How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Northwest Territories?

If you're renting a home in the Northwest Territories, it's important to understand how rent increases work, when you can expect them, and what rights and protections exist for tenants. Knowing the rules helps prevent surprises and gives you confidence when discussing rent changes with your landlord.

Who Regulates Rent Increases in the Northwest Territories?

Rent increases and landlord-tenant matters in the Northwest Territories are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) and overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office.^[1] These rules apply to most rented apartments, houses, and rooms, though some exceptions exist for subsidized, government or specialized housing.

How Often Can a Landlord Increase Rent?

In the Northwest Territories, a landlord can only increase the rent once every 12 months (one year) for a tenant occupying the same rental unit.^[1] This rule applies to both fixed-term leases and month-to-month (periodic) tenancies.

• The 12-month rule means a landlord cannot issue multiple rent increases within a one-year period for the same rental unit.
• If you sign a new lease for the same unit, the clock resets, and the earliest another increase could happen is 12 months after the new lease starts.

There's no limit or cap set by law on the amount of a rent increase, but your landlord must provide proper written notice and follow the prescribed timeline.

Required Notice Period for Rent Increases

Landlords must give tenants at least three full months' written notice before the rent increase takes effect.^[1] For example, if notice is given on February 15, the new rent would begin on June 1. The notice must:

• Be in writing
• State the new rental amount and when it starts
• Be delivered as outlined in your lease or tenancy agreement

It's a good idea to review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to better understand the responsibilities around rent increases and notices.

Which Form Should Be Used?

Landlords are encouraged to use the standard form "Notice of Rent Increase (Form NRI)" available on the Residential Tenancies Office forms page. Tenants should keep a copy of any notice received for their records.

What Should Tenants Do If They Disagree?

If you believe a rent increase does not comply with the law (for example, it is more frequent than every 12 months, or you did not receive three months' written notice), you can:

• Contact your landlord in writing and outline your concerns
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution using the "Application to a Rental Officer" form
• Include evidence, such as copies of the notice and your lease agreement

You can learn more about this process by reviewing Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Extra Protections and Tenant Rights

While there is no rent control, tenants in the Northwest Territories have basic rights and protections, including:

• The right to receive proper written notice before a rent increase
• Protection against unlawful or retaliatory rent increases
• The option to dispute a rent increase that breaks the rules

For a broad overview of your rights in the territory, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you are considering moving and want to compare rental prices in your area.

Key Steps for Tenants Receiving a Rent Increase

• Check the date the notice was given—was it a full three months before the increase?
• Verify no other rent increase happened in the last 12 months
• Review your rental agreement
• If you believe the notice is improper, consider submitting an application to the Residential Tenancies Office

1. How often can rent be increased in Northwest Territories?
   Landlords can raise rent only once every 12 months for the same rental unit, regardless of lease type.
2. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
   Written notice must be provided at least three full months before the new rent takes effect.
3. Is there a rent increase cap or limit on the amount?
   No, the Northwest Territories does not set a legal maximum or cap on rent increases.
4. Which form should be used for a rent increase?
   The recommended form is the "Notice of Rent Increase (Form NRI)," available from the Residential Tenancies Office.
5. What if a tenant gets an improper notice?
   Tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Office to dispute the notice or seek advice.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for NWT Tenants

• Rent can be increased only once every 12 months for the same unit
• You must receive at least three full months' written notice of any increase
• If a rent increase does not follow these rules, you have the right to dispute it

Knowing your rights can give you peace of mind when navigating changes in your housing situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (NWT) – get forms, legal information, and dispute resolution support
• Phone: 1-867-920-8047 | Email: rto@gov.nt.ca
• Residential Tenancies Forms and Guides
• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act – Full Text
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Office (NWT)

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