Landlord Use of Rental Unit Photos: Tenant Rights in NWT

Renting a home in the Northwest Territories raises questions about privacy and consent—especially regarding photographs of your rental unit. Many tenants want to know if landlords are allowed to take or use photos of their homes, and under what circumstances. This article provides a clear, tenant-friendly guide to what the law says in the NWT, your rights to privacy, and actionable steps if you're concerned about unauthorized photos.

Landlords, Photos, and Privacy Under NWT Law

In the Northwest Territories, landlords must respect your right to reasonable privacy inside your rental. Generally, a landlord can only enter your unit or take photos for specific reasons set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹. Photos may be necessary for things like property inspections, advertising a vacant unit, or documenting repairs and damages—but your consent matters.

• Entry and notice: Landlords need to give at least 24 hours’ written notice and state the reason for entry, except in emergencies. Photos may be taken during these lawful entry times.
• Photography for advertising: If you are still living in the unit, landlords generally must have your consent to take or use photos for advertising purposes, especially photos containing your personal items.
• Inspection/outgoing condition reports: Photos taken to document the condition of the unit at move-in or move-out must be tied to inspection requirements.

For more on these inspection rights, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Your Rights: Consent, Privacy, and What Landlords Cannot Do

You have the right to know why photos are being taken and how they will be used. Under privacy legislation and the tenancy act:

• Landlords cannot enter without proper notice (unless it’s an emergency).
• Photos should not be taken for personal reasons or without informing you.
• Your personal belongings or images that identify you (like family portraits) should not be shared without permission.

If you feel your privacy is being breached, you have the right to raise your concerns and even file a complaint under the NWT’s Residential Tenancies Office.

When Photos Are Usually Permitted

Landlords may have legitimate reasons to take photos, such as:

• At move-in or move-out, to record the condition of the property (helpful for deposit returns)
• To document necessary repairs, maintenance, or health and safety concerns—see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting
• When advertising the unit after you have given notice of leaving, and they have your permission

Always make sure you know what photos will be used for. You can ask the landlord to show you photos they have taken and clarify their intended use.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

If you believe your privacy has been violated, or photos were taken or shared without permission, you can:

• Contact your landlord in writing to ask for removal and to express your concerns.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office if you feel your landlord has not complied with the law.

Official Form: Application to the Director of Residential Tenancies
Use if you want to make a formal complaint or request an order. Example: If your landlord posted advertising photos of your apartment without your consent, you would fill out and submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Office.

Find more about the process from the NWT Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Legislation and Tribunal Information

• Law: Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
• Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Office

For an overview of local rental laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Protecting Your Privacy: Tenant Tips

• Always ask for the reason before photos are taken inside your unit
• Request confirmation (in writing) that your personal details or belongings will not be shown in advertising
• Review inspection and advertising clauses in your rental agreement
• If unsure, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice

You can also Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find landlords who respect tenant privacy and clear communication.

FAQ: Photos, Privacy, and Landlord Conduct

1. Can my landlord take photos of my personal belongings?
   If the photos are for inspections or repairs, landlords should avoid capturing personal items whenever possible. Photos for advertising should not show your personal or identifying belongings without your consent.
2. What if my landlord posts photos online without permission?
   Notify your landlord in writing to remove the photos, and keep a record. If unresolved, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for a solution.
3. Is landlord entry different in Northwest Territories compared to other provinces?
   Entry rules are similar but may vary. In NWT, at least 24 hours’ notice (in writing) is required except in emergencies. Always check the latest regulations or Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for local details.
4. Can I refuse to allow advertising photos while I’m still living in the unit?
   Yes, especially if these photos would show your personal belongings. Always discuss and document your wishes with your landlord.

Key Takeaways for NWT Tenants

• Landlords must respect your privacy and need proper consent for non-essential photos.
• Formal complaints can be made using the Application to the Director of Residential Tenancies form.
• Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings about photos in your rental.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Residential Tenancies Office – Inquiries, complaints, official forms, and guidance for tenants and landlords
• NWT Housing Corporation: Rental Housing Resources
• Email the RTO: rto@gov.nt.ca or call 1-844-260-6396 for assistance
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act

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