Before travelling to the community
Confirm the basic terms of the rental before you arrange transportation or ship belongings. Ask the landlord or housing provider for the complete rental agreement, move-in date, rent amount, payment method, deposit details, utility responsibilities, included appliances, parking arrangements, and rules about guests or pets. If the home is furnished, request an inventory. Confirm who will provide keys and whether someone can complete a remote or video walkthrough if you cannot inspect the unit in person.
- Keep the signed rental agreement, approval letter, receipts, contact information, and move-in instructions together in paper and digital form.
- Confirm when rent and any deposit are due, how payments must be made, and whether transportation or delivery costs are your responsibility.
- Ask for an emergency repair number and an alternate contact if the landlord or property manager is unreachable.
- Confirm the move-in appointment, key collection arrangements, and any community access or travel restrictions.
If you are still searching for housing, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings, then verify the listing details directly with the landlord or housing provider before paying money.
Check the rental agreement and deposit
Read the agreement carefully and ask for clarification about anything that is unclear. A written agreement should identify the parties, the rental unit, rent, included services, term, payment dates, and responsibilities for utilities and maintenance. Keep proof of every payment. For general information about deposits and common tenant questions, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
- Record the amount and purpose of every deposit, fee, rent payment, and prepaid amount.
- Check whether the agreement explains heating, fuel, electricity, water, sewage, garbage collection, internet, and snow removal.
- Do not sign blank pages or agree to terms that conflict with the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancy Act.
Complete a move-in inspection
Inspect the unit as soon as possible after receiving the keys, preferably with the landlord or an agent. Take dated photographs or video of every room, appliance, window, door, floor, wall, ceiling, fixture, and storage area. Note existing damage, odours, stains, pests, missing items, and meter readings. Use a written report and ask the landlord to acknowledge it. A detailed inspection can help distinguish pre-existing conditions from damage alleged later. For more guidance, read Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.
- Photograph the entry doors, locks, windows, smoke alarms, heating equipment, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and any visible damage.
- Test heat, hot and cold water, toilets, lights, outlets, ventilation, appliances, and any fuel or water systems that serve the home.
- Send the inspection report and photographs to the landlord, and keep the message showing when they were delivered.
Plan for utilities, supplies, and winter conditions
Remote housing may depend on fuel deliveries, water tanks, private septic systems, generators, or services that operate on different schedules. Clarify what the landlord maintains and what the tenant must arrange. Ask how to report a fuel shortage, frozen pipe, power outage, water problem, or failed heating system. Keep emergency supplies appropriate for the season, including flashlights, batteries, food, drinking water, medication, warm clothing, and a way to contact help.
- Confirm who monitors fuel levels, arranges deliveries, clears access routes, and pays for emergency service calls.
- Check that smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, exits, stairs, handrails, and electrical equipment appear safe and functional.
- Keep the landlord’s emergency number, local emergency services information, and transportation contacts where everyone can find them.
- Record outage dates, indoor temperatures, water problems, repair requests, and responses from the landlord.
For a broader explanation of rental health and safety concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If a serious problem affects heat, water, sanitation, security, or safe occupancy, report it promptly in writing and explain the effect on the household.
Know what to do when repairs are needed
Tell the landlord about maintenance problems as soon as you notice them. Give the address, a clear description, photographs where useful, and reasonable access times. Keep copies of messages and note whether the landlord arranged an inspection or repair. Do not make major changes or hire a contractor at the landlord’s expense unless the agreement or applicable law allows it and you have clear authorization. If the issue is urgent or the unit may be unsafe, explain that clearly and contact emergency services when there is an immediate danger.
- Submit a written repair request describing the problem, when it began, and the access needed.
- Follow up within a reasonable time and keep a log of deadlines, appointments, missed visits, and temporary measures.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Office if the landlord does not address a serious tenancy problem or a dispute cannot be resolved.
Northwest Territories tenancy help
The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office administers residential tenancy services and provides information about applications, disputes, and rental rules. The governing law is the Residential Tenancy Act. Read the Act and current guidance before relying on advice from an informal source.[1] The office’s forms page includes the current application materials used to ask a Rental Officer to decide a residential tenancy dispute.[2]
Forms and practical examples
- Application to a Rental Officer: use the current Residential Tenancies Office application when you want a Rental Officer to address issues such as unpaid rent, repairs, a deposit, or another dispute; attach the agreement, inspection report, payment records, notices, photographs, and communication log.
- Response or supporting documents: if you receive an application or notice, follow the instructions provided, meet the stated deadline, and submit a clear response with copies of relevant evidence.
- Evidence package: organize dated photographs, receipts, repair requests, inspection notes, and witness information so the decision-maker can understand what happened and when.
Check the official forms page for the current form names, filing instructions, service requirements, and any available form numbers before submitting an application. Procedures can change, and a form that is incomplete or sent to the wrong place may delay the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should a tenant do before moving to a remote Northwest Territories community?
- Confirm the rental agreement, rent, deposit, utilities, move-in date, key arrangements, emergency contacts, and transportation plan, and keep copies of all records offline.
- How can a renter document the condition of a new home?
- Complete a move-in inspection, take dated photographs or video, write down existing problems and meter readings, and send the report to the landlord promptly.
- Who handles residential tenancy disputes in the Northwest Territories?
- The Residential Tenancies Office provides residential tenancy information and processes applications for a Rental Officer to decide eligible disputes.
- What form can a tenant use when a rental dispute cannot be resolved?
- A tenant can review the current Application to a Rental Officer materials on the official Residential Tenancies Office forms page and follow the filing and service instructions.
How-To: Prepare for move-in
- Review and save the rental agreement, deposit records, utility terms, contacts, and move-in instructions.
- Confirm the travel plan, key appointment, emergency contact, and access to essential supplies.
- Inspect the home, photograph its condition, test essential systems, and report defects in writing.
- Report urgent repairs immediately and keep a dated record of every request, response, and appointment.
- Review the official Residential Tenancies Office process if a serious dispute remains unresolved.
Help and Support / Resources
- Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy information and Rental Officer services.
- Residential Tenancies Office forms for current applications and filing instructions.
- Northwest Territories Residential Tenancy Act for the governing legislation.
