Top 50 Questions: Roommates & Shared Housing in Northwest Territories

Roommates & Shared Housing Northwest Territories published June 26, 2025 Flag of Northwest Territories
What law covers roommate and shared housing rights in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) covers most rental housing situations between landlords and tenants.
Does the Residential Tenancies Office handle roommate disputes?
No. The Residential Tenancies Office only deals with landlord-tenant matters, not issues between roommates.
If I rent from the main tenant instead of the landlord, am I protected by the Act?
Usually not. If you rent from a tenant (subletting), your rights depend on your agreement with the main tenant, not the RTA.
What is a co-tenant?
A co-tenant signs the lease and is equally responsible for the tenancy under the RTA.
What is a subtenant?
A subtenant rents from another tenant, not directly from the landlord. Their rights depend on the agreement with the tenant.
Can my roommate evict me?
Only if your roommate is your landlord (e.g., subletting). Otherwise, only the landlord can legally evict tenants under the RTA.
What happens if my roommate doesn't pay their share of rent?
If you are both on the lease, the landlord can hold all tenants responsible for unpaid rent.
Can the landlord evict me if my roommate breaks the rules?
Yes, if you are all on the lease. The landlord can give notice to all tenants if one breaches the agreement.
Does the landlord have to approve my roommate?
Yes, adding a roommate usually needs the landlord’s consent. Check your lease.
What form is needed to sublet my room in Northwest Territories?
Use the Sublet Request Form to ask the landlord for permission. Example: If you’re leaving for the summer, use this form to sublet to someone else.
What if my roommate moves out and leaves me with unpaid bills?
For bills in both names, both are responsible. For rent, you're liable if on the lease; for personal agreements, small claims court may help.
Can I add a new roommate without telling the landlord?
No. Most leases require landlord approval before a new occupant moves in.
What should go in a roommate agreement?
Rent share, bills, cleaning duties, guests, and how to end the arrangement.
Is a roommate agreement legally binding?
It's a private contract and may be enforceable in small claims court if something goes wrong.
Can the landlord raise the rent if a new roommate moves in?
They can only raise rent with proper notice and only at legal times, not simply because someone moves in.
What is "joint and several liability"?
It means all tenants are fully responsible for rent and damages, not just for their own share.
Can I get my roommate removed for breaking house rules?
No, unless you are the landlord or have a subletting arrangement. Otherwise, you must resolve it between yourselves.
Can I start eviction if my subtenant breaks the rules?
Yes, if you are subletting. Follow the same procedures as a landlord under the RTA.
Are utilities usually included with rent in shared housing?
Sometimes. Check your lease or make an agreement with your roommates about how utilities are paid.
What is a head tenant?
The tenant who rents directly from the landlord, sometimes subletting rooms to others.
Are there specific forms for ending a roommate situation?
For ending a lease, use the Notice to Terminate Tenancy; for roommate agreements, no official forms exist.
Who gets the damage deposit back if one roommate leaves?
The landlord returns it to all tenants named on the lease, not to individual roommates.
How do I get my name off a lease if I move out?
Ask the landlord for written agreement and make sure remaining tenants sign a new lease.
Who is responsible for damage caused by a roommate?
All tenants on the lease are responsible for any damage, unless you can prove who did it.
Can I make my own roommate agreement?
Yes. It’s recommended to have a written agreement covering key issues.
What if my roommate refuses to leave after being asked?
Only the landlord or a legal process can force someone to move; call the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.
Can I rent out my room on Airbnb or similar sites?
Not without the landlord’s permission. Check your lease for rules on short-term rentals.
How do I resolve noise or cleanliness disputes with roommates?
Talk it out first and refer to your roommate agreement. Mediation or small claims court is an option if needed.
Can the landlord end my lease if one roommate moves out?
Not usually, as long as remaining tenants keep meeting the lease’s terms.
Should I sign a lease with my roommate or just a roommate agreement?
Both are common. Signing the lease gives you legal rights under the RTA; agreements clarify arrangements between roommates.
What happens if all roommates want to end the lease early?
You must give written notice. Use the termination form and follow proper notice periods.
Can we split the rent unevenly?
Yes. Agree on this in writing between roommates. The landlord only cares that full rent is paid.
Can the landlord approve only certain roommates?
Yes. The landlord may approve or deny tenants based on reasonable criteria and background checks.
Who do I contact if my roommate steals from me?
Call the police for theft. For money disputes, small claims court is an option.
Can I lock my bedroom door?
Talk to the landlord first. Some agreements allow it, but check your lease for restrictions.
Can my landlord limit the number of roommates?
Yes. Lease agreements and municipal bylaws may restrict occupancy limits for safety and health.
What if only one roommate wants to renew the lease?
Discuss with the landlord. A new lease may be needed with just the remaining tenant’s name.
Do I need my roommate’s consent to have a guest stay?
It’s courteous and usually required in a roommate agreement. Some leases have rules about guests.
If my roommate is moving out, can I get someone new?
With landlord approval, you can add a new tenant to the lease or roommate agreement.
Where do I get Residential Tenancies Office forms?
Find forms at the Residential Tenancies Office Forms page.
Do I need separate insurance for my belongings?
Yes. Roommates should have their own rental contents insurance.
Are there restrictions on who I can choose as a roommate?
Only reasonable rules or non-discrimination laws apply, plus landlord approval.
Can the landlord enter common areas without notice?
The landlord must give 24-hour notice, even for common areas.
If my roommate signs for a delivery and it gets lost, who’s responsible?
This is a personal matter between roommates unless there is evidence of theft, which may involve the police.
Can my landlord raise the rent if a roommate leaves?
The landlord can only raise rent with proper notice and only at lawful times, not just because someone leaves.
Is there a limit to security deposits for shared rentals?
The RTA limits deposits to one month’s rent, even in shared situations.
Can a landlord refuse to return a deposit if my roommate caused damage?
Yes. Deposit can be withheld for damages, with written reasons provided.
Can I change the locks if I have issues with my roommate?
No. Only the landlord may change locks or give permission under the RTA.
What happens during inspections in shared rentals?
All tenants must be given notice. The inspection can include all common and private spaces.
Who do I call for legal help with roommate issues in the NWT?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for rental issues, or seek legal aid for private disputes.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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