As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, keeping your rental clean is both practical and important for health, safety and preserving your security deposit. This guide explains typical tenant duties around everyday cleaning, garbage, pest prevention and basic upkeep so you know what is expected and when to ask your landlord for repairs. It shows how to document problems, when to use official forms, and how to raise concerns without escalating conflict. Wherever possible we use simple steps, examples and links to territorial resources to help you follow rules and protect your rights. If you rent alone or with others, these routines can make a big difference to habitability and to avoiding disputes later.
What tenants are expected to do in the Northwest Territories
Territorial tenancy rules set out shared responsibilities: tenants must keep their unit reasonably clean and report maintenance problems, while landlords must keep the unit in a fit state. The official body that handles residential tenancy disputes is the Residential Tenancies Board for the Northwest Territories[1], and the governing legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act for the Northwest Territories[2]. Use the territorial forms page when you need to file an application or serve a formal notice[3].
Everyday cleaning and waste
Routine cleaning prevents health and safety issues and shows you met your duties when you move out. Practical habits reduce risk of disputes and make it easier to prove you looked after the unit.
- Keep floors, kitchens and bathrooms clean and free of mould and standing water.
- Dispose of garbage and recycling properly, and put bins out by collection day.
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills promptly to prevent pests.
- Document damage with photos, dates and receipts for any cleaning or replacement you pay for.
- Avoid changing locks, removing safety devices or altering building systems without written permission.
Pest prevention and reporting
Tenants are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent infestations and to report any pests promptly. If pests are caused by building conditions, landlords usually must arrange remediation. For practical tips on pest control and tenant rights see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
Repairs, habitability and when to involve the Board
Tenants should report needed repairs in writing and give the landlord a reasonable chance to fix urgent issues. For guidance on which repairs tenants may reasonably do themselves vs. which are the landlord's responsibility, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
- Notify the landlord in writing about required repairs and keep a copy of the message.
- Do not perform alterations that affect structural or safety systems unless agreed in writing.
- Keep records of phone calls, photos and receipts to support any future applications.
- If the landlord does not address urgent habitability problems, an application to the Residential Tenancies Board may be needed.
After signing the lease: practical steps
On move-in, complete an initial inspection and note existing issues so you are not charged later. For move-in checklists and tips, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home and the territorial inspection guidance.
FAQ
- What cleaning tasks are tenants responsible for?
- Tenants must perform ordinary day-to-day cleaning such as kitchens, bathrooms, garbage removal and preventing mould and pest conditions; major structural repairs remain the landlord's duty.
- Can a landlord deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
- A landlord may deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear; keep move-in and move-out records and photos to contest unfair deductions.
- What should I do if I find mould or pests?
- Document the issue with dated photos, notify your landlord in writing right away, and keep receipts for any temporary measures; if unresolved, consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Board.
How-To
- Document the issue: take clear dated photos and save any relevant receipts or messages.
- Notify the landlord in writing, describe the problem and request repair by a reasonable date.
- If repairs are urgent and unsafe, follow up by phone and note the time and person you spoke with.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board and attach your documentation.
- Attend any hearing with your records, photos and receipts to support your claim.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board, Government of the Northwest Territories
- Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
- Official residential tenancy forms (GNWT)
