Emotional Support Animals in Northwest Territories Rentals: Tenant Rights Explained

Tenants in the Northwest Territories naturally want to feel at home and supported, especially when living with a mental health condition or disability. For many, having an emotional support animal (ESA) is essential. But what are your legal rights as a tenant in the Northwest Territories when it comes to keeping an ESA in your rental? This guide breaks down your rights, what steps you must take, and what landlords can and cannot do under territorial law.

Understanding Emotional Support Animals and Tenancy Law

Emotional support animals provide vital comfort to people facing mental health challenges, but the regulations that protect their presence in rental housing are different from those for certified service animals. In the Northwest Territories, these issues are covered both by the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹ and the Human Rights Act (NWT)².

Are ESAs Protected Like Service Animals?

Certified service animals trained to assist a person with a disability have clear legal status under most Canadian human rights laws. Emotional support animals, which are not specifically trained, do not always receive the same recognition. However, a landlord cannot dismiss your request for an ESA outright if you need it because of a disability.

How to Request an Emotional Support Animal in Your Rental

There is no official government form specifically for emotional support animal requests. Instead, follow these steps to request accommodation:

• Obtain a letter from a licensed healthcare provider (for example, your family doctor or psychologist) stating you have a disability and the ESA is recommended as part of your treatment.
• Submit your request in writing to your landlord, attaching the provider's letter. Clearly state you are seeking accommodation of your disability under the Human Rights Act (NWT)².
• Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

The landlord may ask for confirmation of your medical need, but cannot demand to see your detailed medical records or the animal's training history.

When Can a Landlord Refuse an Emotional Support Animal in NWT?

A landlord can only refuse permission for an ESA if there is a legitimate reason that would constitute "undue hardship." Common examples:

• The animal would cause significant property damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• There are severe health risks (such as a confirmed severe allergy of another tenant) that cannot reasonably be managed.
• Municipal or territorial bylaws prohibit keeping that type of animal.

General pet restrictions or no-pet clauses in leases do not automatically override your right to accommodation for a medically required ESA.

Your Rights and Landlord Obligations

Once you have notified your landlord with supporting documentation, they are expected to cooperate in providing a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal. This forms part of the obligations set out in both the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Act.

Both tenants and landlords need to understand their respective rights and responsibilities — for a detailed overview for tenants, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Security Deposits and Damage

Your landlord may not charge extra fees just for having an emotional support animal. However, you are still responsible for any damage caused by the animal, just as with ordinary wear and tear. For security deposit regulations, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What To Do If Your Accommodation Request Is Denied

If your landlord refuses your reasonable request or tries to evict you for having an ESA, you can file a complaint with:

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission (for discrimination based on disability)
• Rental Office – Government of Northwest Territories (for landlord-tenant issues under the Residential Tenancies Act)

Summary: Always keep records, act promptly, and seek advocacy support if needed.

Related Tenant Rights and Further Information

For a broad overview of your protections and obligations as a tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

For those looking for pet-friendly homes or exploring their options beyond the Northwest Territories, Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for up-to-date listings across Canada.

1. Can a landlord evict me for having an ESA if my lease says "no pets"?
   Generally, no. If you have documentation from a medical provider recommending an ESA as a disability accommodation, the "no pets" clause is overridden, unless the landlord can prove undue hardship.
2. Do I need to use a specific government form to request an ESA in my rental?
   No. There is no standard form. Submit a written request to your landlord, including a letter from your healthcare provider confirming your need for the animal.
3. Can my landlord charge a pet deposit or extra fees for my emotional support animal?
   No additional deposits or fees are allowed specifically for ESAs. You're responsible for any damages the animal causes, but routine wear and tear rules still apply.
4. What should I do if my landlord ignores or refuses my ESA accommodation request?
   Keep a record of your communication and file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission or approach the Rental Office for further help.
5. Do emotional support animals have to be certified in NWT?
   No certification is needed for ESAs, but you must have a healthcare provider's recommendation that the animal is part of your disability accommodation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Emotional support animals are not "pets" under NWT law when tied to disability accommodations.
• Follow clear, written steps to request an ESA and maintain documentation.
• Understand your rights — and where to get support if challenges arise whether you are a new tenant or moving between homes.

Acting early and being informed helps ensure smoother relationships with your landlord and better protection of your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – For discrimination or accommodation issues related to disability or ESAs.
• Rental Office, Government of Northwest Territories – For general tenancy disputes, forms, and advice.
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – Full Text
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. Human Rights Act (NWT)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy