Can my employer evict me the day I lose my job?

No. Your employer must give you proper written notice in accordance with the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act, and an immediate eviction is not allowed without an order from the Residential Tenancies Office.

What should I do if my employer deducts money for damages?

Deductions must be reasonable and allowed under your agreement. If you disagree, you can make a complaint or apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution.

Who can I contact about unsafe housing provided by my employer?

Start by making a request to your employer in writing. If not resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Office or your local public health unit for further action.

Does my tenancy automatically end when my employment ends?

No. Proper notice must be given and your tenancy does not end automatically because your employment ends. You may have the right to remain until notice periods or tribunal decisions are complete.

Are rent increases allowed in employer-provided housing?

Yes, but only with proper written notice and according to the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act. Sudden increases without notification are not allowed.

Employer-Provided Housing: Tenant Rights in NWT

Special Tenancy Situations Northwest Territories published: June 19, 2025

Many workers in Northwest Territories live in housing provided by their employer. These arrangements—commonly seen in mining, construction, health care, and seasonal jobs—come with unique rules and tenant rights. If you’re living in employer-provided accommodation, understanding your rights and responsibilities under territorial law is essential.

Employer-Provided Housing in Northwest Territories: What Makes It Different?

Employer-provided housing (sometimes called "service occupancy" or "staff housing") means your landlord is also your boss. This dual relationship creates some special tenancy situations. However, most employer-provided housing still falls under the Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories.^[1] Your rights may differ if housing is truly temporary (like a bunkhouse or camp in some remote work sites), but for most regular employer housing rentals, the Act applies.

Your Rights and Obligations

You have legal rights as a tenant, that do not disappear because your landlord is your employer.
Written rental agreements (leases) are strongly recommended; your rights exist even if you don’t have a written lease.
Common rights include: protection from illegal eviction, the right to a safe and healthy home, and notice periods if your tenancy is ending.

For more on overall responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Ending Tenancy Works in Employer-Provided Housing

Ending a rental agreement in employer housing can be more complicated. Your employer may want you to move out when your job ends, but strict rules under the Residential Tenancies Act still apply. You must receive proper written notice, and in many cases, you cannot be evicted immediately—even after your employment ends.

Notice Required: Your employer/landlord must give you a written Notice of Termination. The amount of time depends on your lease and the reason for ending your tenancy.
Disconnecting Employment and Tenancy: Losing your job does not automatically end your right to live in the rental unit—you can only be required to leave following the correct notice and, if needed, an order from the Residential Tenancies Office.

More helpful information can be found at the Residential Tenancies Office of the Northwest Territories.

Eviction and Protection from Unlawful Removal

Your landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a legal order.
If you are facing eviction, always ask for the notice in writing.
If you dispute the eviction, you have the right to a hearing with the Residential Tenancies Officer.

Even if your job ends, your right to a safe, fair tenancy continues under NWT law. You do not lose housing "on the spot." Always check your notice and take action early if you have concerns or questions.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

If issues arise, tenants or employers may need to file certain official forms with the Northwestern Territories Residential Tenancies Office.

Application to Terminate a Tenancy (Form 2): Used when a landlord or tenant formally asks to end a tenancy. For example, if your employer wants you to move out after ending your work contract and you disagree, this form may be used to request an eviction hearing.
Official Form 2 (Application to Terminate a Tenancy)
Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 9): If you disagree with a notice or action by your employer/landlord, use this form to request a hearing with the Residential Tenancies Officer.
Official Form 9 (Application for Dispute Resolution)

Submit completed forms to the Residential Tenancies Office. Instructions and timelines are listed on each form.

Safety, Repairs, and Quality of Housing

Your employer must keep the housing in good repair and ensure it is safe to live in, just like any other landlord. Concerns about mold, broken appliances, or furnace failures should be addressed promptly. For details on your rights, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If Rent or Deductions Are Taken from Your Pay?

Employers may deduct rent from your paycheque, but only as agreed in writing.
Your total rent, deposit, and terms should be clear in your job contract or rental agreement.
Disputes over rent should be brought quickly to the Residential Tenancies Office for resolution.

For convenience, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need to secure an independent rental in Northwest Territories or elsewhere in the country.

What Does the Law Say? Legislation and Official Guidance

The key legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories.^[1] The enforcement agency is the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), which handles disputes, applications, and hearings for both employees/tenants and employer/landlords.

See also: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a territory-wide overview.

FAQ: Tenants’ Common Questions About Employer-Provided Housing

Can my employer evict me the day I lose my job?
No. Your employer must follow the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act and give you proper written notice. You cannot be evicted immediately without an order from the Residential Tenancies Office.
What happens if my employer deducts money for damages?
Any deductions for damages must be fair, documented, and in line with your rental agreement and NWT tenancy law. Disputes can be made through an application to the Residential Tenancies Office.
Who do I contact if the housing is unsafe?
Contact your employer/landlord in writing. If issues persist, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution or get help from local health authorities.
Do I have to move out if my employment contract ends?
No. Loss of employment doesn’t automatically end your tenancy—proper notice must be given and you may have the right to stay until an official order is made.
Can my employer increase my rent suddenly?
No. The rules for rent increases apply to employer-provided housing. You must get proper written notice before any change in rent can take effect.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Your rights as a tenant remain protected even if your landlord is also your employer.
Eviction procedures and notices under the NWT Residential Tenancies Act must always be followed.
Use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Office for all major disputes.

Staying informed and acting promptly helps protect your housing situation during or after employment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office (NWT) – Forms, Contact, and Information
Residential Tenancies Act (official legislation)
Legal Aid NWT: https://www.nwtlegalaid.ca
Public Health Unit (for health/safety complaints): Listed under your community government website

Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.W.T. 2019, c.9