What Happens If You Don’t Pay the New Rent in Northwest Territories?

If you are a renter in the Northwest Territories facing a rent increase, it’s important to know your rights and what happens if you do not pay the new rent amount. This article explains the process, legal protections, and resources available to tenants, ensuring you’re prepared and empowered to respond.

Understanding Rent Increases in Northwest Territories

Landlords may only increase your rent by following the rules set under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)¹. Typically, rent increases can only occur once every 12 months and tenants must receive at least three months written notice before the increase takes effect.

To learn more about patterns across Canada, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

What If You Don’t Pay the Increased Rent?

If you continue paying your old rent instead of the new amount once the increase takes effect, your rent will be considered late or unpaid. Here’s what might happen:

• Late Payment Notice: Landlords may issue a written notice to pay the outstanding rent.
• Eviction Notice: If you do not pay the correct rent after the notice, landlords can begin the eviction process.
• Dispute Rights: You can dispute an improper rent increase by applying to the Office of the Rental Officer, the official tribunal for residential tenancies in the NWT. More about the Rental Office.

Always check that your landlord followed all the notice requirements and timing rules for a rent increase. Improper notice can make a rent increase invalid.

Official Forms Used in Rent Increase and Non-Payment Disputes

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form 4A)
  When used: Landlords serve tenants at least three full months before the increase.
  Find it: Form 4A - Notice of Rent Increase (PDF).
• Application to the Rental Officer (Form 16)
  When used: Tenants use this if the increase is not properly served, or to challenge an eviction.
  Find it: Form 16 - Application to Rental Officer (PDF).
  Example: If you believe notice of the rent increase was invalid, submit Form 16 to dispute the increase before the Rental Officer.

Filing these forms can halt eviction or further action until the Rental Officer makes a decision.

Eviction Process for Unpaid Rent in Northwest Territories

If you do not pay your full rent — including any increase — your landlord can follow a legal eviction process. You have rights throughout this process:

• Landlord must serve a written termination notice, citing unpaid rent.
• You have the right to dispute the eviction through the Rental Office within the notice period.
• Attending a hearing gives you the chance to explain your situation and present evidence.

For more information on paying rent and your responsibilities, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Affordable Housing & Subsidy Support

If you are low-income and impacted by a rent increase, you may qualify for government-supported housing or subsidies. Contact the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation for resources and eligibility information.

Your Rights and Steps to Take

• Review your rent increase notice for accuracy of timing and details.
• Keep documentation of all notices, payment records, and correspondence.
• If you receive a termination notice, act quickly by applying to the Rental Officer or seeking legal help.

Learn more about typical tenant issues and solutions in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you decide to search for new housing.

FAQ: Rent Increases & Non-Payment in NWT

1. Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?
   No. They can only increase rent once every 12 months and must give at least three months written notice using Form 4A.
2. What should I do if I can’t afford the new rent?
   Speak with your landlord as soon as possible and explore government assistance. You may also dispute improper increases through the Rental Office.
3. How do I challenge an invalid rent increase?
   Submit Form 16 (Application to the Rental Officer) before the increase takes effect to dispute the increase or a termination notice.
4. Will I be immediately evicted if I don’t pay the increased rent?
   No, but repeated non-payment after proper notice may lead to eviction. You will have notice and the right to a hearing.
5. Where can I get a copy of the official forms?
   All required forms are on the Rental Office Forms page.

Key Takeaways

• You must pay the new rent unless you successfully dispute the increase.
• Landlords must follow notice rules for increases and eviction.
• Official forms and the NWT Rental Office provide ways to resolve disputes.

Staying informed and acting quickly helps you protect your housing rights if there are issues with rent increases or payment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rental Officer – Northwest Territories (for disputes, notices, forms)
• Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (for affordable housing programs)
• NWT Tenants’ Association (tenant advocacy and help)
• Community legal clinics or local government offices

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)

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