Living in the Northwest Territories as a renter can be stressful if a landlord crosses legal lines. This guide explains how tenants can recognise Criminal Code offences by landlords, protect personal safety, gather clear evidence, and use territorial complaint channels. It also covers when to call the police, what official forms and deadlines matter, and practical steps to preserve your tenancy rights while seeking remedies. Accessible language and clear action steps are provided so tenants can act confidently whether dealing with threats, unlawful entry, harassment, damage, or fraud.
What kinds of Criminal Code offences by landlords should tenants watch for?
Some landlord actions are criminal, not just breaches of a lease. Common Criminal Code issues include threats, assault, sexual assault, forcing entry, theft, mischief (property damage), intimidation or extortion, fraud, and harassment that rises to criminal harassment. If you feel unsafe, calling police is appropriate; criminal conduct should be handled by law enforcement rather than only through tenancy processes.
Immediate steps if you suspect a Criminal Code offence
- Call emergency services if you are in danger or an assault has occurred.
- Document the incident: photos, videos, messages, and a written timeline are essential.
- Contact police to file a report and get an event or file number to reference later.
- Preserve evidence and avoid altering the scene if police are investigating.
How tenancy processes and criminal processes differ
Criminal prosecutions (police and Crown) focus on public safety and sanctioning illegal conduct. Tenancy offices and tribunals handle disputes about rights under the residential tenancy framework, like illegal eviction or failure to maintain a unit. You can pursue both paths: report criminal behaviour to police and also use territorial tenancy complaint procedures to address housing-specific remedies such as orders for repair or compensation.[1]
Official forms and when to use them
Tenants in the Northwest Territories will typically use forms to file complaints with the territorial residential tenancy office or to request tribunal hearings. Examples include an application or complaint form to start a tenancy dispute and forms to request an immediate repair order or rent adjustment when habitability is affected. Use the complaint form when you have landlord harassment, illegal eviction, or unpaid deposit disputes; include your police report number if a criminal report was filed. Always attach copies of evidence and keep originals.
Habitability, health and safety, and repairs
If a Criminal Code offence involves damage or threats affecting habitability, use territorial repair and safety complaint routes as well as criminal reporting. For safety and habitability guidance see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting which explains common problems, when to request repairs, and when to escalate.
Practical evidence checklist before filing
- Detailed written log with dates, times, and witnesses.
- Photos or videos of damage, locks, or threats.
- Copies of written communication: texts, emails, notices.
- Police report number and officer contact details.
When to get legal or tenant advocacy help
If the situation is complex, involves potential eviction, or you face criminal conduct, seek legal advice or tenant support services. Free or low-cost clinics can help you understand rights, complete forms, and prepare for hearings. If you choose to move because of safety concerns, preserve records showing your reasons and any police or repair filings.
Finding alternative rentals
If you need a new place quickly, trusted listing sites can help you search suitable options while you resolve the dispute. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings offers a map-based search of Canadian rental homes to help you relocate safely and quickly.
FAQ
- What should I do first if my landlord commits a criminal offence?
- Ensure your safety and call police if you are in immediate danger, then document the incident and get a police report number.
- Can I use tenancy tribunals and the Criminal Code at the same time?
- Yes. Police and Crown handle criminal charges while tenancy offices handle housing remedies; you can pursue both concurrently.
- What evidence do I need to file a complaint?
- Clear photos/videos, a written timeline with witnesses, copies of messages, and any police report are the core materials to submit.
How-To
- Ensure immediate safety: leave the unit if you are at risk and call emergency services.
- Gather evidence: take photos, save messages, and write a dated incident log.
- Call police to report criminal actions and obtain the incident report number.
- File a formal complaint with the territorial residential tenancy office using their complaint form and attach evidence and the police report number.[2]
- Contact tenant advisory services or a legal clinic for representation or advice before any hearing.
- Consider safe relocation options and use vetted listing sites if you need to move quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal behaviour by landlords should be reported to police immediately.
- Document everything and attach evidence to both police reports and tenancy complaints.
- You can pursue police action and tenancy remedies at the same time for full protection.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories
- Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
- RCMP Northwest Territories — police services and reporting
