How Tenants Can Reopen a Closed LTB Case in Northwest Territories

If you’re a tenant in the Northwest Territories and learn that your Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) case has been closed or dismissed, you may be feeling frustrated or uncertain about your next steps. Fortunately, in some situations, the NWT rental system allows you to request a review or reopening of your case — but you need to act quickly and understand the procedure. This article provides plain-language guidance, including options for Northwest Territories tenants, official forms, and what to expect at every stage.

Which Board Handles Tenancy Disputes in the Northwest Territories?

Residential tenancy disputes in the Northwest Territories are managed by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), not an LTB as called in other parts of Canada. The RTO makes decisions based on the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT).^[1]

Can Tenants Reopen a Closed RTO Case?

In some situations, it is possible to ask the RTO to review or reopen a closed matter. Typically, a case may be closed due to:

• Dismissal because the applicant (tenant) missed a hearing
• Administrative closure (missing information, withdrawn, settled out of hearing)
• New evidence or information coming to light after the decision

If you believe your case was closed unfairly or without considering all the facts, the RTO provides a path for tenants to request a review (sometimes called a "reconsideration").

Requesting a Review or Reconsideration: Steps and Forms

Under NWT law, tenants can apply to have certain decisions or closed cases reviewed, but there are important timelines and specific requirements:

Key Steps

• Act quickly: You generally must request a review within 5 days of the decision date. Late applications are rarely allowed without exceptional reasons.
• Use the correct form: Complete the Application to Set Aside or Vary an Order (form available below).
• Explain your reason: Provide evidence or a good explanation for why your case should be reopened (for instance, if you were absent due to illness).
• Submit to the correct office: All applications go to the NWT Residential Tenancies Office. Contact details are provided in the Resources section below.

Official Form and How to Use It

• Name: Application to Set Aside or Vary an Order (no numbered form; see government link below)
• When to use: If your tenancy application or dispute was closed or dismissed and you want to challenge or vary that outcome
• How to submit: Download or request the form from the RTO, fill it out with all details and supporting evidence, and deliver it in person or as instructed on the Residential Tenancies Office page
• Official link: NWT RTO Official Forms and Resources

This process is covered in the NWT Residential Tenancies Act under sections regarding reviews and variations.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application to reopen a closed case is received, the RTO will:

• Review your written explanation and evidence
• Decide if your application meets the requirements for re-opening
• Either schedule a new hearing, ask for more details, or refuse the request (with reasons)

If your application is successful, your matter may go back to a new hearing for a fresh decision on the facts.

If you need help understanding your rights and responsibilities during a tenancy dispute, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Options If Your Application Is Refused

If the RTO refuses to reopen your case, you might:

• Request written reasons from the Residential Tenancies Officer
• Consider filing for a judicial review with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories (this is a higher legal process; consider getting legal advice for this step)

For persistent rental issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for more support.

For rental options while going through the process, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

To get a complete overview of tenant protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reopen my case if I missed the hearing?
   If you missed your hearing for a good reason (like illness or not receiving notice), you can apply within 5 days to have your case reviewed.
2. What evidence do I need to provide?
   Submit documents showing why you missed the hearing or why the original outcome was incorrect, such as medical notes, proof of delivery issues, or new evidence.
3. Is there a fee to apply for review?
   As of 2024, there is usually no charge for applying to review or reopen a closed case in the Northwest Territories RTO, but confirm with the office in case of recent updates.
4. How long does it take to get a decision?
   Processing times vary, but you should expect to hear back within several weeks. Request updates if you have not received a reply after a month.
5. Can my landlord also apply to reopen a case?
   Yes, both tenants and landlords can use the application process if new evidence or procedural mistakes arise.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Act quickly if your case is closed — strict time limits apply.
• Complete and submit the right RTO form with clear evidence.
• Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT).

Understanding and using your right to request a review can help ensure you get a fair hearing in housing disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), Northwest Territories
  Toll-Free: 1-855-297-1397
  Email: rto@gov.nt.ca
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – full text
• Tenant support lines are also available through local legal aid or clinic services

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1. Residential Tenancies Office – Government of Northwest Territories
2. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)

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