Northwest Territories Tenant Guide: Utilities & Services

Managing utilities and essential services like heat, water, electricity, and waste management is a key part of renting in the Northwest Territories. For tenants, it's important to know what the law says about service responsibilities, what to do if there are interruptions, and how to resolve disagreements with your landlord. This guide is designed to help tenants in the NWT confidently handle these issues by providing practical information, official links, and tenant-focused action steps.

Who Is Responsible for Utilities in the Northwest Territories?

Responsibility for utilities (such as electricity, heating, water, and waste collection) generally depends on your lease agreement. The Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1] doesn't require a landlord to include or pay for utilities but does establish minimum standards for essential services. Always review your lease to see which utilities are included, whether any are metered, and who is expected to pay each bill. If the lease is unclear, ask for clarification in writing from your landlord before you sign.

Essential Services: What Are You Entitled To?

By law, rental properties must have working heating, hot and cold water, and electricity unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise. Landlords cannot cut off or deliberately interrupt these essential services, even if you are behind on rent.^[1]

• If a landlord fails to provide essential services or allows them to be interrupted due to non-payment of their bills, you have specific rights under NWT law.
• Tenants are responsible for services only if their lease says so. If not, it is the landlord's legal responsibility.

Common Utility Issues and How to Handle Them

• Heat or Electricity Interrupted: If essential heat or electricity goes out and it's the landlord's responsibility, inform them immediately in writing. Landlords must address the problem promptly and may be liable if they fail to restore service.
• Water Problems: Report leaks, water outages, or unsafe drinking water right away. Document all communication.
• Billing Disagreements: Double-check whose name is on each utility account. If you're billed for utilities that should be the landlord's responsibility, refer to your lease and NWT tenancy law. For more information about landlord and tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What If the Landlord Refuses to Repair or Restore Services?

Tenants can apply to the Rental Office (NWT) for an order to require the landlord to provide or restore an essential service. This authority handles rental disputes, applications, and tenant complaints regarding utilities and services.

Official Forms for Tenants

• Tenant's Application (Form 2): Use this to apply to the Rental Office for an order requiring your landlord to restore or provide essential services if requests have gone unanswered.
  Example: If your heat is off in winter and the landlord is not fixing it, fill out Form 2 (Tenant’s Application) and submit it to the Rental Officer.
• Notice to Landlord (Form 8): Use this if you want to notify your landlord in writing about a problem that must be fixed. Providing written notice is legally required before applying for a formal order.
  Example: For unexplained loss of water supply, use Form 8 to record and report the problem before seeking further action.

How the Rental Office Can Help

• The Rental Office can issue orders for landlords to restore essential utilities and may reduce your rent if the disruption caused significant inconvenience or expenses.
• Always keep copies of your application forms and all correspondence for your records.

Resolving Disagreements: Steps for Tenants

If you have an issue with utilities or essential services, try to resolve the matter with your landlord first in writing. If this does not work, follow these steps:

• Gather all relevant documents: lease agreement, bills, notices, previous correspondence.
• Give the landlord written notice of the problem and request action within a reasonable timeframe.
• If action is not taken, use Form 2 (Tenant's Application) to apply to the Rental Office.
• For broader guidance on common rental problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Knowing your legal rights is crucial. For a quick overview of rights and rules specific to the region, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Heat or Utility Issues During Extreme Cold

Due to the northern climate, heat is especially critical in the NWT. If your landlord fails to provide heat during the winter, this is an urgent health and safety issue. The tribunal may act quickly due to safety concerns. Landlords cannot use utility shut-offs as a form of eviction or for collecting overdue rent.

Key takeaway: Landlords cannot cut off heat, water, or electricity to force a tenant out, even if rent is unpaid. Always document communication about service issues.

Moving In or Changing Tenants and Utility Accounts

When moving into a new rental, make sure to check which utilities are included. For tips on a successful move and setting up services, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home. Compare available providers if utilities are not included, and keep accounts in the correct name. When moving out, ask your landlord for move-out procedures relating to utilities to avoid unexpected bills.

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FAQ: Northwest Territories Utilities and Services for Tenants

1. Can my landlord turn off my heat or power if I am late on rent?
   No. Landlords cannot lawfully cut off essential utilities as a means of collecting overdue rent. Service interruptions for non-payment are a legal violation.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to repair a broken water heater?
   Send them a written notice requesting urgent repair. If they do not respond or fix the issue, you may apply to the Rental Office with Form 2 for an order.
3. Who pays for utilities if the lease is silent?
   If your lease does not mention utilities, they are the landlord's responsibility under the law. Always ask for clarification in writing if you are unsure.
4. How can I prove utility problems for my application?
   Keep copies of your utility bills, photos, written requests, and any official notices of interruption. This documentary evidence is crucial if seeking a tribunal order.
5. Where do I get official tenant forms for utility complaints?
   You can download all required forms from the Government of Northwest Territories Justice website. Links to the most relevant forms are provided above.

How To: Deal With Utility and Essential Service Issues as a Tenant in the NWT

1. How do I apply to the Rental Office if my landlord won't fix a utility problem?
   
   • Step 1: Give written notice to your landlord; allow them a reasonable time to respond.
   • Step 2: If the issue isn't fixed, complete Form 2 (Tenant's Application) with supporting evidence.
   • Step 3: Submit your application to the Rental Office for review and a possible order.
2. How do I find out who pays for utilities in my rental?
   Check your signed lease and any written communications. If it is not mentioned, the landlord is responsible by default.
3. How can I set up new accounts for utilities when moving in?
   Contact local service providers, provide a copy of your lease, and confirm start dates for each service. Keep receipts for your records.
4. How to collect evidence if utilities are interrupted?
   Take dated photos, save repair requests, and keep copies of bills or notices that show loss of service.

Key Takeaways

• Review your lease to confirm who is responsible for utility payments.
• Landlords cannot legally cut off essential services to enforce rent payment.
• Document all utility problems and report them in writing; use official tribunal forms to seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Residential Tenancies Act (official legislation)
• Rental Office (NWT) – Forms and tenant complaint application
• Tenant Support Line: 1-800-661-0760
• Fill and download NWT tenancy forms from the official government site
• For more local tenant rights information: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Government of NWT: Tenancy Forms
3. NWT Rental Office

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