How Fines Are Set for Landlord Offences in Northwest Territories

If you’re a tenant in the Northwest Territories, understanding how fines are calculated for landlord offences helps you protect your rights and respond if your landlord breaks the law. The territory’s rental laws ensure landlords must follow rules about repairs, deposits, notices, and health or safety—otherwise, they may face financial penalties. This guide explains what offences can lead to fines, how they are determined, and what you can do if your landlord isn’t compliant.

Who Handles Landlord Offences in the Northwest Territories?

Most landlord-tenant disputes and penalties in the Northwest Territories are managed by the Rental Office (formerly termed as Rental Officer). This office enforces the Residential Tenancies Act¹, the legislation that governs rental relationships in the territory.

Common Landlord Offences and Fines

The Rental Office can issue fines (known as administrative penalties) to landlords if they:

• Illegally increase rent or collect fees outside the law
• Fail to make or keep the unit healthy and safe
• Ignore repair obligations or maintenance requests
• Withhold, delay, or mishandle rental deposits
• Enter your rental without proper notice

These actions violate tenants' rights as outlined in the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

How Are Fines Calculated?

Fines aren’t automatic or fixed—the Rental Office considers each case using rules set in the Residential Tenancies Act, under sections detailing ‘offences and penalties.’ The Rental Officer will look at:

• The seriousness and type of offence (e.g., health risk vs. paperwork mistake)
• If the offence was intentional, repeated, or puts someone’s safety at risk
• How much harm was caused to you or other tenants
• If the landlord acted quickly to fix the issue

Maximum fines for landlords can be as high as $2,000 per offence (for individuals) or $10,000 per offence (for corporations), but the Officer may set a smaller amount depending on the details. Penalties are designed to encourage compliance—not just to punish landlords.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Follow the Rules?

If you believe your landlord has broken the rental laws in the Northwest Territories—for instance, not making repairs, keeping your deposit improperly, or entering without notice—you can take action by filing a complaint with the Rental Office.

Forms: Filing a Complaint or Application

To start an official complaint or have your issue heard, tenants must use the following forms:

• Application to the Rental Officer (Form 1): - Use this to request the Rental Officer to decide on a dispute, such as maintenance, return of deposit, or other breaches.
  Download the Form 1 here.
  Example: Your landlord refuses to return your deposit after moving out. You would fill out this form and send it to the Rental Office.
• Notice of Hearing: - Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive a hearing date and a notice which you and the landlord must attend.

Forms must be submitted by mail or in person to the Rental Office. Always keep copies of anything you submit.

Action Steps for Tenants: Filing a Complaint

• Collect evidence (photos, emails, written requests) about the offence
• Fill out and submit Form 1: Application to the Rental Officer to the Rental Office
• Attend the hearing when notified

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Before submitting an official complaint, understand both landlord and tenant responsibilities as defined by law. This helps you know what is expected and strengthens your position. For a deeper look, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Staying informed about your rights not only helps you protect yourself, it supports a fair and respectful rental process.

Want to compare your rights in other provinces? See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a detailed regional guide.

If you’re considering a move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—a simple way to browse safe, legal, and up-to-date listings from coast-to-coast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landlord Fines in NWT

1. What kinds of landlord actions can result in a fine? Landlords may face fines if they ignore the law—such as not making repairs, handling deposits incorrectly, or entering your unit without proper notice.
2. Who decides if a landlord gets a fine in the Northwest Territories? The Rental Officer at the government’s Rental Office reviews complaints, holds a hearing, and decides if a penalty or fine should be issued.
3. How much can a landlord be fined in NWT? Fines can go up to $2,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a company, but the amount depends on how serious the offence is and whether it’s a repeat issue.
4. Can tenants get compensation if a landlord is fined? In some cases, the Rental Office may order landlords to pay damages directly to tenants, but fines themselves go to the government.
5. Will making a complaint affect my right to stay in my rental? The law protects tenants from being evicted for exercising their rights. Retaliation by a landlord is itself an offence you can report.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Fines for landlord offences are determined by the Rental Office under the Residential Tenancies Act, based on the seriousness of the violation
• Tenants can submit an application (Form 1) with evidence to start the complaint process
• Staying informed makes it easier to protect your home and rights as a renter

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Office: Residential Tenancies (Government of Northwest Territories) – forms, instructions, contact info
• Legislation: Download the full Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
• Tenant Rights Guide: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
• Legal Aid NWT: Legal Aid Services - Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT): read the full legislation
2. Rental Office NWT forms: official forms and applications list

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