Can a New Landlord Raise Your Rent in Northwest Territories?

Wondering if a new landlord can immediately increase your rent in Northwest Territories? Understanding your rights is important when a rental property changes hands, especially if affordability is a concern. This guide explains what the law says about rent increases, your protections as a tenant, and how to respond if you get a rent hike notice.

Who Regulates Rent Increases in Northwest Territories?

In the Northwest Territories, residential tenancies are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). The main law is the Residential Tenancies Act^[1], which sets out the rules for rent increases, notices, and your tenant rights.

What Happens When a New Landlord Buys a Rental Property?

If your rental unit is sold, the lease and rental agreement do not automatically end or change. The new owner steps into the shoes of your old landlord – they must follow all existing agreements, including respecting the current rent amount and any restrictions on rent increases.

For more on what you can expect after signing or continuing a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Can a New Landlord Raise the Rent Immediately?

No, a new landlord in Northwest Territories cannot raise your rent right away just because they purchased the property. Any rent increases must follow the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act:

• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Notice Required: Landlords must provide written notice at least 3 months before the increase takes effect.
• Form and Delivery: The notice should be in writing and delivered properly (in person or by mail).
• Valid Increase: The rent increase cannot take effect until the required notice period has passed, no matter who owns the property.

If you have recently moved in, or if your current rental agreement started less than 12 months ago, the new landlord cannot increase your rent until one full year passes from your last increase (or move-in date) and only with proper notice.

Required Rent Increase Notice: Form and Use

The Northwest Territories RTO provides a Notice of Rent Increase form. While the Act does not specify a government-mandated form number, written notice must include:

• Name and address of the landlord
• Address of the rental property
• Current and new rent amount
• Effective date of the rent increase
• Date the notice is served

Example: If your rent is currently $1200, and the landlord wishes to increase it, they must send you a notice with the details above at least 3 months before the new amount starts. For fillable forms, visit the NWT Residential Tenancies Office Forms page.

What Should You Do if You Receive a Notice of Rent Increase?

Carefully check that:

• The notice is in writing and includes all required information
• You received at least 3 months’ notice
• It has been at least 12 months since your last rent increase

What If the New Landlord Doesn't Follow the Rules?

If your new landlord tries to raise the rent without following the legal requirements, you can:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for clarification
• File an application to dispute the invalid rent increase
• Continue paying your original rent amount until the dispute is resolved

Staying informed about your rights, as detailed in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories, can help protect you from unlawful rent hikes.

Where to Find New Rentals and Compare Prices

Looking for more options or comparing current rental prices? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to explore affordable housing listings across the country.

Other Key Tenant Considerations

When a new landlord takes over, your other tenancy rights remain unchanged. For example:

• Security deposits must be properly transferred and managed
• Maintenance and repair obligations continue
• Your lease terms and responsibilities stay the same

Staying up to date with the rights and responsibilities of both parties is crucial. For detailed info, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord raise the rent if I am on a month-to-month lease?
   Yes, as long as they provide at least 3 months’ written notice and haven’t increased the rent in the past 12 months.
2. Can I refuse to pay the increased rent if proper notice wasn’t given?
   If notice is insufficient or incorrect, you are not legally required to pay the higher amount. Contact the Residential Tenancies Office right away.
3. What if the new landlord didn’t notify me of the ownership change?
   The new landlord should provide their contact information, but your lease continues as before. Rent can only be raised following proper rules.
4. Are there limits to how much rent can be increased in Northwest Territories?
   There is no government cap, but increases must not be so high as to be considered unconscionable or intended to force you out. You can dispute extreme increases with the Residential Tenancies Office.
5. Where can I get help if I disagree with a rent increase?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance or to file a dispute.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• A new landlord cannot raise rent immediately after taking over.
• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, with at least 3 months’ written notice.
• Always check your notice is valid and seek help if something feels off.

Understanding your rights – and acting quickly if you receive an improper rent increase – will help keep your housing secure and affordable.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Official government body for tenancy disputes in Northwest Territories. Phone: (867) 920-8047
• NWT Tenancy Forms and Resources: Access official application and notice forms
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories: Comprehensive info on local laws and protections

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1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office

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