Rent and Deposit Rules for New Tenants in Northwest Territories

Are you moving into a rental home in the Northwest Territories? Understanding rent, deposits, and your rights as a tenant is essential for a smooth start. This guide, tailored to the Northwest Territories, explains how rent and deposits work, your key legal protections, and the steps to take for a secure tenancy.

Who Oversees Rentals in Northwest Territories?

In the Northwest Territories, rental housing matters are managed by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). This government body helps tenants and landlords understand and enforce their rights and responsibilities, and it handles disputes related to rent, deposits, and more.

Legal Framework: Tenancy Legislation

All tenant and landlord relationships in the NWT are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹. This Act outlines the rules for rent, deposits, increases, and how disputes are resolved.

Rent: What New Tenants Should Know

Rent is typically due on the date noted in your rental agreement—often the first of each month. Here are key points all tenants should know:

• Your landlord must provide a signed written agreement stating how much rent you pay and when it's due.
• You must pay your rent in full and on time. Partial payments can have legal consequences.
• Landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless specified in your contract, and must give 3 full months' written notice before any increase.

For practical tips, check out the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

How Rent Increases Work

Landlords can only raise rent by giving you at least 3 full months written notice. Increases can only occur once every 12 months. If you receive an improper notice, you can challenge it with the RTO.

Security Deposits Explained

Landlords in the Northwest Territories may ask for a security deposit (often called a damage deposit). Key details:

• Maximum deposit: No more than one month's rent.
• Your landlord must give you a receipt for your deposit.
• Your deposit must be held in trust and can only be used for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Your deposit is to be returned (plus interest), usually within 10 days of moving out, minus allowable deductions.

For a deep dive on how deposits work, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Forms for Deposits and Moving In

• Condition Inspection Report: This form is not strictly mandatory in NWT but is strongly recommended. It records the property's state at move-in and protects you from unfair damage claims. Both tenant and landlord should sign. Find a sample and guidance in the RTO's Condition Inspection Report.
• Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must use this form to notify tenants of a rent increase. Download the latest version on the NWT government website. Tenants should review the form and dates carefully.

These forms protect both tenant and landlord and ensure compliance with the Act.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

The Act provides strong protections for tenants. Every tenant has the right to:

• Receive written notice of rent increases
• Get their damage deposit back after moving out—minus only legitimate deductions
• Live in a safe, well-maintained unit
• Have reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment

Similarly, tenants must:

• Pay rent on time
• Report repairs and issues promptly
• Not cause significant damage to the property

For a broader overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

What Happens When You Move Out?

Once your tenancy ends, your security deposit should be refunded within 10 days, along with any applicable interest. If there are deductions, your landlord must provide an itemized statement. If you disagree, you can file a dispute with the RTO.

Dispute Resolution and Filing Complaints

If you have issues about your deposit, rent increases, or other matters, contact the Residential Tenancies Office. You can:

• File a formal complaint
• Request dispute resolution

Use the Application for Resolution of a Dispute form, available from the RTO website. Include your supporting documents and details about the dispute.

Looking for Rentals?

If you haven’t found a place yet, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of listings and helpful search filters.

FAQ: Rent & Deposits in Northwest Territories

1. How much can my landlord ask for a security deposit?
   Landlords cannot ask for more than one month's rent as a deposit in the Northwest Territories.
2. When do I get my security deposit back?
   Your deposit must be returned within 10 days after you move out, minus any legal deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
3. Can my landlord increase my rent during my lease?
   No, rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term tenancy unless your agreement allows it. For periodic tenancies, increases require three full months' written notice.
4. What should I do if my landlord won't return my deposit?
   If there’s a dispute, file an Application for Resolution of a Dispute with the Residential Tenancies Office along with all your supporting documents.
5. Are there official forms I should use as a new tenant?
   Yes, using the Condition Inspection Report and keeping copies of all notices and the lease agreement is highly recommended.

How-To: Navigating Rent Increases and Disputes

1. How do I challenge an unfair rent increase?
   Review the landlord’s notice. If you believe the increase doesn’t follow the rules (e.g., less than three months’ notice), contact the RTO and—or file a dispute using their official application form.
2. How do I document the condition of my rental to protect my deposit?
   Walk through with your landlord before moving in, fill out the Condition Inspection Report together, and take photos. Both parties should sign and keep a copy.
3. How do I file a complaint about my landlord?
   Gather evidence (emails, letters, photos). Complete the Application for Resolution of a Dispute from the RTO website, and submit it with your supporting documents.

Key Takeaways

• Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent and must be returned—plus interest—within 10 days after moving out.
• Rent increases require three full months’ written notice and cannot happen more than once in 12 months.
• Always use recommended forms and keep documentation to safeguard your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (NWT) – Main point of contact for all rental law issues
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
• Phone: 867-767-9252, ext. 15260 | Email: rto@gov.nt.ca
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT), available at NWT Justice: Download the Act
2. Residential Tenancies Office (NWT): Official RTO Page

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