What personal information can my landlord legally collect in Northwest Territories?

Landlords can only collect information necessary to establish or manage the tenancy, such as your name, contact information, references, and proof of income.

How do I know if my landlord is misusing my information?

If your landlord shares your details without your consent or uses them for unrelated purposes, it may be a privacy violation. Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice.

What should I do if my privacy as a tenant is breached?

Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office or the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Can I refuse to provide certain information to my landlord?

Yes, you may refuse if the request is unreasonable or unrelated to the tenancy. Only information required by law or for legitimate tenancy management can be requested.

Protecting Tenant Privacy and Personal Information in Northwest Territories

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Northwest Territories published: June 14, 2025

As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, your personal information—like your address, contact details, or official ID—deserves protection. Understanding how privacy laws affect your rental, and what your landlord can and cannot do with your information, is crucial for peace of mind and a safe rental experience. This guide covers how privacy laws work, your rights as a tenant, and how to take action if your privacy is at risk.

How Privacy Laws Protect Tenants in Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, your rental relationship is covered by specific privacy rules. Landlords must collect, use, and store your personal information according to privacy legislation, such as the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)^[1] and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA)^[2]. Landlords can only ask for information that is directly related to managing the rental.

What Information Can a Landlord Request?

Landlords sometimes need information like identification, references, or emergency contact details. However, the amount and type of information must be reasonable. For example:

Your name and address
Proof of income or employment
Contact details for emergencies
Credit references or past rental history

They cannot, for example, request more information than needed to process a rental application or manage the tenancy.

How Your Information Should Be Protected

Landlords must ensure that any personal data they collect about tenants is stored safely and only kept as long as necessary. Unauthorized sharing of your information—like giving your phone number to other tenants or third parties without consent—is not allowed under privacy law.

When Landlords Can Access Your Personal Information

Your landlord may only access or share your information in legally defined circumstances. These include:

Managing the tenancy (e.g., contacting you about rent or repairs)
Responding to emergencies or safety concerns
Legal processes such as an eviction application to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)^[3]

Tip: If you’re concerned about what information your landlord requests or how it’s being used, ask for a written explanation, or contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.

Common Tenant Privacy Scenarios

Routine Repairs: Landlords may need your contact details to arrange access. They must not give your information to contractors without your permission. For more on repair processes, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
Security Deposits: Your financial information for deposit refunds must be handled respectfully. Learn your rights in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Keeping your privacy safe is a part of your tenant rights. For a broad overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Filing a Privacy Complaint in Northwest Territories

If you believe your privacy has been violated, you can:

Discuss your concern directly with your landlord
Write a formal complaint using the recommended template from the Residential Tenancies Office
Contact the Northwest Territories Information and Privacy Commissioner via official website for further steps

The main complaint process does not require an official numbered form, but you should include key details—what happened, relevant dates, and any supporting documents.

Practical Example: Submitting a Privacy Concern

If your landlord shares your phone number with a contractor without consent, you can send a written complaint to the landlord and, if unresolved, forward your complaint and supporting evidence to the Residential Tenancies Office and the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Key Official Forms

Application to the Rental Officer (N/A): Used for general tenancy complaints, including privacy breaches.
How to use: Fill out the form with your details and situation, then submit to the RTO. Download here.

If you’re responding to an existing application regarding privacy or entry issues, use the official response form found on the RTO Forms page.

Overview: Rights and Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants must respect privacy rules as part of their broader legal relationship. To learn more about your obligations and rights in a tenancy, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Remember, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings when searching for homes that respect your privacy and legal protections as a tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What personal information can my landlord legally collect in Northwest Territories? Landlords are permitted to collect only information necessary to establish or manage the tenancy, such as your legal name, contact information, references, and proof of income. They cannot ask for more than is needed for a rental decision.
How do I know if my landlord is misusing my information? If your information is shared with third parties without your consent, or used for purposes beyond the rental agreement, this could be a privacy violation. In such cases, contact the Residential Tenancies Office or the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Can I refuse to give certain information to a landlord? Yes, you have the right to refuse if the request is unreasonable or not related to the tenancy. However, some information is needed for the landlord to comply with legal obligations.
What should I do if my privacy is breached? Document what occurred, notify your landlord in writing, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office or the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

Your personal information is protected by law in the Northwest Territories.
Landlords must request and use only the data needed for your tenancy.
If your privacy is breached, you have formal complaint avenues for resolution.

Keep these protections and steps in mind to ensure your information remains safe throughout your rental journey.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Handles rental disputes, privacy concerns, and complaints
Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories – For privacy-specific help and complaints
Northwest Territories Tenant Advocacy Services – Support with privacy and tenancy rights

Northwest Territories. Residential Tenancies Act
Northwest Territories. Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA)
Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)