Moving In and Out in Northwest Territories: Tenant Guide

Moving in or out of a rental home in the Northwest Territories can come with many challenges — from security deposits to final inspections and everything in between. Knowing your rights, steps to take, and where to get help makes a big difference. This guide breaks down each stage to help you move with confidence, avoid common problems, and protect yourself under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹.

What to Know Before Moving In

Before you move into your new rental, there are important steps to ensure your tenancy gets off to a good start.

• Read and understand your lease agreement. Ask questions about any terms you don't understand.
• Pay your security deposit (no more than one month's rent) and get a receipt. For details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Request an initial inspection with your landlord. This inspection protects you from being wrongly charged for pre-existing damage. Learn more in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.
• Take dated photos and write down the condition of each room. Keep a copy for yourself and provide one to your landlord.
• Make sure smoke alarms and safety equipment are working. (This is required by law.)

Official Forms for Moving In

• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Inspection Report (Form 2): This form should be filled out jointly by you and your landlord when you move in (and again when you move out). It's available from the NWT Rental Office forms page. For example, if a wall had existing scuff marks, you note it here to avoid being blamed later.

Dealing with Issues While Moving In

If you find problems with the property (like broken appliances or cleanliness issues), notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Give them a reasonable time to fix the issues. If problems persist, you can:

• Complete a written request for repairs and keep a copy
• Apply to the NWT Rental Office for assistance if the issue is unresolved

For help with finding new rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Getting Ready to Move Out

When it's time to leave your rental in the Northwest Territories, proper planning is essential for a smooth and stress-free transition:

• Give proper written notice to your landlord. For a month-to-month lease, this is usually one full month's notice before the last day of a tenancy month.
• Schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord. Both should attend and complete the Condition Inspection Report again.
• Clean thoroughly and repair any tenant-caused damage to improve your chance of getting your security deposit back.
• Return all keys and provide a forwarding address for your deposit return.

Official Forms for Moving Out

• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 5): Use this form to give your landlord official notice you're ending your tenancy. Download it from the NWT Rental Office. For instance, if you rent month-to-month and want to move at the end of May, deliver the form before April 30.
• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Inspection Report (Form 2): Complete this again at move-out. Both parties should sign and, if possible, agree on any damages found.

If disputes over damage or deposits arise, you can apply to the NWT Rental Office for a hearing.

Common Problems and How to Resolve Them

• Disagreements about the level of cleaning or wear and tear
• Deductions from your security deposit you believe are unfair
• Repairs not completed before your move-in date

Always try to resolve issues directly with your landlord first. Put everything in writing and keep copies.

For extra guidance, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit and How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

If You Need Legal Help

The NWT Rental Office resolves disputes, including deposit returns and repairs. Applications can be made online or in person using their official forms. The main law covering your rights is the Residential Tenancies Act.¹

For an overview of your rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

FAQ: Moving In and Out in Northwest Territories

1. Do I need to do an inspection when I move in?
   Yes, both you and your landlord should complete a Move-In Condition Inspection Report. It protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
2. How much can a landlord deduct from my security deposit?
   Only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs. Deductions must be reasonable and itemized.
3. What if my landlord won't return my deposit?
   Contact your landlord in writing first. If there’s no resolution, apply to the NWT Rental Office for dispute resolution.
4. Can my landlord enter while I'm moving in or out?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice to enter your unit, except in emergencies or if you otherwise agree.
5. What if I need to break my lease early?
   You must get written agreement from your landlord or show a valid legal reason. Otherwise, you may be responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented.

How To: Solve Moving In/Out Issues in Northwest Territories

1. How do I get my security deposit back?
   Attend the move-out inspection, ensure the unit is clean and undamaged, return keys, and provide your forwarding address. If the deposit isn’t returned within 10 days and no deductions are being made, apply to the NWT Rental Office.
2. How do I file a dispute if my landlord won't fix repairs?
   Submit a written request to your landlord first. If unresolved, fill out an Application to Determine Dispute (Form 8) and submit it to the NWT Rental Office.
3. How do I give proper notice to move out?
   Fill out the Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 5), give a copy to your landlord at least one full rental month before you intend to leave, and keep proof of delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Complete and keep records of the move-in and move-out inspection forms.
• Give written notice and communicate concerns in writing to your landlord.
• Use NWT Rental Office resources for unresolved disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Office — Official forms, legal information, and dispute resolution
• Forms for tenants and landlords
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – Department of Justice, Northwest Territories

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