Landlord Refuses Rent Payment? Tenant Action Steps in NWT

If you are a tenant in the Northwest Territories and your landlord refuses to accept your rent payment, understanding your rights and what you should do next is crucial. The territory’s rental laws are clear about tenant and landlord obligations, but payment issues can create confusion or even lead to disputes affecting your tenancy.

Your Right to Pay Rent in the Northwest Territories

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT), tenants have a legal duty to pay rent on time and in the manner required by the rental agreement¹. Landlords, in turn, must accept rent unless there are specific legal grounds—such as a valid termination or eviction process. If a landlord refuses your rent when you attempt to pay, this does not automatically mean you’re at fault or that you have to leave the rental.

In some situations, such as a disagreement over a previous rent issue, changes to the payment method, or the landlord attempting to end the tenancy improperly, payment refusal may occur. It's important to act promptly and carefully document your efforts to pay.

Practical Steps to Take Immediately

• Document your payment attempt: Keep clear records (receipts, emails, bank proof, witnesses) of your rent payment offer.
• Try multiple methods: If your landlord refuses cash, offer cheque or certified funds. Send payment via registered mail if in-person is refused.
• Communicate in writing: Email or send a letter stating you are trying to pay rent as agreed and ask for written reasons if payment is refused.
• Never stop trying: Continue to set aside your rent amount each month.

If the landlord continues to refuse payment, you have the right to apply to the rental authority for assistance and to protect your interests as a tenant.

How to Apply to the NWT Rental Office

The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office handles landlord-tenant disputes. If you face ongoing refusal of rent, you can apply for a determination or an urgent hearing to clarify the status of your tenancy and ensure you are not unfairly penalized.

Official Forms You May Use

• Application to the Rental Office (Form 3): When your landlord refuses rent and you want an official decision, use this form. You’ll need to provide evidence of your attempts to pay and a description of the situation.
  Download Form 3 from the NWT Rental Office.
  Example: If you tried to pay your rent on time and your landlord refused to accept payment without a reason, submit this form to request a ruling.
• Application for an Urgent Order (Form 17): Use this if you believe you face immediate risk, such as risk of illegal eviction. Attach evidence and outline the urgent circumstances.
  Access Form 17 here.
  Example: If your landlord locks you out after you attempted payment, file this form to seek immediate relief.

Submit forms to the Northwest Territories Rental Office. Processes can often move quickly, especially in urgent situations. The Rental Office can issue binding decisions about your tenancy and payments.

What Happens If Payment is Refused?

If you can show that you tried to pay on time and in good faith, the NWT Rental Office generally treats you as having met your rent obligation. The landlord cannot evict you for non-payment if the refusal was not your fault. However, if you stop offering payment or fail to document your efforts, you may risk your tenancy.

It’s also important to understand related Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained—knowing what each party is responsible for can help prevent confusion and protect both sides.

Staying Informed and Protecting Your Rights

• Read your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act to understand your legal rights.
• Review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for territory-specific protections.
• Consult the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for more advice on handling payments.
• When searching for new rentals or if you need to move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Documenting your attempts and understanding your responsibilities are your best tools. Staying calm and communicating in writing will help if the matter proceeds to the Rental Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord refuses my rent because they want me to move out?
   If your landlord won’t accept rent to pressure you to leave, do not move out unless you receive an official eviction order. Continue to offer payment and seek help from the NWT Rental Office.
2. Does my landlord have to accept cash?
   Landlords can set reasonable rules about payment methods (e.g., cheque, bank transfer), but they cannot refuse payment entirely without cause. Always offer payment in a documented, traceable way.
3. Will I be evicted if my landlord keeps refusing rent?
   If you can prove you made reasonable efforts to pay on time, you cannot be legally evicted for non-payment. Ask the Rental Office for help if your landlord continues to refuse payment.
4. What documentation should I keep if my payment is refused?
   Keep copies of payment receipts, communication with your landlord, returned cheques, and any letters or emails offering to pay.
5. Where can I get help completing forms or understanding the law?
   The NWT Rental Office can answer general questions. You may also find guidance from legal aid services and tenant advocacy organizations in the territory.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to pay rent and should keep clear records if refused.
• Apply to the NWT Rental Office for help if your landlord will not accept your payment.
• Document every attempt—this is your greatest protection if a dispute arises.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Rental Office: Get forms, guides, and dispute resolution help
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
• NWT Housing Corporation – Tenant Support
• For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

---

1. Government of the Northwest Territories, Residential Tenancies Act
2. Government of the Northwest Territories, Residential Tenancies Office

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