Maintenance and Repair FAQ for Tenants in Northwest Territories

As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, knowing your rights and responsibilities related to maintenance and repairs is key to ensuring a safe, comfortable living environment. This article covers common questions about maintenance for tenants, what landlords must do, and how you can address repairs quickly and effectively under Northwest Territories law.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities

Landlords in the Northwest Territories must keep rental properties in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety standards. Tenants are responsible for keeping their units clean and reporting issues promptly. If you’re unsure about the specific breakdown, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a full overview of roles under the law.

What Are Landlords Legally Required to Maintain?

• Structural elements (roofs, windows, walls)
• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Major appliances provided with the rental
• Safe access routes, including stairs and hallways
• Compliance with territorial health and safety standards

Landlords cannot shift these legal maintenance duties onto tenants through your rental agreement. If you’re moving in or want reassurance about a unit’s condition, consult the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for what to check at move-in.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep your unit reasonably clean
• Do not cause damage (beyond normal wear and tear)
• Promptly report repairs, leaks, pests, or safety hazards to your landlord
• Allow reasonable access for repairs, with advance notice

Tenants are not responsible for fixing problems caused by normal aging or major systems breaking down unless the issue was directly caused by the tenant or a guest.

How to Request Repairs and What to Expect

If something in your rental unit breaks down or becomes unsafe, always notify your landlord right away in writing (email or text message is often sufficient). Describe the problem clearly and keep a record of your communication. This will help if you need to prove when you reported an issue.

Timelines for Repairs

• Emergency repairs (e.g., no heat in winter, broken water pipes, major electrical failures): Must be addressed as soon as possible. If the landlord is unavailable or refuses, you may have the right to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement.
• Routine repairs: Landlords must complete these within a reasonable timeframe. Communicate with your landlord for updates if work is delayed.

For more on what counts as routine or urgent, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Relevant Legislation and Where to Get Help

Maintenance and repairs are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1]. The Residential Tenancies Office handles rental disputes, including complaints about repairs and maintenance.

Key Forms You May Need

• Application to the Director (Form 18): Use this if your landlord will not carry out repairs after being notified, and the problem affects your health or safety.
  Example: Your heating is broken in winter and your landlord does not fix it despite repeated requests. File Form 18 with the Residential Tenancies Office. Download Application to the Director
• Notice of Entry (Form 2): Required for landlords to give notice before entering your unit for repairs or maintenance.
  Example: Your landlord must provide this written notice at least 24 hours before entering for repairs (except for emergencies). Download Notice of Entry

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Learn more about your rights as a tenant by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays for repairs in my rental unit?
   Landlords are responsible for fixing things that break due to normal use or age as well as anything that affects health or safety. Tenants pay only if damage was caused by them or their guests.
2. Can I fix things myself and deduct the cost from rent?
   In the Northwest Territories, you generally must get the landlord’s permission first. In emergencies where you can’t reach the landlord, or they refuse to act on crucial repairs, keep receipts and request reimbursement through the Residential Tenancies Office if needed.
3. What if my landlord refuses to do urgent repairs?
   If your landlord ignores urgent repair requests (like heat, plumbing, or safety issues), you can file an Application to the Director (Form 18) for an order requiring repairs.
4. Do I have to let my landlord in for repairs?
   Yes, if you receive a proper Notice of Entry (Form 2) at least 24 hours in advance, unless there's an emergency requiring immediate access.
5. How quickly must the landlord fix something after I report it?
   Timelines depend on the urgency. Emergency repairs must be done as soon as possible; routine matters should be handled within a reasonable period.

How To: Steps for Reporting and Escalating a Repair Request

1. How do I report a maintenance issue to my landlord?
   Notify your landlord in writing with clear details of the problem and keep copies for your records.
2. What steps can I take if repairs aren't done?
   Send a written reminder. If there’s still no action—especially for repairs affecting health or safety—file an Application to the Director (Form 18) with the Residential Tenancies Office.
3. How can I submit a claim to the Residential Tenancies Office?
   Fill out Form 18 and submit it along with supporting evidence (photos, messages, written notices) online or in person per the instructions on the official website.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must fix major repairs and keep rentals safe and healthy.
• Always report and document maintenance issues right away.
• For unresolved safety concerns, use the Application to the Director form to escalate with the Residential Tenancies Office.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office – Official support, complaints, and resources
• Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
• Official tenancy forms and instructions
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office
3. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancy Forms

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