Tenant Guide: Mold, Pests & Health Hazards in Northwest Territories Rentals

If you discover mold, pests, or other health hazards in your rental unit in the Northwest Territories, it's important to act quickly and understand your rights. The cold northern climate can make prompt repairs vital, especially for your health and safety. This guide will help tenants identify problems, know what to do, and get the support you need under the law.

Understanding Health Hazards in Your Rental

Mold, pests (such as cockroaches or mice), and other environmental hazards (like unsafe heating or poor ventilation) can pose serious health risks. In the Northwest Territories, both landlords and tenants have legal responsibilities to address these situations.

Common Health Hazards in Residential Rentals

• Mold: Often caused by moisture issues, seen in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. It can trigger allergies, asthma, and other health issues.
• Pests: Rodents, insects, or bedbugs are more than a nuisance—they can contaminate food and living areas, and even cause property damage.
• Other Hazards: Issues like lead paint, unsafe heating, poor air quality, or water leaks should also be addressed quickly.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s crucial to report them and keep records.

Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Tenant

The Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) sets out the rules for both landlords and tenants regarding safe living conditions.^[1] Landlords are required to provide and maintain rental units in a state that is safe and fit for habitation. Tenants, in turn, must keep the premises reasonably clean and report problems promptly.

• Landlords must fix hazardous conditions (like mold or infestations) at their own cost.
• Tenants must notify their landlord in writing about any health or safety issues found.

For a detailed look at these responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Reporting Mold, Pests, or Other Hazards in Your Unit

When you discover a problem, it’s best to inform your landlord right away in writing. Describe the issue, location, and include photos if possible. This creates a record and helps ensure a timely response.

• Sample notice: "I have found black mold in the bathroom along the bathtub. Please arrange for inspection and repairs. Attached are photos."

How to Take Action if the Landlord Doesn’t Respond

If your landlord does not fix the problem, you may:

• Contact Environmental Health or a local public health inspector for an inspection
• Apply to the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office to resolve the problem officially

This office administers tenancy disputes and can help enforce your rights.^[2]

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Tenant Application to the Director (Form 2):
  Download here
  Use this form if your landlord does not fix the health hazard. Submit to the Residential Tenancies Office.
  Example: If your landlord ignores your written complaint about mold, complete Form 2 detailing the issue and what you want done, then send it to the Office.

Practical Inspection Tips for Tenants

When moving in or out, always check for signs of hazards. Document everything with dated photos, notes, and keep a copy for your records. The Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants can be helpful in knowing what to look for.

If you feel unsafe due to mold, pests, or environmental hazards, never hesitate to contact public health authorities for guidance or intervention.

What to Expect from Repairs & Resolution

After your landlord is notified, they must make repairs as soon as possible. If urgent (such as unsafe water, heating, or a severe pest infestation), repairs should happen promptly to protect tenant health.

If your landlord refuses to act or disputes responsibility, you can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Office, which can issue orders for repairs or rent reductions if justified.

Prevention: Keeping Your Home Healthy

• Ventilate moist areas (open windows, use fans)
• Clean up spills and notify your landlord about leaks promptly
• Dispose of garbage properly to avoid attracting pests
• Follow all tenant duties as described in your lease and the law

Staying proactive helps maintain a healthy, comfortable living space.

Useful Internal & External Resources

• For more on dealing with infestations, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
• Brush up on common health and safety rules at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

To find safer, clean homes across Canada, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Canada's trusted rental platform.

Learn more about your local rights and the law at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my complaint about mold or pests?
   If your landlord does not respond or fix the problem, document your attempts to contact them, and then apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 2 to seek an official resolution.
2. Are landlords required by law to fix mold or pest issues in my apartment?
   Yes. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must ensure rental units are safe, clean, and habitable, which includes addressing mold, infestations, or other hazards promptly.
3. Can I withhold rent if my unit has health hazards?
   No, you must continue paying rent. Instead, use the formal process to resolve maintenance issues, or you risk eviction for non-payment.
4. How do I report emergency situations like severe pest infestation or hazardous mold?
   First, contact your landlord in writing. If unresolved and urgent, contact the local health authority or Environmental Health. You may also file with the Residential Tenancies Office for immediate action.
5. What records should I keep about health and safety complaints?
   Keep copies of all communication (emails, letters), photos of the hazard, notes on who you spoke to, and a copy of any forms submitted. This documentation is important if your issue escalates.

Key Takeaways:

• Tenants in the Northwest Territories are protected by strong health and safety laws, with clear steps to address hazards like mold or pests.
• Act quickly—document issues, notify your landlord in writing, and use official forms when necessary.
• Support and advice are available from both the Residential Tenancies Office and local health authorities.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Northwest Territories): Official tenant support, forms, and dispute resolution
• Environmental Health (Health and Social Services): Report housing-related health hazards
• Legal Aid NWT: Free tenant legal advice
• For step-by-step tenant guides, check Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories): Full legislation PDF
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office: Official website and contact

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