Roommates & Shared Housing Rights in the Northwest Territories

Living with roommates or sharing a rental in the Northwest Territories can be affordable and social, but it introduces unique legal considerations for tenants. This guide covers everything you need to know about shared housing, including rights, responsibilities, and how tenancy law applies so you can avoid common problems as a co-tenant or someone renting a room.

What Is Shared Housing and How Does It Work?

Shared housing usually means that two or more people, who are not family members, live together and split rent and bills. You could be:

• All co-tenants on a single rental agreement
• A tenant renting out rooms to others (sublets or occupants)
• An occupant without your own lease

These different arrangements affect your legal rights, rent responsibilities, and what happens if someone moves out. In the Northwest Territories, residential tenancies are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1].

Your Rights and Responsibilities

If your name is on the rental agreement, you are a tenant under the law. Tenants have specific rights and duties:

• Paying full rent (even if a roommate doesn't pay their share)
• Providing proper notice to move out
• Respecting health and safety rules in your unit
• Being responsible for repair costs if anyone you allow causes damage

Anyone living in the unit without their name on the lease is usually considered a guest or occupant, not a tenant, and may not have the same protections.

See more on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Security Deposits in Shared Housing

Landlords in the Northwest Territories can request a security deposit (also called a damage deposit). The deposit is usually collected from all tenants together, and at the end of the rental, the landlord returns it to whoever originally paid, unless otherwise agreed. Disagreements about the deposit are common in shared rentals when someone moves out early.

To learn about deposit rules and tips on ensuring your money is properly returned, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Starting a Shared Rental: Agreements and Inspections

Before moving in, discuss with your housemates how rent, utilities, cleaning, and visitors will be handled. If possible, create a roommate agreement—even though it is not legally binding under tenancy law, it can help reduce disputes.

• Ensure all co-tenants sign the lease if you want legal protection as a full tenant.
• If you sublet or have other arrangements, get written permission from the landlord first.
• Do a move-in inspection together to document the state of the unit.

Inspections are not only a legal requirement but also a helpful way to avoid confusion over shared damages and deposit returns later on.

Common Roommate and Shared Housing Issues

Disputes can arise over unpaid rent, noise, guests, or cleaning. Open communication and written agreements can help resolve issues informally. If the problem affects the landlord (like unpaid rent or damage), all co-tenants may be held responsible.

Ending a Shared Tenancy

The ending of a shared tenancy depends on your agreement:

• If all tenants are on the lease, everyone must usually agree to end it or give notice.
• If only one tenant is on the lease and sublets to others, only the original tenant can serve notice.
• If one roommate moves out, the remaining tenants are generally responsible for the whole rent unless the landlord signs a new agreement.

Always check notice periods under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) and try to coordinate moves to avoid liability disputes.

Filing a Complaint or Resolving Disputes

If issues cannot be resolved between roommates, your direct relationship is not covered under the Residential Tenancies Act, so the Rental Office cannot arbitrate between roommates. But you can use the tribunal if the dispute involves the landlord, such as withheld deposits or unlawful tenancy changes.

The Rental Office for the Northwest Territories is the government body handling tenant-landlord disputes. Contact the Rental Office online.

Official Forms for Tenants in Shared Rentals

Forms tenants in the Northwest Territories may encounter include:

• Application for Hearing (Form 1): Used when tenants or landlords need the Rental Office to resolve disputes (such as deposit disagreements or eviction questions). For example, if your landlord withholds your collective security deposit after one roommate moves out, you can use this form to request a hearing. View Form 1: Application for Hearing
• Tenant’s Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 7): For providing official notice if you want to end your tenancy. In shared rentals, all tenants on the lease may need to sign and submit this together if you are moving out as a group. View Form 7: Tenant's Notice to Terminate Tenancy
• Condition Inspection Report: Helps document property condition at move-in/move-out to protect your deposit. View Condition Inspection Report

For more information on forms and how to use them, visit the Northwest Territories Rental Office.

More Tenant Rights in the Northwest Territories

Learn more about your specific rights and protections as a tenant by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Looking for your next home? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates and Shared Housing

1. If a roommate moves out, am I responsible for the whole rent?
   Yes. If you are a co-tenant and your name is on the lease, the landlord can ask any tenant for the full rent if another roommate doesn’t pay their share.
2. Can the landlord refuse a new roommate?
   Yes. You must get your landlord’s written approval before adding a new tenant to the lease in the Northwest Territories. They can refuse based on reasonable criteria, such as occupancy limits or credit history.
3. What happens to the security deposit if I move out before others?
   Normally, the deposit is returned to whoever originally paid it (often all tenants together) after the tenancy ends. Arrange with your roommates how your share will be settled, as the landlord is not required to divide the deposit between individuals.
4. Do all roommates need to sign the Rental Agreement?
   For full legal rights and protections as tenants, every roommate should sign the agreement. Those who do not may have fewer rights and are considered occupants, not tenants.
5. Where do I go if I have problems with my roommate?
   If the problem does not involve the landlord, the Rental Office cannot assist. For issues between tenants, consider mediation or seek independent legal advice.

How To Navigate Roommate Changes or Issues in the NWT

1. How do I remove a roommate from our tenancy agreement?
   1. Discuss the change with your landlord.
   2. Obtain the landlord’s agreement and have all parties sign an updated rental agreement.
   3. Complete a move-out inspection to settle the security deposit.
   4. Ensure any notice requirements are met under NWT law.
2. How do I submit a complaint about landlord issues related to shared housing?
   1. Attempt to resolve the issue in writing with your landlord.
   2. If unresolved, complete the Application for Hearing (Form 1).
   3. Submit the form to the Rental Office along with supporting documents.
   4. Attend the scheduled hearing for a decision.
3. How can I protect myself when moving in with new roommates?
   1. Agree on shared responsibilities in writing.
   2. Ensure all roommates are on the lease.
   3. Document the unit’s condition at move-in.
   4. Set clear expectations for sharing costs and chores.

Key Takeaways

• In shared housing, tenants on the lease are each fully responsible for meeting the rental agreement terms.
• Security deposit disagreements are common—settle division with your roommates in writing before move-out.
• The Rental Office can help with landlord-tenant disputes, but not disagreements only between roommates.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Rental Office: Information, forms, and contacts for tenancy questions.
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – Full Legislation
• Local advocacy organizations and legal aid services are available if you need individual assistance with housing matters.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Northwest Territories Rental Office
3. Application for Hearing (Form 1)

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