Utilities & Services Checklist for Northwest Territories Tenants

As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, understanding which utilities and services are included in your rental and which are your responsibility is crucial—especially with the region's extreme climate. This checklist will help you cover every detail, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure your rental experience is smooth and worry-free.

Understanding Utilities and Services in Your Lease

Utilities typically refer to essential services like heat, water, electricity, and sometimes garbage collection. Services may also include internet and snow removal. The lease or rental agreement should clearly list which are included and which you must set up and pay for separately.

• Included Utilities: These are paid for by your landlord and specified in your lease.
• Tenant-Paid Utilities: You may need to open accounts and arrange payments (e.g., electricity, heat).
• Confirm with your landlord before signing which services you are responsible for.

It’s your right to ask for this information upfront. After signing, you can review your responsibilities in your lease and provincial law. If you have any questions about your obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Essential Utilities to Review

• Electricity: Provided in most communities by Northland Utilities or Northwest Territories Power Corporation. You will need to set up an account if not included.
• Heating: Oil, propane, or electric baseboard. Confirm fuel type, payment, and arrangements for delivery or billing.
• Water & Sewer: Sometimes included; in some communities billed to the tenant.
• Garbage Collection: Usually included but should be confirmed.
• Internet, Cable, Phone: Optional and generally the tenant’s responsibility to arrange.
• Snow Removal & Outdoor Maintenance: Clarify if these are part of your lease or your job, especially in winter.

Review all responsibilities in writing to avoid future disputes. For extra peace of mind before moving in, check Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home for a smooth start.

Key Steps Before Moving In

• Walk through the property and document the state of utilities, heating, and appliances.
• Set up new utility accounts or transfer existing ones, if needed. Provide proof of setup to your landlord if required.
• Take meter readings on move-in day for electricity, water, and heating fuel.
• Ask the landlord or property manager for manuals or instructions for any heating or water systems.
• Get emergency contact numbers for utility outages or property issues.

Staying organized with this checklist saves frustration and helps prevent unforeseen expenses during your tenancy in the Northwest Territories.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

Below are key forms and notices related to utilities and services:

• Tenancy Agreement (Form NTA TA): Required for all residential tenancies; specifies which utilities and services are included.
  When to use: Sign before your tenancy begins. Be sure to clarify all utilities and keep a copy.
  View the official agreement (PDF)
• Maintenance and Repair Request: There is no official province-wide form, but tenants should always submit utility or repair requests in writing to their landlord. State the issue, date, and any urgency.
  Example: If your heating system fails in winter, email or hand a letter to your landlord describing the problem and requesting urgent repair.
• Application to Rental Officer (Form NTA R): If you and your landlord cannot agree about who is responsible for a service, or a dispute arises (such as loss of heat), you can make an application to the Rental Officer for a decision.
  When to use: After attempts to resolve issues directly have failed.
  Find the latest Application to Rental Officer (Form NTA R)

The Northwest Territories Rental Officer oversees residential tenancy matters. Learn more and access official resources.

Legislation for Tenants

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in the NWT are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1]. This law covers everything from basic standards for heating and repairs to dispute processes.

For a complete overview of all rights and duties, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Quick Utility and Service Checklist for Move-in

• Review your lease to note all utilities/services included or excluded
• Set up accounts (power, heating fuel, water if applicable)
• Take meter readings and keep records
• Know who to contact for emergencies or outages
• Document property and appliance condition at move-in

For more rental guidance or to Browse apartments for rent in Canada with clear utility details, start your search with ease and confidence.

FAQ: Utilities & Services for Northwest Territories Tenants

1. Are landlords required to provide heat in the Northwest Territories?
   Yes. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must provide adequate heat during the heating season. The level is set in accordance with local health authorities and must be maintained as stated in the tenancy agreement.^[1]
2. Who is responsible if a utility service (like power) is interrupted?
   If the interruption is due to landlord-controlled infrastructure (like a building boiler), the landlord is responsible for repairing it. For general utility outages, you may need to contact the service provider. Always report prolonged outages to your landlord first, then to the Rental Officer if it’s not resolved.
3. Can my landlord cut off my utilities if I owe rent?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to disconnect essential services like heating or water, even if you fall behind on rent. If this happens, contact the Rental Officer immediately for support.^[1]
4. Should I get renters’ insurance to cover utility failures or damages?
   While not required by law, renters’ insurance can help protect your possessions in the event of fire, flood, or other issues—especially in the North, where extreme weather can cause outages. Ask your insurance provider for specific details.

How To: Managing Utilities in Your NWT Rental

1. How do I set up a new electricity account when moving in?
   Contact your local provider (Northland Utilities or NT Power). Provide identification, your new address, move-in date, and sometimes a deposit. Confirm meter readings on move-in with your landlord for accurate billing.
2. What’s the process for requesting repairs to utility services?
   Submit a request in writing (email or letter) to your landlord, describe the issue and when it started. Keep a copy for your records. If urgent/potentially unsafe, contact your landlord right away and follow up in writing.
3. If my landlord isn’t resolving a service issue, what steps do I take?
   Send a formal written notice requesting the repair. If there’s still no action, complete the Application to Rental Officer (Form NTA R) and submit it, including copies of all correspondence.

Key Takeaways

• Always confirm, in writing, which utilities and services are included in your lease.
• Take meter readings and maintain records from day one of your tenancy.
• The Rental Officer is your support for any unresolved disputes over services or repairs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Office of the Northwest Territories – Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Official Residential Tenancy Agreement (PDF)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
• Local tenant advocacy groups (varies by community – ask your municipal office for contacts)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)

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