Roommate & Shared Housing Checklist for Northwest Territories

Finding the right shared housing arrangement in Northwest Territories can help you save money and build community, but it brings unique responsibilities. This checklist guides tenants through every step of securing, living in, and moving out of shared housing, in line with NWT tenancy laws. Whether you're joining friends, subleasing, or meeting new roommates, knowing your rights is essential for a stress-free tenancy.

Evaluating Shared Rentals: Key Questions

Before agreeing to live with roommates, ask these questions to avoid misunderstandings:

• Are you all signing the lease, or is only one tenant on the official agreement?
• How will rent and utilities be divided and paid?
• What are the house rules on cleaning, guests, noise, and smoking?
• Who will handle communications with the landlord?

Determining these answers early prevents confusion and helps everyone understand their role.

Reviewing Leases and Agreements

Carefully review any rental agreement or roommate contract. In Northwest Territories, most shared housing situations will involve either:

• Joint tenancy: all roommates sign the lease and are equally responsible.
• Subletting: one tenant rents a room privately to another, with or without landlord’s approval (rules may vary).

The terms in these agreements will dictate how disputes and payments are managed. Review your responsibilities and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand your legal position in different roommate set-ups.

Deposits and Shared Costs

Security deposits (also known as damage deposits) are commonplace. Decide how to handle the deposit among roommates:

• Will each roommate pay a share, or is one person responsible?
• What happens if someone moves out early or damages the property?

The NWT law allows landlords to collect a security deposit of up to one month’s rent. Clarify in writing who gets what portion back when moving out. For more about deposit laws and tips, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Initial Move-In Checklist

• Request a written lease or rental agreement signed by all parties
• Complete a move-in inspection report with your landlord and all roommates
• Take dated photos of the property’s condition on move-in day
• Establish shared rules about cleaning, chores, and guest policies
• Exchange emergency contacts among roommates

A move-in inspection is not only best practice, but also protects your deposit if disputes arise at move-out.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

Northwest Territories tenants should use official forms from the NWT Rental Office (Rental Officer) when making changes or ending tenancies. Useful forms include:

• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report: Used at the start and end of your tenancy to record the property's condition. Download from the NWT Courts Inspection Report. Example: Use this with your landlord and roommates before moving in.
• Notice to End Tenancy: Required if you or a roommate want to legally leave the rental. Find it on the NWT Rental Office Forms page.

During Your Tenancy: Living Well With Roommates

• Pay rent on time and keep records of all transactions.
• Respect quiet hours and shared spaces.
• Communicate any problems with roommates early—address issues before they escalate.
• If there are health or safety concerns, report them promptly to your landlord. For more on this, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If repairs are needed, coordinate among roommates to notify the landlord in writing. The NWT Residential Tenancies Act sets out your rights for a safe, well-maintained rental.

If Issues Arise

Disputes between roommates should be documented. Some can be resolved through mediation or house meetings. For more complicated legal issues (like unpaid rent or damage), contact the NWT Rental Officer for guidance.

Ending Your Shared Tenancy

Before moving out, follow these steps for a smooth transition:

• Give written notice using the official NWT "Notice to End Tenancy" form (see above)
• Schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord and roommates
• Complete all cleaning and repair obligations
• Settle final utility bills, if applicable
• Collect a written refund of your security deposit, if eligible

Finding Your Next Rental

When you're ready for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of shared apartments, single rooms, and houses in the Northwest Territories and nationwide.

For a detailed overview of tenancy rights specific to your area, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

1. What should I do if a roommate doesn’t pay their share of rent? If you’re on a joint lease, you’re likely responsible for the full rent, regardless of other roommates’ payments. Document your communications and speak with the landlord for possible solutions. For legal advice, consider contacting the NWT Rental Officer.
2. Am I allowed to choose my own roommate? If you have a joint tenancy, all parties (including the landlord) generally need to approve new roommates. Always confirm your lease terms first.
3. How is a security deposit handled in shared housing? The NWT law allows one deposit per rental unit. It’s up to roommates to agree in writing how the deposit is divided and returned. The landlord will refund the deposit only after the last named tenant moves out and all obligations are met.
4. Do I need to fill out a move-in inspection with my roommates? Yes. All parties should sign the move-in inspection report to ensure mutual agreement about pre-existing conditions and avoid disputes at move-out.
5. What if I want to leave before my roommates? You must submit the required Notice to End Tenancy form and coordinate with both your roommates and landlord. Your financial responsibility may continue until a new roommate is found or the lease ends.

1. How do I complete a move-in inspection for shared housing in the Northwest Territories? First, download the official Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report from the NWT Rental Office. On move-in day, walk through the property with your landlord and all roommates, carefully noting any damage or cleanliness issues. Take date-stamped photos for your own records. Obtain signatures from all involved. Keep a copy.
2. How do I give proper notice to end my roommate arrangement? Fill out the NWT Notice to End Tenancy form (available from the Rental Office), sign it, and provide copies to both your landlord and your roommates as early as possible. Follow any notice periods required by your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act.
3. How can I get my security deposit back after moving out? After moving out and passing the final inspection, request the deposit back in writing from your landlord. If shared, ensure all roommates agree on how it should be divided. The landlord must return the deposit within the timeline set by NWT law, less any legitimate deductions.

Key Takeaways

• Review all agreements and discuss ground rules before moving in with roommates.
• Conduct a thorough inspection at move-in and move-out to protect your rights and deposit.
• Use written communication and official NWT forms for all notices and changes to your shared housing arrangement.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Officer – Official site for forms, guidance, and dispute resolution
• Residential Tenancies Act – Official legislation text
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
• NWT Legal Aid Commission – Free legal advice for eligible tenants

1. NWT Residential Tenancies Act, read the full legislation here
2. NWT Rental Office (Rental Officer), official tribunal website
3. NWT Residential Tenancy Forms, downloadable forms