How to Get Your Deposit Back in Northwest Territories Rentals

Moving out of a rental in the Northwest Territories can be a busy and stressful time. As a tenant, getting your security deposit back is an important part of finishing your tenancy on a positive note. This article breaks down what you need to do — step by step — to reclaim your deposit, what rules apply under Northwest Territories law, and where to get help if problems arise.

What Is a Security Deposit and What Are Your Rights?

Your security deposit (often called a damage deposit) is money you pay at the start of your rental agreement. It's held by your landlord as financial protection in case you cause damage or owe money when leaving. In the Northwest Territories, security deposits are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).^[1] This law lays out your rights and your landlord’s obligations regarding deposits.

For a complete overview, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and the fact page Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

When Should You Get Your Deposit Back?

• Within 10 days after tenancy ends or after the landlord regains possession.
• If deductions are made (for costs like repairs, unpaid rent, or cleaning), the landlord must provide a written statement specifying amounts and reasons.

If you disagree with any deductions or your landlord does not return your deposit, you have options for dispute resolution through the Office of the Rental Officer.

Key Steps to Getting Your Security Deposit Back

Here’s what tenants in the Northwest Territories should do before moving out:

• Give Proper Notice: Ensure you provide the right amount of written notice to end your tenancy, as required by law or your rental agreement.
• Clean and Repair: Return the unit in reasonably clean condition, without damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Attend the Final Inspection: Request a move-out inspection with your landlord. Document the state of the rental, taking photos or videos if possible.
• Return All Keys: Handover all sets of keys and fobs by the last day of your tenancy.
• Leave a Forwarding Address: Provide your new address so the landlord can send your deposit or statements.

Move-Out Inspection: Why It Matters

Northwest Territories law encourages (but does not require) landlords and tenants to inspect the unit together both when moving in and moving out. This inspection is a valuable way to avoid disputes and helps ensure fairness when deposit funds are returned. For more on inspections and documentation, visit The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out.

Official Forms: What You May Need

• Application to the Rental Officer (Form 5)
  • When to use: If you believe your landlord has unfairly withheld your deposit or made unreasonable deductions, submit Form 5 to the Rental Officer to make a formal complaint.
  • How to use: Download Form 5, fill in details about your tenancy and dispute, attach supporting documents (such as inspection photos or correspondence), and submit it to the Rental Office. For example: If your landlord claims you damaged the apartment but you have photos showing it was left clean and undamaged, attach those photos to your application.
• Inspection Report (Form 6)
  • When to use: Document the condition of the rental unit at move-in and move-out. It’s useful but not strictly required. If you and your landlord disagree on the property’s state, this form is helpful evidence.
  • How to use: Complete the form jointly with your landlord or, if they are unavailable, fill it out yourself and note the circumstance. Take time-stamped photos for backup.

If There’s a Dispute Over Your Deposit

If your landlord does not return your security deposit or you dispute deductions, you can apply to the Office of the Rental Officer (Northwest Territories). The Rental Officer is the official tribunal for tenancy disputes and can issue binding decisions.

Common Reasons for Deposit Deductions

• Unpaid rent or utility bills
• Repairing tenant-caused damage (beyond normal wear and tear)
• Cleaning costs (unit left excessively dirty)

Landlords cannot deduct for regular wear, such as faded paint or worn carpet. They must provide receipts or reasonable justification for all deductions.

For more on the rental exit process, read Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

How Step-by-Step: Recovering Your Security Deposit

• Review your rental agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Give proper written notice to your landlord.
• Document the condition of the property at move out — use an inspection form and photos.
• Return all keys and provide a forwarding address.
• Wait up to 10 days for the return of your deposit. If not returned or you disagree with deductions, file an Application to the Rental Officer.

Quick Summary

Get your full deposit back by:

• Giving proper notice
• Leaving the unit clean and undamaged
• Documenting everything
• Following up with official forms if needed

Make sure to know your rights and follow all steps closely.
To see more about rights and obligations, check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page.

Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and easily find your next home in the Northwest Territories or anywhere in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
   Landlords in Northwest Territories must return your deposit within 10 days of the tenancy ending or after taking possession of the unit. If they make deductions, they must provide a written statement outlining the reasons.
2. What can my landlord deduct from my deposit?
   Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent, repairs due to tenant-caused damage, or cleaning if the unit isn’t left reasonably clean. Regular wear and tear cannot be deducted.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   If your landlord does not return your deposit or provides reasons you disagree with, you can file an Application to the Rental Officer (Form 5) with supporting evidence.
4. Is a move-out inspection required?
   A joint inspection isn’t required by law, but it is highly recommended to avoid disputes. Document the unit’s condition with an inspection report and photos.
5. How do I provide my forwarding address?
   Give your new address in writing to your landlord when you move out. This ensures they know where to send your deposit or any statement.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rental Officer (Northwest Territories): Handles all tenant-landlord disputes, deposit returns, and more. Phone: (867) 767-9256 ext. 82186
• Official Rental Officer Forms
• Northwest Territories Legal Aid: Legal Aid Services
• For a snapshot of your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

---

1. [1] See the Residential Tenancies Act - Northwest Territories (current official version)

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