Requesting Reasonable Housing Accommodations in Northwest Territories

As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, you have the right to request reasonable housing accommodations—especially if you live with a disability or mental health condition. Understanding the process ensures you can live comfortably and safely in your rental. Here’s what you need to know about making these requests, your rights under local law, and where to find support.

Understanding Reasonable Housing Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are changes to rules, policies, practices, or services that allow tenants with disabilities or mental health challenges to have equal access to housing. This might include things like allowing a service animal, installing grab bars, or permitting modified rent payment schedules.

Your Rights Under Northwest Territories Law

In the Northwest Territories, your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) and the NWT Human Rights Act.^[1][2] These laws protect you from discrimination and require landlords to provide reasonable accommodations unless it would cause them undue hardship.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

• Installing visual or sound alarms for tenants with sensory disabilities
• Allowing medically necessary assistance animals
• Flexible rent payment dates to coordinate with income assistance programs
• Permission to make accessibility-related modifications at your own expense

The key is that the request must be related to your specific need and not cause unreasonable cost or risk to the landlord.

How to Request an Accommodation: Steps for Tenants

It’s best to make your request in writing to create a clear record. Here’s how you can get started:

• Identify your specific accommodation need (e.g., a support animal, wheelchair accessibility).
• Communicate your request in writing to your landlord, being clear about what you require and why. Attach supporting documentation if needed (e.g., a doctor’s note).
• Be prepared to discuss possible solutions with your landlord. Cooperation can lead to a quick and positive outcome.

If you're unsure how to approach this, consider these practical steps:

• Use respectful, factual language—state your need, not your diagnosis, unless required.
• Follow up in writing if you discuss your request verbally.
• Keep copies of all communication for future reference.

Required Forms and Where to Find Them

Currently, there is no province-wide standardized "Accommodation Request" form for tenants in the Northwest Territories. Instead, tenants typically write a letter or email to their landlord. However, if an accommodation issue leads to a dispute, you may use the following official process:

• Application to Residential Tenancies Office – If the landlord refuses a reasonable request, you may file an "Application to Determine a Dispute" with the Residential Tenancies Office.^[3]
• Form: Application to Determine Dispute (Form 1) – Use this form if your landlord denies the accommodation or you face discrimination. Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office along with proof of your attempt to resolve the matter.

Practical example: If you need a support animal and your landlord says no, first send your request in writing. If refused, complete Form 1 and provide evidence of your communications when filing with the Residential Tenancies Office.

What Happens After You File?

After submitting your application, the Residential Tenancies Office will review your case, may hold a hearing, and issue a decision. Ensure you attend all scheduled hearings and provide any additional information requested.

Legal Protections and Your Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants must act in good faith. Tenants should provide enough information to show why the accommodation is needed, but are not required to disclose unnecessary personal details. On the other hand, landlords must seriously consider the request and accommodate unless it creates undue hardship.

For a full outline of what’s expected from both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Other Related Tenant Rights

It’s important to know that accommodations go hand-in-hand with other tenant health and safety protections. For guidance on important standards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Accessing Rental Listings and Finding Accommodation-Friendly Homes

If you’re searching for a rental environment that understands and respects reasonable accommodation requests, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings including options that highlight accessible and pet-friendly features.

FAQs: Reasonable Accommodation in Northwest Territories

1. Can my landlord refuse my accommodation request?
   Landlords can only refuse if your request causes undue hardship (e.g., significant cost or safety issues). Otherwise, they must provide the adjustment.
2. Do I have to disclose my diagnosis?
   You do not need to provide your specific diagnosis. You only need to show that you have a disability or need the accommodation for health reasons.
3. What if my landlord ignores my request?
   Follow up in writing. If there’s still no response, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 1 to resolve the dispute.
4. Is there a fee to apply for a hearing at the Residential Tenancies Office?
   Application fees and up-to-date process details are found on the Residential Tenancies Office website.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Northwest Territories

• You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disability or mental health reasons.
• Put your request in writing and be specific about your needs.
• If refused, you can seek help through the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 1.

Making a request for accommodation is your legal right – knowing the process ensures better outcomes and fair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (NWT) – Dispute resolution and tenant applications
• NWT Human Rights Commission – For human rights or discrimination issues
• Government of Northwest Territories – Rental Offices and Housing Support
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a comprehensive overview

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT), full official text
2. NWT Human Rights Act, official government source
3. Residential Tenancies Office (NWT), application forms and guidance

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