In the Northwest Territories, tenants and renters who need changes to their housing because of disability or other protected grounds are protected by the territory's duty to accommodate. This guide explains what landlords must do, how tenants can ask for changes or supports, and practical steps when a request is refused. It focuses on real-life actions renters can take in NWT: documenting needs, making a clear written request, using the official dispute process if necessary, and preserving evidence to support your case. Use this information to navigate conversations with your landlord and to prepare forms or applications to the Residential Tenancies Office if you need a formal resolution.
What the duty to accommodate means in NWT
The duty to accommodate requires landlords to adjust rules, practices or physical features to allow equal use of housing for tenants with disabilities or other protected characteristics. Accommodation must be reasonable and individualized; landlords are not required to make changes that cause undue hardship, which is narrowly defined and depends on cost, safety and operational concerns. If a landlord cannot accommodate, they must show why it would cause undue hardship.
When landlords must provide accommodation
- Provide accessible features or permit modifications when a tenant shows medical need or other protected grounds and the change is reasonable.
- Adjust building rules or policies, for example waiving a no-pet rule for a certified support animal when documentation supports the request.
- Make or allow repairs or installations that address a tenant's disability-related needs, where reasonable and safe.
How to ask for accommodation — practical steps
- Make a written request describing the change you need, why you need it, and your contact details; include the date.
- Attach supporting documentation or evidence when possible, such as a letter from a health professional explaining functional limitations.
- Keep a copy of every communication and note any verbal conversations, dates and who you spoke with.
- Ask for a clear timeline for the landlord's response and confirm next steps in writing.
When to use the official dispute process
If the landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation or you cannot agree, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office to resolve the dispute. The Office handles complaints and can issue binding decisions for residential tenancies in the Northwest Territories[1]. Before applying, gather your written request, any medical or professional documentation, and records of communications with your landlord.
Examples of common accommodations
- Installing grab bars or a ramp at the entrance when it is reasonable to do so.
- Allowing a support animal even if the rental has a no-pets policy, with appropriate documentation.
- Changing an assigned parking spot or unit placement to reduce mobility barriers.
What landlords can ask for and limits
Landlords may request reasonable, relevant information to verify the need for accommodation, but they cannot require detailed medical records or invasive disclosure. The scope of information must be limited to what is necessary to assess the accommodation. Landlords can refuse if the accommodation causes undue hardship due to excessive cost, safety risks, or substantial interference with property rights, but they must be able to justify that claim.
Records and evidence to keep
- Copies of written requests and responses, dated and signed when possible.
- Notes of phone calls or in-person meetings describing who said what and when.
- Medical letters, accommodation plans, or other supporting documents you provided or received.
FAQ
- Who decides if an accommodation is reasonable in the Northwest Territories?
- The Residential Tenancies Office reviews disputes and, if necessary, a decision-maker will weigh the tenant's needs against undue hardship factors like cost and safety to decide whether the accommodation is reasonable.
- Can a landlord require medical records to support my request?
- Landlords can ask for limited, relevant documentation but cannot demand full medical records; a succinct letter from a health professional is usually sufficient.
- What if my landlord retaliates after I ask for accommodation?
- Retaliation for requesting accommodation may be illegal; document events and contact the Residential Tenancies Office to report the conduct and seek remedy.
How-To
- Write a dated, clear accommodation request that explains the change you need and why.
- Attach or offer relevant supporting documentation from a health or social service professional.
- Send the request by email or registered mail and keep copies of all correspondence.
- If the landlord refuses or does not respond within a reasonable time, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office with your records and request a hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies (Government of the Northwest Territories)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Consolidated text)
- Residential tenancy forms and dispute guides (GNWT)
- [1] Government of the Northwest Territories — Residential Tenancies
- [2] CanLII — Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
- [3] Government of the Northwest Territories — Residential tenancy forms
Additional resources: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. For general tenant obligations and landlord responsibilities see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and regional rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.
