Resolving Roommate & Shared Housing Disputes in Northwest Territories

Sharing a rental home or apartment with roommates can bring both benefits and challenges. If you’re a tenant in Northwest Territories facing problems with roommates or shared housing, understanding your rights and step-by-step solutions is key. This guide walks you through common roommate disputes, your legal protections, and the best ways to resolve issues while staying on solid legal ground.

Understanding Roommate and Shared Housing Arrangements

Roommate or shared housing setups often mean two or more people living together in a rental property. There are generally two types:

• Co-tenants: Everyone signs the lease and shares responsibility equally.
• Subtenants or Occupants: One person is the main tenant (on the lease) while others rent from or live with them.

It’s important to understand which arrangement you have, as this affects your rights and what actions you can take if problems come up.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Northwest Territories

The Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories sets rules for rental agreements, rent, repairs, and ending tenancies¹. Roommate issues are not always fully covered under this law, but tenants still have important rights—especially when all are on the lease.

For a full overview of rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Common Roommate and Shared Housing Issues

• Disagreements over rent and utility payments
• Issues with cleaning, noise, or guests
• Damage to the property or neglect of repairs
• Someone moving out early, or not following the rental agreement

Many solutions depend on open communication, written agreements, and understanding what the law covers versus personal arrangements.

Step-by-Step Solutions for Roommate Problems

Here’s a process you can follow if conflicts arise:

• 1. Talk It Out: Schedule a calm conversation to discuss the problem openly. Focus on facts and solutions.
• 2. Put It in Writing: Summarize any agreements by email or text—this can help if the issue returns later.
• 3. Check Your Lease: Review the rental agreement to see who’s legally responsible for rent, utilities, or damage.
• 4. Involve the Landlord (if needed): If all roommates are on the lease, the landlord may need to be notified about ongoing issues, subletting, or if someone moves out.
• 5. Seek Outside Help: If you can’t resolve things, you may need to contact the NWT Rental Officer (the official tribunal for residential tenancies) for clarification or dispute resolution.

Key Forms for Tenants in Northwest Territories

• Application to Rental Officer (Form 1): Use this form to file a complaint, request a hearing, or get an order relating to rent, maintenance, or agreement breaches. For example, if a roommate refuses to pay rent and you’re both on the lease, you could apply for a ruling.
  Download the Application to Rental Officer (Form 1)
• Notice to End Tenancy (Form 2): If a roommate who is also a co-tenant breaches the agreement, you may serve this form to formally end your part of the tenancy.
  Download the Notice to End Tenancy (Form 2)

Always check the NWT Residential Tenancies Office website for the latest forms and instructions.

Rent, Deposits, and Shared Payments

All co-tenants on a lease are equally responsible for paying rent and any deposits. If your roommate doesn’t pay their share, the landlord can ask any of the tenants for the full amount. For details about rental deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Resolving Issues That Affect Your Tenancy

If your roommate causes damage, prevents you from enjoying the home, or fails to meet health or safety requirements set by the law, you may have rights to remedy the situation. For general problems faced by tenants, consider reading Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

What the Law Covers (and Doesn’t)

• The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act mainly covers tenant-landlord issues, not disputes between roommates themselves.
• If only one roommate is on the lease (the “official tenant”), the others may have fewer protections.
• Personal agreements between roommates (for cleaning, bills, or guest policies) are usually not enforceable through the tribunal but can help prevent issues.

Creating a written roommate agreement at move-in can be helpful but does not replace the official lease or legal protections for tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible if my roommate doesn't pay their share of the rent?
   All tenants whose names are on the lease can be held fully responsible by the landlord, even if only one person fails to pay.
2. What can I do if my roommate is breaking the rules or damaging the property?
   If the problems are severe, you can file an Application to the Rental Officer using Form 1 for an official decision or order.
3. Can I be evicted if my roommate breaks the law or the rental agreement?
   All co-tenants can be affected by one roommate’s actions. Eviction may be possible if the offence is serious and unresolved, so address issues early and communicate with your landlord.
4. Does the Residential Tenancies Act help with disputes between roommates?
   The Act mainly covers landlord-tenant relationships. However, if the dispute affects the tenancy, you may still apply to the Rental Officer.
5. What happens to the deposit if one roommate moves out?
   The deposit is only returned when the entire tenancy ends, not when an individual leaves. Discuss arrangements within your group and document all changes.

How To: Taking Action on Roommate Disputes in NWT

1. How do I serve official notice to a problematic roommate?
   Fill out Form 2 (Notice to End Tenancy) and give it to both the roommate and your landlord, following legal notice periods.
2. How do I apply to the Rental Officer for help?
   Download and complete Form 1, providing detailed reasons and supporting documents. Submit to the NWT Residential Tenancy Office by mail or in person.
3. How do I avoid deposit disputes when a roommate leaves?
   Agree in writing (among roommates) how any deposit will be split or handled, and confirm with your landlord. The deposit is only returned when the full tenancy ends.
4. How do I handle shared bills if a roommate won’t pay?
   Try to work out repayment or adjust future payments in writing. If bills are in your name and unpaid, you are legally responsible for them.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Know if you are a co-tenant or subtenant: your rights and steps will vary.
• Use written communication for agreements and try to resolve issues early.
• The Rental Officer can help with disputes related to your landlord or tenancy.
• Check the official forms and always follow proper legal procedure.

For more housing options or to find your next home, try Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Officer (Residential Tenancies Office): Residential Tenancies Office – NWT
• Forms and guides: Official Residential Tenancy Forms
• Legal information: NWT Department of Justice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
2. NWT Rental Officer – Residential Tenancies Office