Living in rental housing can be stressful when you face harassment or threats. If you are a tenant in the Northwest Territories, it helps to know your safety options, how to document incidents, and where to get local legal help. This guide explains practical steps you can take immediately to protect yourself, ways to preserve evidence for disputes or hearings, routes to file complaints with territorial authorities, and when to contact police. It also outlines standard notices and forms you may need, and how to prepare if your case goes to a tribunal or small claims process. The tone is supportive and focused on clear actions for renters who need quick, practical help.
What counts as harassment or threats?
Harassment and threats can take many forms. They range from unwelcome repeated contact to direct threats of violence or property damage. Understanding what behaviour qualifies can help you decide whether to record incidents, contact police, or start a formal complaint with territorial authorities [1].
Examples
- Repeated unwanted calls, texts, emails or messages from the same person.
- Threats of violence or property damage (warning signs you should take seriously).
- Stalking or repeated in-person harassment that invades your privacy.
- Damage to your unit, theft, or intimidation intended to make you leave.
Immediate safety steps
Prioritise personal safety first. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are not safe at home, go to a secure location, and tell someone you trust what is happening.
- Call 911 if you or someone else is at risk or threatened right now.
- Move to a safe place — a friend, family member, or emergency shelter — until the threat is addressed.
- Consider changing locks or asking your landlord to secure entry points if safety is compromised.
- Document incidents: take dated photos, save messages and voicemails, and keep a written log of dates, times and witnesses.
Reporting, complaints and legal options
After immediate safety needs are addressed, consider formal routes: a police report for criminal behaviour, and a tenancy complaint for rental-related harassment. The Government of the Northwest Territories provides information on tenancy services and how to start a complaint [1]. The relevant statute is the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), which explains tenant and landlord rights and may be used in disputes [2].
Typical steps include asking the landlord in writing to stop the behaviour, filing an application with the territorial tenancy office or tribunal, and preparing evidence and witness statements for a hearing. Where tribunals or offices accept an official application form, use that form to ensure your file proceeds correctly [3].
Practical tips for documenting incidents
- Write a dated log for each incident with times, locations, what was said or done, and names of witnesses.
- Save screenshots, photos, videos and voicemails in unedited form.
- Keep copies of any written notices, letters, or emails you send to your landlord or to the person involved.
How-To
- Gather clear evidence: dated photos, screenshots, messages, names, and a written log.
- Tell the landlord in writing and request that the harassment stop; keep a copy of your message or letter.
- File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office using the official application form [3].
- Attend any hearing and bring copies of your evidence and any witnesses who can support your account.
FAQ
- What should I do right away if I feel unsafe in my rental?
- Get to a safe location, call 911 if you are in danger, then document the incident and consider contacting trusted support and the tenancy office.
- Can my landlord evict me for reporting harassment or for asking for repairs after threats?
- In most cases eviction for reporting legitimate concerns is prohibited; keep records of your communications and raise the issue with the tenancy office if you face retaliation.
- Where do I file a tenancy complaint in the Northwest Territories?
- You can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office or the territorial body that handles rental disputes; follow their application process and bring evidence to any hearing [3].
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact Residential Tenancies Office (NWT)
- Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) and related forms
- Government of the Northwest Territories — renting information
If you decide to look for a new home after resolving a dispute, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search listings and map-based options.
