Emergency Shelter Solutions for Evicted Tenants in Northwest Territories

If you are a tenant in the Northwest Territories who has just been evicted or is facing eviction, you're likely feeling stressed, vulnerable, and unsure of where to turn for immediate shelter and support. Knowing your emergency housing options — and having a plan — can help you stay safe, connected to community resources, and take the next steps in resolving your housing crisis.

Immediate Actions: What to Do If You Have Been Evicted

If your eviction is already underway or you have received a formal eviction notice, it’s important not to panic. Focus first on finding a safe place for you and your family to stay. In many Northwest Territories communities, resources exist to prevent homelessness and support tenants in crisis.

Contact Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing

The Northwest Territories provides emergency shelter options through several organizations and agencies. Some services available to tenants in need include:

• Emergency shelters: Safe, temporary accommodations for those with nowhere else to go. Shelters offer meals and support in larger communities such as Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Hay River.
• Transitional housing: Programs that offer medium-term housing with additional supports for stability, particularly for families or individuals leaving shelters.
• Supportive housing: Options for people who need services in addition to shelter, such as mental health or addiction support.

For a current directory of emergency shelters, visit the Government of Northwest Territories Homelessness Services page.^[1]

How to Access Emergency Shelter Services

• Yellowknife: Contact the Yellowknife Women’s Society, YK Centre for Northern Families, and the Salvation Army Men’s Shelter.
• Inuvik and Hay River: Local shelters provide emergency beds, food, and referrals.
• If you cannot reach a shelter directly, speak with your local health and social services office or the RCMP for help connecting with emergency housing.

Your Rights and Next Steps After Eviction

Eviction can happen for many reasons, but tenants in Northwest Territories have legal rights protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act (NWT).^[2] Even after leaving your rental unit, you may still:

• Be entitled to your rental deposit (minus any lawful deductions)
• Request a final inspection with your landlord
• Dispute the eviction or deductions by applying to the Residential Tenancy Office (RTO) of Northwest Territories

To understand your legal rights following an eviction or if you feel your eviction was improper, learn more at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Forms and How to Apply for Assistance

• Application to the Residential Tenancy Office (Form 1): Use this form to dispute an eviction, seek the return of your deposit, or resolve other tenancy issues. Download and file it on the official government website. Example: If your landlord kept your deposit after eviction, submit Form 1 with your supporting documents to the RTO.
• Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Form 2): If you need to end or respond to a tenancy, this is the official form. Find it at the NWT Justice website.

Re-Entering the Rental Market After Eviction

Once you are safe and your immediate needs are met, you may want to look for more stable rental housing. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to compare options and find your next home. Consider these tips as you re-enter the market:

• Save records of all communication with your previous landlord, especially regarding eviction and deposits.
• Be honest with future landlords about your housing history — some may ask for references from shelters or support agencies.
• Review How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out as this can provide funds for securing your next rental.

Staying informed about your rights and available support is essential for a smooth transition.

Common Issues for Evicted Tenants

Eviction often comes with additional challenges such as difficulty finding new housing, health and safety concerns, or financial barriers. See Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for guidance on post-eviction challenges, including dealing with deposits, locating belongings, and safety resources.

1. What emergency shelters are available in Northwest Territories? Shelters are available in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River, and some smaller communities. Contact local social services or use the NWT Homelessness Services directory for up-to-date information.
2. Can I get my security deposit back after being evicted? Yes, unless your landlord can lawfully deduct for unpaid rent or damages. You can dispute deductions by applying to the Residential Tenancy Office using Form 1.
3. What if I believe my eviction was not legal? You have the right to apply to the Residential Tenancy Office to review your case. This must be done promptly after you receive the eviction notice or are removed from your unit.
4. Are there resources to help me find a new rental after eviction? Yes. Utilize online rental platforms such as Houseme, community postings, and tenant advocacy services in the NWT to find new housing.
5. Who do I contact for tenancy advice in the Northwest Territories? You can contact the Residential Tenancy Office or your local Legal Aid branch for free advice and help.

Conclusion

Eviction can be overwhelming, but immediate shelter and support resources are available in Northwest Territories. Know your legal rights, use official forms to dispute issues or recover your deposit, and reach out to local agencies for help. Stay proactive, keep documentation, and take advantage of platforms like Houseme when looking for new housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Office (RTO) – Northwest Territories: For applications, dispute resolution, and information about tenant-landlord law.
• NWT Homelessness Services: Emergency shelter and housing supports directory.
• NWT Legal Aid Commission: Free legal help for tenants in the territory.
• Read more about your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

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1. Government of Northwest Territories. Homelessness Services and Housing
2. Landlord and Tenant Act (NWT). View official legislation

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