Utilities & Services for Tenants in Northwest Territories

Understanding how utilities and essential services work in a Northwest Territories rental property is key to a positive and stress-free tenancy. Whether you're about to sign a new lease or already renting, knowing who pays for what and what happens if something goes wrong can help you avoid surprises. This article covers common questions tenants ask about utilities, services, and your related rights in the Northwest Territories, using plain language and reliable sources.

What Are Utilities and Essential Services?

Utilities typically include electricity, heating, water, and sometimes services such as sewer, garbage collection, and sometimes internet or cable. Whether these utilities are included in your rent or paid separately depends on your lease agreement. Essential services are those required for your rental home to be safe and livable, such as heating in winter or running water at all times.

Who Is Responsible for Utilities?

Your lease or tenancy agreement describes who pays for each utility or service. Either the landlord or tenant may be responsible, but it must be clearly stated in your contract. Common arrangements include:

• All-inclusive: Utilities and services are part of your rent—no extra payments needed.
• Partial: Some utilities (like heat or water) are included; others (like electricity or internet) are paid by the tenant.
• Tenant-paid: You arrange and pay for all utilities yourself.

Always check your agreement, as responsibilities can vary. If you're unsure or want to learn more about what happens after signing the rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Essential Services: What Landlords Must Provide

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), landlords must provide a rental property that is safe, healthy, and meets all local bylaws and safety regulations¹. This generally includes ensuring that:

• Heating works properly throughout the cold season
• There is a reliable supply of hot and cold water
• Electrical systems are safe and operational
• Garbage removal arrangements are in place

If your landlord refuses or fails to provide an essential service, you have the right to contact the Rental Officer for assistance.

What to Do If Utilities or Services Are Shut Off

Landlords cannot legally shut off essential services to a rental unit, even if you fall behind on rent. If this happens, record the event, contact your landlord in writing, and reach out to the Northwest Territories Rental Office for support. Interrupting essential services may be grounds for filing a complaint.

Common Utility and Service Disputes

• Landlord doesn't pay a bill they're responsible for, leading to service cuts
• Tenant receives unexpectedly high bills due to leaks or faulty equipment
• Disagreements over who sets up accounts and pays connection fees

No matter your issue, you have rights and options. If maintenance issues are impacting essential services (like a broken furnace), see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Forms and Steps for Utility or Service Problems

When a dispute or problem can't be resolved with your landlord directly, you may need to apply to the Rental Officer. Common situations include:

• Landlord fails to restore essential service (heat, water, electricity)
• Unjust utility shut-off or unaddressed defective systems

The relevant form is:

• Application to Rental Officer – Failure to Provide Essential Service (Form 5): Use this if your landlord isn't supplying required utilities (e.g., no heat in winter). Complete and submit it to the Rental Officer as soon as possible.
  Official source and download: Rental Officer Forms

Steps to take:

1. Try to resolve the issue with your landlord in writing.
2. If the service remains interrupted, fill out Form 5 and collect any evidence (photos, bills, written requests).
3. Submit your application to the Rental Officer via the address or email on the form.
4. Await a response—an investigation or hearing may be scheduled.

For general info about your rights in the Northwest Territories, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Living Comfortably: Set Up and Keep Records

• When moving in, record or photograph all meter readings.
• Keep copies of all utility bills and written arrangements with your landlord.
• If you're taking over accounts, confirm no outstanding charges remain from previous tenants.
• Ask your landlord for written clarification if anything about utilities is unclear.

For more rental options when searching for utilities-inclusive or separate rentals, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Utilities and Tenant Rights in Northwest Territories

1. Are landlords required to pay for heat and water in every rental?
   Not always. It depends on your lease agreement. However, the landlord must ensure the home has working heat and water, even if you pay the bills yourself.
2. Can a landlord turn off utilities if I'm behind on rent?
   No. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, it's illegal for landlords to disconnect essential services, regardless of rent payment status.
3. What if there’s an urgent repair needed to restore power or heat?
   You should notify your landlord immediately in writing. If not fixed quickly, you can apply to the Rental Officer with Form 5.
4. Who is responsible for garbage disposal in my building?
   This is usually arranged by the landlord, but your lease may say otherwise. If unclear, ask your landlord for written details.
5. What can I do if a utility bill is much higher than normal?
   Check for leaks or faulty equipment and speak to your landlord right away. Keep all records. If you suspect negligence or unresolved maintenance issues, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How-To: Dealing with Utility Disputes in Northwest Territories

1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord fails to provide an essential utility?
   1. Document what happened (dates, notices, bills).
   2. Try to resolve it with your landlord directly, preferably in writing.
   3. Complete and submit the Application to Rental Officer – Failure to Provide Essential Service (Form 5) from the Rental Officer's website.
2. How do I find out which utilities are included in my rent?
   Review your written lease agreement. If you’re unsure, ask your landlord for clarification in writing.
3. How can I avoid disputes over utility bills?
   Read all meters at move-in, keep written records and receipts, and clarify any responsibility with your landlord before signing the lease.
4. How do I apply for a hearing about utility/service issues?
   Download Form 5 from the Rental Officer, fill it out, and send it to their office. Attach all relevant evidence, such as bills or proof of service disruption.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Check your lease to confirm who pays for utilities and what is included.
• Landlords must supply essential services at all times; tenants must report any issues promptly.
• Keep detailed records to quickly resolve any disputes over utilities or services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Rental Officer: Official info, forms, and dispute resolution.
• Government of Northwest Territories – Justice: Access to current laws and regulations.
• Northern Property and Tenant Support: Call your local municipal office for housing or bylaw help.
• For a summary of overall rental rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Rental Officer, Northwest Territories
3. Government of Northwest Territories Legislation

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