How to File a Retaliation Complaint in Northwest Territories

Retaliation by a landlord—such as increasing rent, ending your tenancy, or neglecting essential repairs—because you exercised your legal rights is not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1]. If you’re a tenant in Northwest Territories and suspect your landlord is acting against you after you requested repairs or filed a complaint, this guide outlines how you can make a formal retaliation complaint and what to expect from the process.

What Is Retaliation? Key Signs for Tenants

Retaliation occurs when a landlord responds negatively because you exercised your rights. Common examples include:

• Giving you an eviction notice after you requested repairs
• Suddenly raising your rent following a formal complaint
• Ignoring routine or emergency repairs because you reported a safety issue
• Trying to change your rental agreement as a result of your actions to protect your rights

If you think your landlord’s actions are linked to your requests or complaints, it may be considered retaliation under the law.

Your Legal Protections as a Tenant in Northwest Territories

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), every tenant has the right to:

• Request repairs and maintenance
• Report health or safety concerns
• File complaints with the Office of the Rental Officer
• Join tenants’ associations or organize collectively

Landlords cannot end your tenancy, raise your rent, or harass you because you exercised these rights. If you're having issues related to repairs, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for guidance on handling repairs properly.

How to File a Complaint About Retaliation

The Office of the Rental Officer handles tenant-landlord disputes, including retaliation complaints, in Northwest Territories.

1. Document Everything

Keep records of communications with your landlord, including texts, emails, and written notices. Note the dates of your requests (for example, a repair request) and the landlord’s subsequent actions.

2. Ask the Landlord to Reconsider

Before filing a formal complaint, try addressing the issue directly and in writing. This shows you took reasonable steps to resolve the problem informally.

3. Submit an Application to the Rental Officer

If the issue isn’t resolved, use these official forms:

• Application by Tenant (Form 2): Use this form to file a complaint, such as unlawful eviction or rent increase due to retaliation.
  Download the Application by Tenant (Form 2)

For example, if your landlord issued an eviction notice just days after you filed a health and safety report, attach evidence of your original request and the subsequent notice to your application.

Submit the form by email, mail, fax, or in person to the Rental Officer.

What Happens After You File?

The Rental Officer will review your application and may schedule a hearing. Both you and your landlord will have a chance to present your side. The Rental Officer can:

• Reverse an illegal eviction
• Order the landlord to stop retaliating actions
• Issue other remedies as permitted by law

Preventing and Handling Retaliation

Proactive steps may help you avoid or resolve landlord retaliation:

• Communicate in writing whenever possible
• Retain copies of all requests and notices
• Seek help early if you suspect retaliation

If you also experience issues like rent increases after making a request, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more details on your protections under the law.

Know Your Rights and Next Steps

Retaliation is serious but you are not alone. For a complete overview of your legal protections in the Northwest Territories, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Want to move after a dispute? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—Canada's best rental listings platform tailored for tenants just like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the first steps if I suspect retaliation?
   Start by documenting any communication or actions you believe are retaliatory. Try resolving the issue directly with your landlord in writing before filing a complaint with the Rental Officer.
2. Can a landlord evict me for reporting a health or safety problem?
   No. Evicting a tenant for exercising their rights, such as reporting unsafe conditions, is considered illegal retaliation.
3. Is there a time limit for filing a retaliation complaint?
   It’s best to file as soon as possible after the incident. While there is no fixed deadline in the Act, acting quickly helps protect your position.
4. What evidence do I need for my complaint?
   Provide copies of all correspondence with your landlord, notices received, and any proof tying your action (like a complaint or request) to the landlord’s subsequent behaviour.
5. Who decides if retaliation occurred?
   The Rental Officer investigates the facts from both sides and makes a determination based on Northwest Territories tenancy law.

Key Takeaways

• Landlord retaliation is prohibited under Northwest Territories law
• Document all relevant events and communications for your case
• File a complaint with the Rental Officer using official forms when needed

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rental Officer (NWT) – handles tenant complaints and disputes
• NWT Residential Tenancies Act – read the full legislation online
• Need more information? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a full guide to your rights

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, Northwest Territories
2. Office of the Rental Officer, Northwest Territories
3. Official Tenancy Forms for Northwest Territories

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