Report Your Landlord to Public Health in Northwest Territories

As a tenant in Northwest Territories, you have the right to live in a rental home that meets basic health and safety standards. If your landlord is not addressing issues that could endanger your well-being—such as mould, pest infestations, unsanitary conditions, or no heat—you can report the concern to public health authorities for investigation and possible enforcement. This guide will walk you through when and how to act, what to expect, and where to find official support.

When to Consider Reporting a Landlord

Before you take formal action, it's important to understand what qualifies as a public health issue. Problems like persistent mould, structural hazards, lack of heating, serious plumbing leaks, or unsanitary environments may violate health codes. Many of these issues overlap with Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Routine maintenance or minor inconveniences often do not qualify.

• Unresolved water leaks causing dampness or mould
• Infestations (rats, cockroaches, bedbugs) not addressed by the landlord
• Heating not working during winter months
• Broken or missing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors
• Serious sanitation problems (e.g., overflowing garbage, sewage backup)

If your landlord is not responding to written repair requests, these may be grounds for making a report to the environmental health office in the Northwest Territories, as required under the Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.W.T. 2008, c.10^[1].

Steps to Reporting a Landlord to Public Health

Taking the following steps can help ensure your case is properly documented and handled:

• Document the problem with photos, videos, or notes
• Write to your landlord explaining the issue and ask for repairs—a necessary step before escalation
• If no response or action, contact the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at your regional health authority
• Fill out and submit the appropriate public health complaint form

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

Each region in Northwest Territories has an Environmental Health unit responsible for rental housing complaints. While there is currently no standardized province-wide form, you can contact your local health authority directly, or access forms and information on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services website.^[2]

• Complaint to Environmental Health Office: File this if your landlord refuses to fix conditions affecting health and safety after you notify them in writing. Example: Persistent black mould or no heat in winter.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After submission, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) may inspect your rental unit. If they find violations, they can order your landlord to resolve the issue. Landlords who ignore such orders may face penalties. For serious breaches affecting suitability for living ("habitability"), tenants can also apply to the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office for remedies, such as rent abatements or ending a tenancy.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories ensures that landlords must provide safe, healthy living conditions at all times. If you're unsure about the boundaries of landlord and tenant duties, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

• Landlords cannot retaliate against you for making a health complaint
• Tenants must provide landlords a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue first
• Serious emergencies may also allow for quicker tenant action

Seeking more information? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and learn about finding safe, compliant rental properties.

FAQ: Reporting Health & Safety Issues

1. Can my landlord evict me for reporting them to public health?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants who raise legitimate health and safety concerns.
2. What information should I include in my complaint?
   Clearly describe the issue, how long it's been happening, what communications you've had with the landlord, and any evidence (photos, notes).
3. How long will it take for public health to respond?
   Response times can vary, but urgent cases like no heat in winter are usually handled more quickly. Always follow up if you receive no updates.
4. Do I need to move out if there's a health order?
   Usually, health authorities first require landlords to address the problem. In extreme cases, units may be deemed unfit for occupancy until fixed; tenants may be entitled to remedies.
5. Can I apply to the Tenancies Office if repairs are not made?
   Yes. You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for remedies or early lease termination if health and safety violations persist.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Always document health and safety concerns and notify your landlord before escalating
• If serious issues are ignored, file a complaint with the Environmental Health Office
• Know your rights—landlords cannot punish you for reporting, and support is available through the Residential Tenancies Office

By understanding these steps, you can protect your health and access safe, quality housing in Northwest Territories.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Health and Social Services Environmental Health Officers (Public Health Contacts): For local complaint forms and health investigations
• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office: Apply for remedies, advice, or dispute resolution
• Legal Aid NWT: Access legal help if you face disputes or need representation
• For more on your rights as a tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Read the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
2. Northwest Territories Health and Social Services - Environmental Health

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