Unsafe Employer Housing: Tenant Steps in Northwest Territories

If you live in housing provided by your employer in the Northwest Territories and face unsafe or unhealthy conditions, you have important rights. Employer housing is covered under territorial tenancy law, and your health and safety should always come first. This guide explains what you can do if your employer housing is unsafe, including official forms, government contacts, and steps to take for better living conditions.

Understanding Unsafe Conditions in Employer Housing

Unsafe conditions can include hazards like faulty wiring, leaking roofs, broken heating in winter, mold growth, pest infestations, or water that’s unsafe to drink. Territorial legislation protects tenants, even when the landlord is your employer.

Your Legal Protections & Rights

In the Northwest Territories, tenant protections are found in the Residential Tenancies Act¹. Both landlords (including employers) and tenants must keep rental units safe and up to standard. Your employer, as your landlord, must make sure the housing meets health, safety, and maintenance requirements.

For a detailed breakdown, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Common Unsafe Conditions to Watch For

• Mold, moisture, or water leaks
• Pest infestations (e.g., bedbugs, mice)
• Lack of required heating or ventilation
• Unsafe electrical systems
• Blocked exits or lack of fire safety equipment
• Broken windows, doors, or locks

To learn more about hazards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What to Do If Your Employer Housing Is Unsafe

You don’t have to accept unsafe or unhealthy rental conditions. Follow these steps to address any issues with your employer-provided housing:

1. Document the Unsafe Conditions

• Take clear photos or videos of the hazards.
• Write down dates and detailed descriptions.
• Keep copies of any communication with your employer/landlord.

2. Notify Your Employer in Writing

• Write a letter or email describing the problem and ask for it to be fixed.
• Be specific about what repairs or action are needed.
• Keep a copy for your records.

Remember: Always put complaints in writing, so you have proof that you asked for repairs or improvements.

3. Filing an Official Complaint

If your employer does not fix the unsafe conditions promptly, you have the right to file a complaint. The Rental Officer of the Northwest Territories is the official body handling tenancy disputes, repairs, and safety issues.

You can file an application using the Application to the Rental Officer (Form), which covers major tenant complaints, including unsafe housing.

• When to use: If you have notified your employer in writing and nothing has changed within a reasonable time.
• How to use: Complete the form, state your issue (unsafe conditions), attach supporting evidence, and submit to the Rental Officer.
• Official application form and process

4. When Urgent Repairs Are Needed

If the unsafe condition poses an immediate danger (such as loss of heat in winter, flood, or fire risk), you can seek emergency repairs. The Rental Officer can order urgent action. If at risk, also call emergency services or local environmental health officers.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both you and your employer/landlord must follow the rules under the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenants must keep the unit reasonably clean and report problems quickly. Landlords must maintain the property so it meets health and safety standards. For more details, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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FAQ: Unsafe Employer Housing in Northwest Territories

1. What should I do first if my employer housing is unsafe?
   Begin by documenting the unsafe conditions and report the problem to your employer/landlord in writing.
2. Can my employer evict me for complaining about unsafe living conditions?
   No. Territorial law protects tenants against retaliation for making a complaint about repairs or unsafe housing.
3. Who can I contact if my employer ignores my complaints?
   You can contact the Rental Officer of the Northwest Territories and file an official application for help.
4. Do employer-provided houses have to meet the same standards as regular rentals?
   Yes, employer housing must meet the same health, safety, and maintenance standards as any other rental property.

Key Takeaways

• You have a right to safe and healthy housing, even if it is provided by your employer.
• Document unsafe conditions, notify your employer in writing, and contact the Rental Officer if needed.
• Use official forms and government channels to seek repairs or solutions—do not face unsafe housing alone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Officer, Northwest Territories Department of Justice: Main authority for rental disputes, repair orders, and tenant complaints.
• Employment Standards, Government of the Northwest Territories: For job-related concerns tied to employer housing.
• For a complete list of tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

1. Residential Tenancies Act, Northwest Territories
2. Rental Officer – Government of Northwest Territories
3. Employment Standards – GNWT