Tenants in the Northwest Territories sometimes face sudden threats to their safety, shelter, or finances — for example, an immediate eviction notice, a heating failure in winter, or severe mold. In those situations you can ask the NWT Tenancies Office for an interim or emergency order that acts quickly to protect you while the full dispute is decided. These short-term orders can pause an eviction, require urgent repairs, or set temporary terms for access and safety. This guide explains when interim or emergency orders are available, what evidence and forms youll typically need, how hearings work, and practical steps to prepare your case so you can protect your home and health.
What are interim and emergency orders?
Interim orders are temporary decisions made by the tribunal to preserve the status quo or protect a party while the full hearing is scheduled. Emergency orders (sometimes called urgent or ex parte orders) are granted faster when there is an immediate risk to health, safety, or shelter. Both are meant to be short-term fixes that address urgent needs without deciding the full dispute.
When can tenants ask for them?
Common situations where tenants in the Northwest Territories may request an interim or emergency order include:
- Eviction notice with little or no time to move — ask the tribunal to pause enforcement while the case proceeds.
- Essential services out in extreme weather (no heat or no water) and the landlord wont act — ask for an order requiring immediate repairs.
- Serious safety hazards such as collapse risk, severe mold that affects health, or threats to personal safety.
Evidence, official forms, and where to apply
To support an application you will usually need clear evidence: dated photos or video, written repair requests, text or email records with your landlord, medical notes if health is affected, and rent receipts. Tenants apply through the Northwest Territories Tenancies Office or the official tribunal web pages for residential tenancies[1]. Typical official forms include an Application for Interim or Emergency Order (form name varies; no standard number available publicly) and any accompanying form for filing evidence or a hearing request. For example, if your heat fails in winter and the landlord has not responded after written notice, file the interim application and include dated photos, a copy of your written repair request, and a log of calls or messages to the landlord.
How hearings and orders work
After you file, the tribunal may schedule a short, urgent hearing or decide based on written materials. Emergency applications can be considered sooner and sometimes without the landlord present if immediate harm is likely. If the tribunal grants an order, it will say what the landlord must do and by when. Interim orders are temporary and will usually include a later full hearing date to resolve the full dispute.
If an order is granted and the landlord does not comply, you can ask the tribunal to enforce the order. Keep copies of the order, any receipts for expenses you incur because of the problem, and records of non-compliance.
Practical steps tenants can take now
Before you apply or attend a hearing:
- Collect evidence: photos, videos, messages, repair requests, witness names, and receipts for expenses.
- Fill out the tribunal application form for an interim or emergency order and attach evidence; follow form instructions about service.
- Note deadlines and hearing dates; request a teleconference if you cannot attend in person.
- Get help: contact local tenant services or legal clinics early for support with forms and evidence.
FAQ
- What is an interim order and how is it different from an emergency order?
- Interim orders are temporary measures while a full hearing is scheduled; emergency orders respond to immediate, serious risks and can be issued faster to prevent harm or loss.
- How quickly can I get an emergency order in the Northwest Territories?
- Speed depends on the tribunals schedule and the urgency; some emergency orders are considered within days if you provide clear evidence of immediate risk such as no heat in cold weather or an active eviction. Prepare photos, written requests, and witness statements to support urgency.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take dated photos or videos, save messages and emails, and keep receipts for emergency expenses.
- Complete the Application for Interim or Emergency Order and attach your evidence; follow the form instructions carefully.
- File or submit the application to the NWT Tenancies Office (use official filing methods listed on the tribunal page).[1]
- Prepare for the hearing: organize documents, prepare a short timeline, and list any witnesses.
- Attend the hearing or join by phone/video and explain the urgent risk and ask for the specific order you need (pause eviction, require repairs, or other relief).
- If an order is issued, keep a copy and follow up with enforcement steps through the tribunal if the landlord does not comply.
Help and Support / Resources
- NWT Tenancies Office (official tribunal and forms)
- Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) legislation and guidance
