Tenant Remedies for Unresponsive Landlords in Northwest Territories

If your landlord in the Northwest Territories isn't responding to repair requests or concerns, you aren’t alone. Many tenants in the NWT face communication challenges, especially in remote communities. Thankfully, the territory’s rental laws provide protections and remedies if landlords become unresponsive.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in the NWT

The main rules for renting in the Northwest Territories are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹. These rules explain your right to live in a safe, healthy rental and your landlord’s legal responsibilities, such as responding to maintenance issues and urgent repairs.

• Landlords must maintain the unit in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety standards.
• Landlords must respond to written repair requests within a reasonable period of time.

To learn more about your legal rights in the territory, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Common Problems Caused by Unresponsive Landlords

When your landlord fails to answer your calls, emails, or maintenance requests, you might face:

• No response to urgent repairs (e.g., no heat, broken locks, water leaks)
• Delays fixing routine issues, which can impact your quality of life
• Lack of communication about rent, inspections, or changes to your tenancy

Unresponsiveness can become a health and safety concern. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information about what constitutes a major issue.

Practical Remedies: What Tenants Can Do if Their Landlord Doesn't Respond

Tenants have rights and several ways to take action if their landlord fails to fulfill maintenance or communication duties.

Step 1: Document Everything

• Keep a record of phone calls, emails, texts, and letters to your landlord, including dates and details.
• Keep copies of all repair requests. Written communication (email, letter, etc.) is best.
• Take photos or videos of the problem if possible.

Step 2: Make a Formal Written Request

• Write a clear, polite letter or email describing the issue and requesting repair or a response.
• State a reasonable deadline (e.g., 7 days for routine repairs, sooner for emergencies).
• Deliver a copy in a way you can prove (such as registered mail, or email with a read receipt).

Step 3: Contact the NWT Rental Officer

If you still don’t get a reply, you can turn to the territory’s official rental dispute service — the NWT Rental Officer.

This is the tribunal that handles landlord-tenant disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act. You can apply to have your issue heard and, if needed, for an order requiring the landlord to make repairs or respond.

Key Form: Application to Rental Officer

• Form Name: Application to the Rental Officer (Form 1)
• Use: File this form if your landlord is ignoring essential repairs, not replying to communications, or otherwise not meeting their legal duties.
• Official source: Application to Rental Officer (RTA-FRM-01)
• Example: You have reported no heat in your apartment for two weeks. After your written requests go unanswered, you fill out Form 1 and submit it to the Rental Officer.

Emergency and Health Concerns

Some problems — like no heat in winter or sewage leaks — pose immediate health and safety risks. These must be addressed promptly. For urgent situations, indicate this clearly on your application and consider contacting environmental health authorities or local bylaw enforcement.

Learn more in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Summary: What to Expect After Filing a Complaint

Once you submit your application:

• The Rental Officer reviews your submission and may schedule a hearing.
• Both you and the landlord can present evidence.
• The Rental Officer can order repairs, direct communication, or even allow a rent reduction if your landlord does not comply with the Act.

Timelines may vary, but the Officer strives for fair and efficient resolutions. Always attend hearings and provide truthful, well-organized information.

FAQ: Tenant Questions about Unresponsive Landlords in the NWT

1. What can I do if my landlord ignores all my repair requests?
   Document your requests, make a formal written demand, and if still unresolved, file an Application to the Rental Officer. You may receive an order for repairs or rent abatement.
2. Are landlords legally required to answer my calls or emails?
   While there is no law requiring immediate responses, landlords must communicate regarding crucial tenancy matters, especially repairs and safety issues, under the NWT Residential Tenancies Act.
3. How long must I wait before contacting the Rental Officer?
   For urgent repairs (affecting health or safety), act right away. For routine matters, give your landlord a reasonable timeframe (often 7-14 days) before applying to the Rental Officer.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
   No. The process is designed for tenants to use themselves, but legal clinics or advocacy offices can offer helpful guidance if needed.
5. Where can I find official forms and help?
   Visit the NWT Rental Officer website for forms and tenancy support options.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants in the Northwest Territories

• Unresponsive landlords can be legally required to address reasonable tenant requests — document all communication and act quickly on urgent issues.
• The Rental Officer is your main route for resolving landlord-tenant disputes in the NWT.
• Know your rights, use official forms, and seek help from tenant resources when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in the Northwest Territories

• NWT Rental Officer – Information, forms, and dispute resolution for NWT tenancies
• Legal Aid NWT – Free legal advice for eligible low-income tenants (NWT Legal Aid)
• Environmental Health and Municipal Offices – For urgent health/safety or bylaw complaints
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy