What landlords must do about tap water in NWT
Landlords in the Northwest Territories must provide and maintain the plumbing and water systems in a rental unit so tenants have safe, usable water. That includes repairing leaks, fixing discolored plumbing, arranging testing when contamination is suspected, and providing temporary safe water if required. For a plain summary of general obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. This page explains steps landlords commonly must take and what tenants should expect.
Common water problems and landlord duties
- Request repairs for plumbing leaks, rusty water, or low pressure so the landlord can fix the plumbing or arrange testing.
- Arrange testing when discoloration, unusual taste, or odor suggests contamination.
- Receive and respond to written repair requests and notices within a reasonable time.
- Keep records of tests, receipts, photos, and communications as evidence you can use if the issue is not resolved.
How to document and report tap water concerns
When you suspect a problem with tap water, follow simple documentation and reporting steps so you protect your health and preserve evidence. If you are unsure about health risks, contact public health or follow local boil-water guidance; Health Canada maintains drinking water guidance and resources for suspected contamination.[2]
- Document the issue with photos, dates and times, and notes about taste, color, smell or illness.
- Send a written notice to the landlord describing the problem and requesting testing or repairs; keep a copy.
- Keep receipts if you buy bottled water or pay for emergency testing or services so you can request reimbursement.
- Contact your local public health unit when there is a suspected health risk and follow any official advisories.
For tenant-focused health-and-safety guidance that complements this article, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If your landlord does not act, the Residential Tenancies Office accepts applications and information about filing formal complaints; official forms and instructions are available online.[3]
FAQ
- Who handles tenancy disputes and water-safety enforcement in the Northwest Territories?
- The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office handles landlord-tenant disputes; public health authorities handle drinking water safety issues.[1]
- What should I do first if my tap water tastes, smells, or looks off?
- Stop drinking the water if contamination is possible, document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and follow public health advice about boil-water or alternate supplies.
- What forms or applications can a tenant use to escalate an unresolved water problem?
- Tenants can use the Residential Tenancies Office forms to apply for orders for repairs, reimbursement, or temporary remedies; check the official forms page for the correct application and instructions.[3]
How-To
- Document the problem: take photos, note dates and times, and record any symptoms or unusual properties of the water.
- Notify your landlord in writing: describe the issue, request testing or repairs, and set a reasonable deadline for response.
- Allow access for inspection and repairs when given reasonable notice.
- Request formal water testing and ask the landlord to provide temporary safe water if contamination is suspected.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office to seek orders for repairs, reimbursement, or temporary remedies.
- Contact public health or the territorial drinking-water authority to report a suspected health risk and follow their directions.
