparation instructions for extermination (laundering, moving furniture) but ask for clear, written directions if you have mobility or storage issues.
- Contact local public health if a health risk exists or if you need guidance about bites and cleaning protocols.
When repairs and pest control are delayed
If the landlord unreasonably delays arranging treatment or repair, you can apply for dispute resolution with the territorial body that handles tenancies and request an order for repairs, pest control, rent abatement, or temporary relocation. Never withhold rent without legal advice; follow the dispute process so a tribunal can set remedies and preserve your rights.
Working with public health and third parties
Public health can advise on medical risks and control measures; they sometimes inspect multi-unit buildings when infestations pose a community risk. If your building manager hires an exterminator, ask for the treatment plan in writing, the chemicals used, safety instructions, and whether follow-up treatments are scheduled.
Relevant forms and the tribunal
Common official forms used in NWT tenancy disputes include an application to the Residential Tenancies Office to start dispute resolution and any local maintenance request forms your landlord provides. For example, tenants typically complete an application form that asks for the tenancy details, a summary of the problem, and the remedy requested; submit this with copies of your evidence and records of written requests to your landlord.[2]
Related tenant resources
For broader guidance about health and safety or pest problems in rentals, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and practical tenant-facing pest advice at Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions. You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need to search for alternative housing during treatment.
FAQ
- Who handles tenancy disputes in the Northwest Territories?
- The Residential Tenancies Office is the territorial body that handles disputes about repairs, pest control, rent adjustments and other tenancy issues.[1]
- Can I withhold rent if my unit has bedbugs?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction. Use the dispute process: document the problem, notify the landlord in writing, and apply to the tribunal for an order if the landlord does not act.
- Which form do I use to start a dispute?
- Tenants generally file an application with the Residential Tenancies Office that describes the issue and the remedy sought; attach evidence and copies of written requests to your landlord.[2]
How-To
- Document evidence: photograph pests and bites, keep dates and receipts for any treatment or damaged items.
- Notify your landlord in writing, describe the infestation, and ask for prompt pest control and any necessary repairs.
- Follow treatment instructions and request written confirmation of the extermination plan and follow-ups.
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution with your evidence and copies of communications.[1]
- Attend any hearing, bring originals and copies of all documents, and follow the tribunal's order if granted.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories
- Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
- Health and Social Services, Government of the Northwest Territories
