Tenant Protections Against Harassment in Northwest Territories

Living in shared housing or with roommates should be safe and respectful. In the Northwest Territories, strong tenant protections are designed to guard against harassment and ensure that everyone has the right to peaceful enjoyment of their rental home. This guide explains your legal rights, what to do if you face harassment, and how to take action using official resources and forms.

What Is Harassment in Rental Housing?

Harassment is any behaviour by a landlord, property manager, or even another tenant that makes you feel unsafe, threatened, or uncomfortable in your home. In the context of shared housing or roommates, harassment can include:

• Verbal threats or intimidation
• Continuous unwanted contact, like excessive phone calls or visits
• Invasion of privacy, such as entering your room without consent
• Sexual harassment or discriminatory remarks

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1], all tenants are entitled to reasonable privacy and the right to quiet enjoyment of their home.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Northwest Territories

Every tenant has rights and responsibilities. Landlords and roommates cannot interfere with your right to reasonable enjoyment of your rental unit, and you cannot be evicted or penalized for asserting your rights.

• No landlord or roommate can threaten, coerce, or retaliate against you for making a complaint or requesting repairs.
• If you face harassment, you can take formal steps to seek relief through the rental officer.
• Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for an overview of all protections available to you.

The Residential Tenancies Office in the Northwest Territories is the official body for rental disputes, complaints, and enforcement of tenant protections. You can access their Residential Tenancies Office website for detailed information and forms.

Examples of Harassment in Shared Housing

Harassment does not always involve the landlord. In shared housing, common roommate issues can also rise to the level of harassment, such as:

• Locking you out of shared spaces
• Damaging your property or belongings
• Intimidation, bullying, or unwanted advances
• Discriminating against you based on race, religion, gender, or another protected characteristic

Filing a Complaint: Official Forms and Process

If talking to your landlord or roommate does not resolve the harassment, you can make a formal complaint to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Key Form: Application to the Rental Officer (Form 1)

• Name: Application to the Rental Officer
• When to use it: Submit this form if you want the RTO to investigate claims of harassment, privacy invasion, or interference with quiet enjoyment of your home.
• How to use: Download the Form 1: Application to the Rental Officer from the RTO. Fill it out with details of the harassment and attach any supporting documentation (texts, emails, photos, written log of incidents). Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office by mail, email, or in-person as listed on the form.

Once received, the Rental Officer will review your complaint, may request additional information, and can schedule a hearing where both sides can present evidence. The Rental Officer’s decision is legally binding and can include orders to stop the harassment or, in serious cases, terminate the tenancy or order compensation.

What Can the Rental Officer Do?

• Order the landlord or other tenant to cease harassing behaviour
• Award compensation if your rights were violated
• Terminate the rental agreement in serious cases

For the full process, see the Residential Tenancies Office.

Health and Safety Considerations

Harassment can sometimes be connected with unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, such as being threatened if you complain about repairs.

• Learn more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If Harassment Continues?

If harassment continues after a Rental Officer’s order, or escalates to physical threats or violence, contact your local RCMP or emergency services right away. The order of the Rental Officer is enforceable, and failure to comply can result in legal penalties for the perpetrator.

Staying informed and empowered helps protect your safety and peace at home. If you need to find a new rental or shared space with confidence, try Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for secure and flexible options.

FAQs About Tenant Protections Against Harassment in Northwest Territories

1. What counts as harassment under tenancy laws in Northwest Territories?
   Any behaviour by a landlord, property manager, or another tenant that interferes with your reasonable enjoyment of your rental unit—such as threats, intimidation, or repeated unwanted contact—can be considered harassment.
2. Can I end my lease early if I am being harassed?
   In some situations, the Rental Officer may allow you to end your lease early if harassment is severe and ongoing. Always seek advice from the Residential Tenancies Office first, or consider contacting a tenant support organization.
3. What should I include with my complaint to the Rental Officer?
   Attach any relevant documentation, like written incident logs, emails, texts, and witness statements, to strengthen your application.
4. Does the landlord have to act if another tenant is harassing me?
   Your landlord is responsible for providing a safe and peaceful environment. If harassment between tenants occurs, you should inform the landlord, who may be required to address the issue or face consequences from the RTO.
5. How long does it take for the Rental Officer to decide on a harassment complaint?
   Timelines can vary, but the Residential Tenancies Office generally aims to review complaints and schedule hearings as promptly as possible. Contact the RTO for updates on your case.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Northwest Territories are legally protected against harassment in all rental settings, including shared housing and with roommates.
• If you experience harassment, keep records and use Form 1: Application to the Rental Officer to file an official complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office.
• Support and guidance are available from the RTO and tenant support services—never hesitate to seek help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office — main contact for complaints and inquiries
• Form 1: Application to the Rental Officer
• Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
• For a full summary of your rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office
3. Form 1: Application to the Rental Officer

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