Employer Evictions: Tenant Housing Rights in Northwest Territories

If you live in housing provided by your employer in the Northwest Territories, you may wonder what your rights are if the job ends—or if your employer wants you to move out. Navigating these special tenancy arrangements can feel overwhelming, but the territory’s law gives you important protections as a tenant, even if your landlord is also your boss.

Employer-Provided Housing: Am I Still a Tenant?

Many employers in the Northwest Territories provide housing as part of your employment. This is common in mining, oil and gas, forestry, and some remote community roles. Even if your accommodation is linked to your job, the Rental Office of Northwest Territories oversees most rental agreements—including those with your employer as landlord.

As a resident, you are generally protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1]. You have defined rights and responsibilities, and you cannot be removed from your home without proper legal process, even if employment ends.

When and How Can an Employer Evict You?

Your employer can only ask you to leave the rental—legally called an eviction—following Northwest Territories tenancy law. Here's what both you and your employer must know:

• Proper Notice: If your housing agreement is tied to your employment, your employer must provide written notice if they want you to move out. The notice period depends on the type of rental agreement.
• Written Reasons: The notice must state the reason for ending your tenancy. If your job ends, this may be a valid ground, but rules still apply.
• No 'Self-Help' Eviction: Your employer cannot simply change the locks or remove your possessions without following the legal process—this is illegal in the territory.
• Right to Dispute: You have the right to dispute an eviction with the Rental Office if you believe the notice is unfair or did not follow the law.

Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page for a broader overview of tenant and landlord laws in the territory.

Notice Periods and Forms for Employer-Employee Housing

The required notice period depends on whether your tenancy is for a fixed term (e.g., one-year lease) or month-to-month, and whether your housing is truly conditional on your continued employment. Typically:

• Monthly Tenancy: At least 30 days written notice, ending on the last day of a rental period
• Fixed Term: Must follow the lease’s end date unless there is another legal reason for eviction

To lawfully end your rental, your employer should use the Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Form N1). This form includes:

• Tenant and landlord (employer) names
• Rental unit description
• Specific reason for ending tenancy (such as end of employment)
• The required notice period and final move-out date

Where to find it: Download the official Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Form N1) directly from the Northwest Territories government.

What If My Employer Tries to Evict Me Without Notice?

If your employer suddenly tells you to leave without proper written notice (or tries to force you out), this is a violation of your tenant rights. Do the following:

• Remain calm and ask for all requests in writing
• Check the reason and the notice period given
• Contact the Rental Office immediately, especially if you're being pressured to leave before your notice period ends

You can formally apply to the Rental Office for an Order to Determine Rights (Form L1) if you feel your occupancy was ended unfairly. Find the form here.

What to Expect During a Dispute

The Rental Office will schedule a hearing. Both sides—tenant and employer—can present evidence. The hearing officer will make a decision based on the Residential Tenancies Act and your unique situation. A written order will follow.

Your Ongoing Rights and Responsibilities

While living in employer-provided housing, you have all the usual tenant rights and must fulfill your responsibilities. For example, you must:

• Pay rent on time
• Maintain reasonable cleanliness and care of the property
• Report repair needs to your landlord

Read more about your joint responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Whether your rental is with an employer or a traditional landlord, help is available. Browse apartments for rent in Canada if you need a fresh start or want to explore affordable options across the country.

FAQ: Employer Evictions in Northwest Territories

1. Can my employer evict me without any notice?
   No. Your employer must provide proper written notice as required by the Residential Tenancies Act and use the correct forms.
2. What should I do if my employer tries to evict me suddenly?
   Contact the Rental Office right away, do not move out until you understand your rights, and consider disputing the notice if it was not served properly.
3. Is my housing covered by territorial tenancy laws?
   In most cases, yes. If you pay rent (even if it’s payroll deduction) and have exclusive use of your accommodation, you are considered a tenant.
4. Can my employer raise rent because I lost my job?
   No, rent increases must follow strict legal rules and require official notice. Your employment status does not affect immediate rent amounts outside those rules.
5. Who can help if I feel pressured or harassed by my employer over housing?
   The Rental Office is your first point of contact. Tenant advocacy services may also support you (see below).

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Office of Northwest Territories – Official tribunal for all tenancy disputes and eviction hearings
• Read the full Residential Tenancies Act – All rules and protections
• Local legal aid or housing advocacy organizations – Contact them for support if you face unfair pressure or sudden eviction
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Easy-to-read summary for tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)

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