Can my landlord force me to move out if my roommate leaves?

If you are a co-tenant named on the lease, the landlord cannot evict you simply because your roommate moves out. However, you may have to pay the remaining rent yourself.

What happens if a roommate doesn't pay their share of rent?

Landlords can require any or all co-tenants to pay unpaid rent, regardless of your private arrangement. All tenants remain responsible for the total rent due.

Do all roommates get their share of the security deposit back?

Deposits are usually returned as a lump sum to the payee. You should arrange in advance how to split this amount among all roommates when the tenancy ends.

Is a written roommate agreement legally binding?

A roommate agreement can clarify arrangements but doesn't supersede the landlord-tenant lease or Northwest Territories tenancy law.

Who handles disputes between roommates?

The Rental Office only handles landlord-tenant issues. Roommate disputes should be resolved privately or with mediation if required.

Roommates & Shared Housing for New Tenants in Northwest Territories

Roommates & Shared Housing Northwest Territories published July 01, 2025

Thinking about moving in with roommates or into shared accommodation in the Northwest Territories? Many tenants—especially students, newcomers, or budget-conscious renters—choose shared housing for its affordability and sense of community. But living with others can raise unique questions about rights, legal protections, and responsibilities. This guide offers straightforward information for new tenants, helping you avoid common mistakes and know what to expect under Northwest Territories law.

What Is Roommates & Shared Housing?

Roommates and shared housing refers to any arrangement where two or more individuals share a rental unit, such as an apartment, house, or duplex. You may each have your own bedroom while sharing common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. In the Northwest Territories, these arrangements can affect how your rights and responsibilities are defined with your landlord and co-tenants.

Types of Shared Housing Arrangements

Co-Tenant Arrangement: All roommates sign the lease and are equally responsible to the landlord. Each co-tenant has the same legal rights and obligations.
Subletting: One primary tenant (the "head tenant") rents out a room to others (the subtenants), sometimes with or without landlord consent. Subtenants may have fewer protections.
Occupant/Lodger: Someone rents a room in a home where the main tenant or owner also lives. Lodgers may have different or fewer rights than formal tenants.

Which arrangement you choose impacts your legal standing, including your ability to end the lease, get your deposit back, and deal with disputes.

Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

In the Northwest Territories, tenant and landlord rights are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.^[1] It’s essential to understand your obligations as they relate to shared rental spaces. If you're a co-tenant, you're jointly responsible with your roommates for paying rent, looking after the premises, and following the lease.

Rent is usually due in full, even if a roommate fails to pay. The landlord can seek unpaid rent from any or all co-tenants.
You are each responsible for damage in common areas, regardless of who caused it.
Disputes between roommates (about cleaning, noise, or guests) aren't directly handled by the landlord or the rental office, unless they affect the property or lease.

Learn more about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a full breakdown of what to expect.

Rental Agreements for Shared Housing

Before moving in together, it’s wise to sign a written roommate agreement in addition to the main lease. This private contract can't override the main lease but helps clarify expectations such as:

How rent, bills, and damages are divided
House rules (noise, guests, chores, pets, etc.)
What happens if someone leaves early

Having everything in writing can prevent misunderstandings later.

Security Deposits in Shared Rentals

In shared units, the landlord may collect one deposit for the whole group or individual deposits. Deposits are governed under the Residential Tenancies Act. Make sure you know:

Who paid what portion of the deposit
How it will be returned if a roommate moves out but others stay

See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more on deposits in shared rentals.

Ending a Shared Tenancy: What You Need to Know

If you want to end your part of a shared lease, there are specific steps and potential complications. In most cases, all tenants must agree to give proper notice to terminate the rental agreement for the whole unit. If one person wishes to leave early, you may need to find someone to take their place or negotiate an arrangement with your roommates and landlord.

Be sure to provide written notice using the relevant official forms. Partial notices typically aren't accepted—you remain liable for rent and damages until the lease legally ends or a new tenant officially replaces you.

Moving In, Moving Out, and Inspections

It's a good practice to do a move-in inspection together, documenting the property's condition. When the last roommate moves out, do a final inspection with the landlord to help get your deposit back.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Form 2): Use when giving written notice to end a tenancy.
Official form and instructions at: Northwest Territories Rental Office Forms. For example, if all roommates agree to move out together, use Form 2 to provide proper notice to the landlord.
Application to the Rental Office (Form 8): If you and your roommates have a dispute with the landlord or there is a disagreement about deposit return, you can apply for a hearing at the NWT Rental Office.
Form available at NWT Rental Office Forms.

Always use the latest forms from the official NWT Rental Office.

Provincial Rights and Shared Housing

Roommate arrangements are impacted by Northwest Territories-specific tenancy law. For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

If you and your roommates disagree about the rental, your first step is to talk it over. If you can't resolve the issue and it impacts your legal rights (like deposit returns or official notices), consider mediation or apply to the Northwest Territories Rental Office.

Health, Safety, and Maintenance in Shared Rentals

All tenants in shared housing have a right to a safe and healthy living space. If issues like repairs, pests, or unsafe conditions arise, you can contact the landlord. If the landlord does not address the concerns, you may apply to the Rental Office for help. More details are available in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Where to Find Shared Rentals in the Northwest Territories

Finding a good shared housing arrangement takes research. Browse apartments for rent in Canada to see available shared rentals, rooms, or roommate postings in NWT and across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shared Housing in Northwest Territories

Can my landlord force me to move out if my roommate leaves?
Generally, if you are a co-tenant on the lease, the landlord cannot evict you simply because your roommate moves out. However, you remain responsible for the full rent.
What happens if a roommate doesn't pay their share of rent?
The landlord can seek the full unpaid rent from any or all tenants listed on the lease—regardless of internal arrangements between roommates.
Do all roommates get their share of the security deposit back?
Deposits are usually returned as a lump sum to whoever paid. It's important to keep track of individual shares and have a plan for splitting the deposit after move-out.
Is a written roommate agreement legally binding?
A roommate agreement helps clarify arrangements but doesn't replace or override the landlord-tenant lease or rental law. It does, however, serve as a reference should roommate disputes arise.
Who handles disputes between roommates?
The Rental Office deals mainly with landlord-tenant issues. For disagreements solely between roommates, seek mediation or legal advice if you can't resolve it yourselves.

How To Manage Your Shared Tenancy Effectively

How do I add a new roommate to our lease?
Speak with your landlord. All parties, including the new roommate, should sign a new or updated lease agreement. Written landlord approval is usually required.
How do I legally end my part of a shared tenancy?
You must give written notice using the official Notice to Terminate form, and in most cases, coordinate with your co-tenants and landlord to end the lease for all occupants.
How do we recover the security deposit?
When all tenants move out and the lease ends, complete a final inspection with the landlord. The landlord returns the deposit (minus deductions), which you then split among roommates as agreed.
How do I file a formal complaint about unresolved repairs in shared housing?
Complete an Application to the Rental Office (Form 8) and submit it with supporting evidence (photos, written requests to landlord).

Key Takeaways

Roommate arrangements directly affect your legal responsibilities and protections in shared housing.
Always have a clear written agreement with your roommates, and understand your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Know the correct forms and procedures to avoid surprises when moving in, moving out, or handling disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Northwest Territories Rental Office: Information, forms, and contact: www.nwtrentaloffice.ca
Residential Tenancies Act (NWT): See the full legislation here
Legal Aid NWT: Tenant advocacy services: Legal Aid Northwest Territories
For a full legal overview: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories