Retaliation Protections for Tenants After Complaints (NWT)

Tenants in the Northwest Territories may sometimes hesitate to speak up about a problem in their rental home or question their landlord’s actions for fear of facing retaliation, such as eviction or threats. However, the law offers clear protections to make sure tenants are safe to raise concerns without risking their housing. This guide helps tenants understand their rights and the practical steps to take in case of possible landlord retaliation.

What is Landlord Retaliation?

Retaliation happens when a landlord takes negative action against a tenant for exercising their legal rights—for example, when a tenant makes a formal complaint about repairs, health, or safety issues and their landlord then tries to evict them, raises rent unfairly, or refuses repairs because of that complaint.

Examples of Retaliation

• Issuing a notice to end your tenancy shortly after you file a maintenance request or complaint
• Suddenly increasing your rent outside of allowed limits, or threatening to do so
• Removing or restricting services (like parking or laundry) after you contact the Office of the Rental Officer

Not all negative actions by a landlord are considered retaliation. Sometimes, landlords may have legitimate reasons—these must always follow the law.

Your Rights as a Tenant in the Northwest Territories

The Office of the Rental Officer oversees tenancy issues in the Northwest Territories. The main law protecting your rights is the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1]. Under this law:

• Tenants are allowed to submit complaints about repairs, maintenance, or landlord behaviour without fear of eviction or penalty.
• Landlords cannot end your tenancy “in retaliation” because you asserted your legal rights or made a complaint.

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

If You Need to Make a Complaint

You can raise concerns directly with your landlord or contact the Rental Office for support. Common reasons for complaints include:

• Needed repairs or unsafe conditions
• Issues with heat, electricity, or water
• Unlawful rent increases

For tips on effective complaint resolution, read How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Retaliation?

If your landlord takes negative action soon after you make a complaint, document the situation carefully:

• Write down all relevant dates, who you spoke with, and any written communication
• Save copies of maintenance requests, complaint letters, and landlord responses
• Keep notices to end tenancy, rent increase letters, or alteration of services documents

Submitting a Complaint to the Rental Officer

The Rental Officer offers a trusted, neutral process to handle tenant complaints.

• Form Required: Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution (no official number)
• When to Use It: If you believe your landlord is retaliating, or you have received an eviction notice you think is not valid, fill out this form.
• How It Works: Submit the completed form to the Rental Office explaining your situation and including your evidence. The Rental Officer will review and can order remedies, including stopping an unfair eviction or ordering your landlord to cease retaliation.
• Official form and details: Apply for Dispute Resolution (Rental Office)

Once your application is submitted, a hearing may be scheduled where both sides can explain their position. No lawyer is necessary, and the process is meant to be accessible to tenants.

Protecting Yourself When Exercising Tenant Rights

• Be proactive: Report issues as soon as they arise.
• Keep all written records.
• Know the allowable grounds and advance notice requirements for eviction in the Northwest Territories.
• If threatened with rent increases that seem linked to a complaint, compare the timing and consult the Rental Officer for guidance. See Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Tenant protections are there to make sure you are not punished for doing what’s right. Familiarizing yourself with your rights, and the steps to enforce them, makes renting safer for everyone.

For broader rental housing choices or if you're searching for a new place, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord evict me for requesting repairs in the Northwest Territories?
   No, landlords cannot evict you or end your tenancy just because you requested repairs or filed a complaint. Such behaviour may be considered retaliation and is not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT).
2. What evidence should I collect if I suspect landlord retaliation?
   Collect copies of written complaints, landlord replies, notices to end tenancy, and document the timing of each event. Record all related conversations and keep relevant emails or texts.
3. How do I make a complaint to the Rental Office?
   Fill out the Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution form on the Rental Office website, describing the issue and attaching your documentation. Submit it as soon as possible after the incident.
4. Is it safe to report health or safety concerns in my rental home?
   Yes. The law protects tenants from retaliation for raising health or safety concerns. Learn about common issues in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• The law in the Northwest Territories prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising legal rights or making complaints.
• The Office of the Rental Officer provides a simple way to dispute retaliation—document everything and submit an application quickly.
• Staying informed about your rights makes it easier to address problems without fear.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rental Officer (Northwest Territories) – Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution.
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) - full legislation
• See your summary of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), available from justice.gov.nt.ca
2. Office of the Rental Officer, Government of Northwest Territories: Rental Office official site

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy