NWT Tribunal: Getting a Delay Without Losing Your Case

If you rent in the Northwest Territories and need more time to prepare for a tribunal hearing, this guide explains how to ask for a delay without jeopardizing your case. It covers when delays are reasonable, how to file a request, what evidence to include, and how to notify the other side and the tribunal. The language is plain and focused on tenant steps you can take right now, including examples and tips for documenting problems like repairs, rent records, or health and safety concerns. Follow these steps carefully so you protect your rights while arranging more time to gather documents, get legal advice, or find temporary housing if needed.

When you can ask for a delay

The tribunal may grant an adjournment if you show a valid reason: illness, new evidence that needs time to gather, needing legal advice, or an unexpected conflict with the scheduled hearing. Start by checking the hearing notice for a date, deadline to respond, and the tribunal contact details so you know where to send your request. The Government of the Northwest Territories provides official information about residential tenancy dispute procedures and how hearings are scheduled.^[1]

How to ask for a delay

Follow these practical steps so the tribunal understands your reason and can decide fairly.

1. Check the hearing date and any written deadlines on your hearing notice; missing a deadline can limit your options.
2. File a written request to adjourn with the tribunal explaining the reason, how much extra time you need, and what you will do with the time (for example, get medical proof or collect evidence).
3. Serve a copy of your adjournment request on the other party and keep proof you served them, such as a dated email or delivery receipt.
4. Attach supporting documents: doctor notes, repair order receipts, communication logs, photos or invoices that back up your reason for delay.
5. If the situation is urgent, ask for a short interim order or temporary measures while you wait for the new date.
6. Confirm the tribunal’s decision in writing and update your plans to attend the rescheduled hearing or to submit additional evidence by the new deadline.

What to include in your adjournment request

Keep your request focused and factual. Explain briefly:

• The scheduled hearing date and your conflict or reason for delay (dates and times).
• Exactly how much extra time you need and an anticipated new date.
• Documents supporting the reason (doctor note, repair order, new evidence to be collected).
• Proof you informed the other party (email copies or signed delivery receipts).

Preparing evidence while you wait

Use any granted time to collect clear evidence. Keep a simple log of dates, times, and actions taken. Photographs, receipts for repairs, and written communications about problems are especially helpful in tenancy disputes. If your issue is habitability or repairs, keep repair requests and responses together so the tribunal can see timelines and attempts to resolve the issue. For general tenant guidance about problems and repairs, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

What happens if your request is refused

If the tribunal refuses your adjournment, respond quickly: attend the hearing if possible, bring all documents you have, and explain any remaining hurdles at the hearing. Failing to attend without permission may lead to a decision against you, so prioritize showing up or asking the tribunal right away about alternatives such as written submissions.

FAQ

Can I ask for a delay because I don’t have a lawyer?

Yes. Needing legal advice is a common reason for an adjournment, but explain when you expect to retain counsel and how much additional time you need.

Do I have to prove my reason for a delay?

Provide whatever evidence you can: a medical note, a repair invoice, emails, or proof you are actively seeking needed documents or counsel.

Will asking for a delay hurt my credibility?

No, if your request is reasonable, timely, and supported by evidence, tribunals generally consider it without negative assumptions.

How-To

Follow these clear steps to file an adjournment request with the NWT tribunal.

1. Note the hearing date and any filing deadline on your notice.
2. Draft a short written request stating the reason, the length of time requested, and the evidence you will produce.
3. Send the request to the tribunal and the other party and keep proof of delivery.
4. Attach supporting documents or say when you expect to obtain them.
5. Wait for the tribunal’s written response and prepare for the original date in case your request is denied.

Key Takeaways

• Ask for an adjournment as soon as you know you need one and explain clearly why you need the time.
• Provide supporting documents and proof you notified the other party.
• Always keep track of new dates and deadlines after any adjournment is granted.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Office — Government of the Northwest Territories
• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act — Justice Department
• Residential Tenancies forms and templates — Government of the Northwest Territories

1. [1] Government of the Northwest Territories — Renting residential property
2. [2] Northwest Territories — Residential Tenancies Act
3. [3] Government of the Northwest Territories — Residential tenancies forms