Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for Northwest Territories Tenants

Every tenant in the Northwest Territories deserves a safe, secure, and well-maintained home. Understanding your rights and responsibilities around maintenance and repairs will help you prevent problems—and know what to do if things go wrong. This checklist guides tenants on what to watch for, who to contact, and how to use official forms under Northwest Territories rental law.

Understanding Maintenance & Repair Responsibilities

Landlords must keep rental units in a condition that meets health, safety, and housing standards. As a tenant, you also have duties to keep the home reasonably clean and to avoid causing damage. These obligations are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)^[1]. For full details, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Common tenant responsibilities include:

• Keeping the unit clean and sanitary
• Notifying the landlord promptly about required repairs
• Not deliberately damaging property

Landlord responsibilities generally include:

• Providing and maintaining the property in good repair
• Ensuring heating, plumbing, and electrical systems work
• Meeting all health and safety code requirements

If you’re unsure about your specific obligations, review your lease and consult the legislation or the NWT Housing Standards^[2].

Your Complete Maintenance & Repairs Checklist

When You Move In

• Inspect the rental carefully. Document any pre-existing damages or issues (take photos if possible).
• Report all problems in writing to your landlord right away.
• Check if there’s a formal move-in inspection form. Many landlords use one, though it’s not mandatory by law. It helps avoid deposit disputes later.

Some tenants find the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants helpful for this stage.

Ongoing Responsibilities & Routine Repairs

• Regularly check for leaks, faulty appliances, mold, and heating or electrical problems.
• Clean and change furnace filters if required by your lease.
• Report any issues as soon as you notice them—don’t wait for small problems to become big ones.
• Keep a written record of all repair requests sent to your landlord (email or letter is best).

If you're not sure who is responsible for a routine repair, review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Urgent and Emergency Repairs

• If an urgent repair is needed (e.g., furnace breakdown in winter, burst pipes), notify your landlord immediately by phone and in writing.
• If the landlord can’t be reached, and the emergency threatens safety or serious property damage, you can arrange repairs yourself and seek reimbursement.

For more, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Health and Safety Concerns

• Report hazards such as mold, pests, unsafe wiring, or heating issues right away.
• If not fixed, contact the Environmental Health Office or NWT Rental Office for further help.
• Learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Forms and Applications for Northwest Territories Tenants

If maintenance and repair problems are not resolved after you’ve contacted your landlord, you may apply to the NWT Rental Officer. Common forms include:

• Application to Rental Officer (Form 2): Use this to request an order requiring the landlord to conduct repairs or address maintenance issues.
  • When to use: If the landlord isn’t addressing serious repair needs after written notice.
  • How: Fill in Form 2, submit with supporting documents (photos, emails), and file with the NWT Rental Officer (download Form 2).
• Notice to Remedy (Form 5): Allows you to formally notify your landlord that repairs must be completed within a set time.
  • When to use: Use if your initial complaint is ignored.
  • How: Fill out Form 5 and deliver a copy to your landlord (download Form 5).

Action Steps for Tenants:

• Document the problem (photos, written records)
• Notify your landlord—always in writing
• If not fixed, use Form 5 to set a correction deadline
• If still not fixed, submit Form 2 to the Rental Officer

Visit the NWT Rental Officer website for all official forms and detailed application instructions.

Useful Tips for Northwest Territories Tenants

• Always keep copies of all communications, repair requests, and forms submitted.
• Be proactive—small repairs can turn into costly problems if delayed.
• Stay informed of your rights as they are updated. Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories anytime.
• If you’re searching for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores repair requests?
   If your landlord doesn’t respond to repairs after you have notified them in writing, serve them with a Notice to Remedy (Form 5). If repairs still aren't done, file an Application to the Rental Officer (Form 2) with documentation.
2. Is my landlord responsible for pest control?
   In most cases, landlords must ensure the unit is free from pests. If infestations occur, notify your landlord immediately. If unresolved, you can apply to the Rental Officer for assistance.
3. Can I withhold rent for maintenance problems?
   No. Withholding rent may result in eviction. Instead, follow the official process using Form 5 and, if needed, a Rental Officer application.
4. Who enforces maintenance and repair standards in the NWT?
   The Rental Officer is responsible for enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act regarding maintenance issues. Health and safety issues may also be handled by the Environmental Health Office.

How-To: Steps for Reporting and Resolving Maintenance Issues

1. How do I document and report a maintenance problem?
   Take clear photos and write a detailed account of the problem. Notify your landlord promptly in writing, keeping a copy for your records.
2. What if my landlord does not fix the issue?
   Fill out Form 5 (Notice to Remedy) and give it to your landlord, setting a specific deadline.
3. How can I escalate a maintenance complaint?
   If the problem isn’t fixed after Form 5, complete Form 2 (Application to Rental Officer) with supporting evidence and file it with the NWT Rental Officer.

Key Takeaways

• Know your maintenance and repair rights and obligations under the NWT Residential Tenancies Act.
• Always report and document repair issues—use official forms to escalate unresolved problems.
• Review the full list of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories to stay informed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Officer – Official Tenancies Program
• Official Forms & Applications – Rental Officer Applications and Forms
• Environmental Health Office (for hazards) – NWT Housing Standards
• Tenant support and advocacy services are also available through local community legal clinics.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – full text
2. NWT Housing Standards
3. NWT Rental Officer – Forms and Applications

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