Eviction for Filing Complaints in Northwest Territories: Your Rights

Tenants in the Northwest Territories often wonder if reporting maintenance concerns or calling government inspectors can lead to eviction or retaliation by a landlord. Knowing your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories helps you feel secure about taking action to protect your safety and comfort at home.

Tenant Protections Against Retaliatory Eviction

It is natural to be concerned about possible eviction if you speak up about issues in your rental unit. Thankfully, Northwest Territories law is clear: a landlord cannot evict you simply for contacting the Residential Tenancies Office (similar to a Landlord and Tenant Board in some provinces) or for reporting health and safety violations to municipal authorities.

• Landlords may not issue an eviction notice as punishment for making a complaint to an authority.
• This protection applies whether you raise concerns about repairs, living conditions, or other legal rights.

Understanding "Retaliatory Eviction"

“Retaliatory eviction” means when a landlord tries to remove a tenant for exercising their legal rights, such as:

• Contacting the Rental Officer (the official who handles tenancy disputes in Northwest Territories)
• Calling city inspectors about safety or repair issues

Section 57 of the Residential Tenancies Act specifically prohibits any landlord action meant to "penalize or deter the tenant from exercising their rights."

What Should You Do If Facing Possible Retaliation?

If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you because you made a complaint or contacted the Rental Officer, you have strong legal options to resist the eviction:

• Carefully document all communications and notices exchanged between you and your landlord.
• Gather evidence, such as photos of repairs, copies of complaints or letters, and notes about your interactions.
• Respond to all eviction notices in writing and keep copies.

If your landlord issues a Notice to Terminate (Form N1), you can apply to the Rental Officer for a hearing to challenge the notice. Clearly state that the eviction is retaliatory and provide your documentation as evidence.

How to File a Complaint or Challenge an Eviction

• Notice to Terminate (Form N1): This form is used by landlords to start an official eviction. Tenants can respond if they believe the reason is not valid.
  Find the form and guidance from the Rental Officer – Northwest Territories Department of Justice.

Steps to take if you receive an eviction notice after contacting authorities:

1. Review the notice date and stated reason. Does it match your recent complaint or contact with an inspector?
2. Apply to the Rental Officer for a hearing, explaining why you believe the eviction is retaliatory.
3. Attend the scheduled hearing and present your evidence. The Rental Officer can decide to set aside the eviction if it contravenes tenant protections.

Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Home

If you have issues such as mold, pests, or broken facilities, you are entitled to a safe and properly maintained rental home. Contacting city inspectors or the Rental Officer is your right—and you are protected by law from eviction for doing so. For more info on what counts as a health or safety problem, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

It's also helpful to be aware of your obligations and your landlord's responsibilities regarding the rental, which are outlined in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official Tribunal Handling Rentals

The Rental Officer of the Northwest Territories Department of Justice is the authority responsible for tenancy disputes, including complaints about retaliatory eviction. Visit the official Rental Officer page for contacts, forms, and guides.

For a broader look at your rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Ready to find a safe, supportive new home or just want to survey the market? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and explore fresh listings with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord legally evict me for contacting a government inspector?
   No. Northwest Territories law protects tenants from eviction solely because they contact government officials about their rental.
2. Who do I contact if I feel threatened with eviction after a complaint?
   Reach out to the Rental Officer at the Department of Justice. They handle tenant-landlord disputes and can rule on retaliatory eviction cases.
3. What evidence should I keep if I have complained about my rental?
   Save all written communication (letters, emails), make notes of conversations, and take photos if relevant. This documentation helps support your case if you need to challenge an eviction notice.
4. What forms are needed to challenge an eviction in Northwest Territories?
   The most important initial form is the Notice to Terminate (Form N1), which your landlord must give you to start an eviction. You can respond and apply for a hearing with the Rental Officer.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Protect Yourself

• You cannot be evicted in Northwest Territories simply for contacting the Rental Officer or city inspectors about legitimate concerns.
• Keep records of all complaints and official communications for your protection.
• Challenge any retaliatory eviction through the Rental Officer, who is empowered to stop unlawful actions.

Knowing your rights helps you stand up for yourself and maintain a safe, secure place to live.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Officer – Northwest Territories Department of Justice: File complaints, access forms, and get process guidance
• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancy Complaints: For repair, safety, or other issues
• Legal Aid NWT: Offers legal advice for eligible tenants (call 1‑800‑661‑0797)
• Local city or municipal office: For housing inspections regarding health and safety

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, Northwest Territories
2. Rental Officer – NWT Department of Justice
3. Government of Northwest Territories – Residential Tenancy Complaints

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