Landlord Penalties Tenants Can Pursue in Northwest Territories

If you are renting in the Northwest Territories and your landlord is failing to meet their obligations, you have the right to seek action through specific penalties. Understanding how you can trigger these penalties not only protects your home and deposit, but also ensures landlords follow the rules set out by the Rental Office of the Northwest Territories and the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. This guide explains the process, official complaint forms, and what outcomes you can expect — even addressing concerns like unresolved repairs or improper rent increases.

When Can Tenants Trigger Penalties Against Landlords?

Northwest Territories law protects tenants from unsafe living conditions, illegal rent increases, and other landlord breaches. You may be able to trigger penalties if your landlord:

• Fails to maintain the rental in good repair or meet health and safety standards
• Illegally withholds your security deposit
• Enters your unit without proper notice
• Carries out unlawful evictions or does not follow legal eviction procedures
• Increases rent improperly or outside legal guidelines

Tenants have specific protections under the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories fact page, which also outlines the responsibilities of both parties.

Which Official Penalties Can the Rental Office Order?

The Rental Office, led by a Rental Officer, has the authority to enforce landlord compliance. Some of the penalties it can impose when a complaint or application is successful include:

• Ordering the landlord to do repairs, restore services, or correct health and safety breaches
• Forcing the return of unlawfully held deposits and, in some cases, adding interest or compensation
• Directing landlords to pay the tenant compensation for losses or damages caused by their non-compliance
• Imposing financial penalties if the landlord willfully breaks the law

For example, if your landlord does not address a major pest problem or urgent safety issue, you can apply to the Rental Office for an order requiring the landlord to fix it or even to pay compensation. For more on your repair rights and responsibilities, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How to File a Complaint or Application for Penalties

Tenants can formally ask the Rental Officer to investigate or order penalties by submitting an "Application for an Order of the Rental Officer" (Form NWT 1). Here’s how you can use this form:

• Form Name/Number: Application (Form NWT 1)
• When to Use: If your landlord isn’t following the law (e.g., not making repairs, wrong eviction process, illegal entry), or if you want your deposit returned.
• How It Works: Complete Form NWT 1, explain your situation, attach evidence (photos, letters, receipts), and submit to the Rental Office in person or by mail (Get the official Application form).

After you apply, the Rental Officer will contact both sides, review evidence, and may hold a hearing before making a decision or order. If the landlord fails to comply, they could face further penalties or fines under the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act.

Compensation and Other Tenant Remedies

Depending on the breach, you may be able to seek:

• Financial compensation for costs or damages from the landlord’s failure
• Return of your security deposit with added interest (especially if proper move-out procedures were followed)
• Orders requiring the landlord to make necessary repairs or changes

If you want to learn more about your rights around deposits or healthy living conditions, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What About Retaliation?

It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you (for example, by threatening eviction) simply because you exercised your rights. If you believe this is happening, include it in your application to the Rental Officer.

Summary: Tenants in the Northwest Territories can seek penalties for landlord non-compliance by filing an official complaint. The Rental Office may order repairs, compensation, or fines to protect tenant rights.

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Frequently Asked Questions for NWT Tenants

1. What do I do if my landlord refuses to fix urgent repairs?
   If your landlord does not address urgent repairs or safety issues, gather evidence, notify them in writing, and apply to the Rental Office using Form NWT 1 to request an order for repairs or possible compensation.
2. Can I get my deposit back if my landlord breaks the rules?
   Yes. If a landlord improperly withholds your deposit or fails to meet move-out obligations, you can apply to the Rental Office for its return, sometimes with interest or additional compensation.
3. Is my landlord allowed to increase my rent by any amount, or illegally evict me?
   No. Rent increases and evictions must follow the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act. Unlawful increases or evictions can result in penalties against the landlord if you file a complaint.
4. What if my landlord enters my apartment without permission?
   This is a breach of your right to privacy. Document the incident and consider applying to the Rental Office for an order to stop this behaviour and request compensation if appropriate.
5. How do I know what my landlord’s obligations are?
   Landlords’ legal obligations, and your own responsibilities, are covered by the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide and the NWT Residential Tenancies Act.

Key Takeaways for NWT Tenants

• Tenants can apply to the Rental Office for penalties if landlords break key rules.
• Use official forms, document all issues, and act quickly for best results.
• Both compensation and orders for landlord compliance may be available to you.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Office of the Northwest Territories – Tenancy information, forms, and complaint support
• Application for Order Form (NWT 1) – Use this official form to start your complaint
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – Full text of the law protecting tenant rights
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Quick facts and provincial contacts

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.W.T. 2018, c. 9. Read the full Residential Tenancies Act

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