What Tenants Can Do If the LTB Won’t Enforce Orders in the Northwest Territories

When a tenancy dispute is decided in your favour but the order is not enforced in the Northwest Territories, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. If your landlord isn’t following a decision by the territory’s rental authority, or if repairs, compensation, or move-out dates are being ignored, it’s important to know your rights and next steps. This article explains what tenants can do if the Northwest Territories' rental authority does not enforce an order, with easy-to-follow guidance tailored to tenants facing frustration or delays.

Who Handles Tenant Disputes in the Northwest Territories?

All rental disputes in the Northwest Territories are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). This office appoints a Rental Officer instead of having a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) like some other provinces. The RTO makes legally binding orders about rent, repairs, deposits, and eviction issues under the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)¹.

What Happens if Your Order Isn't Enforced?

You may have received an order stating your landlord should pay back a deposit, complete repairs, or let you move back in, but nothing has happened. The Rental Officer does not proactively enforce its own orders. Instead, as a tenant, you are responsible for taking action if the other side does not comply.

Practical Next Steps for Tenants

Here’s what you can do if an order isn’t enforced:

• Confirm the deadline: Check the order to see when the landlord was supposed to act. Some orders allow a set number of days for compliance.
• Contact your landlord: Give them a polite written reminder that the order is legally binding and set a firm, reasonable deadline for action.
• File with the Supreme Court: If your landlord ignores the order, you can register or file the Rental Officer’s order with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories. This is called "enforcing an order as a judgment of the court."

How to Enforce an Order Through the Supreme Court

The Rental Officer provides a Certificate of Order (Form 26). You will need this document when you apply to the court. Here’s what tenants usually need to do:

• Obtain a certified copy of the Rental Officer’s order (you can request this from the RTO).
• Fill out an Application for Filing a Foreign Judgment (no specific form number). This asks the Supreme Court to recognize the Rental Officer's order as a court judgment.
• Submit your documents at your nearest Supreme Court location. There may be a filing fee (confirm current costs in advance).
• Once the order becomes a court judgment, you can request further enforcement actions (such as wage garnishment or property seizure) if the landlord still does not comply.

This process may sound intimidating, but court registry staff can provide guidance about forms and fees. You do not need a lawyer to begin the enforcement process, though legal advice can be helpful for complex cases.

Common Reasons Tenants Seek Enforcement

• Return of rental deposits
• Repairs or maintenance that the landlord was ordered to do
• Compensation for unlawful entry, utilities disconnection, or other violations
• Eviction orders with deadlines that have passed

If your concern relates to your security deposit, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for direct help with deposit issues.

Where to Find Official Forms and Help

• Residential Tenancies Office Forms and Orders: Forms and Resources – download applications, see guides, and contact officials directly.
• Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories: Court Information & Filing Locations

Your Rights as a Tenant in the Northwest Territories

For a complete overview of your rental rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories. This includes information on security deposits, repairs, and evictions alongside relevant government contacts and summary guidance.

When you're looking for a new place, remember you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with up-to-date listings tailored to tenants like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord refuses to return my damage deposit after an order?
   If a Rental Officer ordered your deposit returned and the landlord ignores this, you can register the order at the Supreme Court. See the "How to Enforce an Order" section above.
2. Can the Residential Tenancies Office directly enforce its decisions?
   No—the RTO and Rental Officer issue binding orders, but actual enforcement must be carried out by appealing to the Supreme Court if a landlord does not comply.
3. What documents do I need to file an order with the Supreme Court?
   You’ll require a certified copy of the Rental Officer’s signed order (often called the Certificate of Order or Form 26) and the Application for Filing a Foreign Judgment.
4. Is there a cost to file an order with the court?
   There may be a filing fee. Contact your local Supreme Court registry for the most up-to-date costs and to confirm which forms are required.
5. Where can I get more help with my situation?
   The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office and local court staff can assist. See the Resources section below for helpful links.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Rental Officer orders are legally binding, but you must register the order at the Supreme Court to force compliance.
• Keep all written records and certified documents to support your case.
• If you’re unsure about any step, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance or seek legal advice.

Remember, enforcement is possible even if it seems complicated at first. Taking action is your right under NWT law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Office – 1-844-835-8050 or rent@gov.nt.ca
• Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories (filing and registry locations)
• For full tenant rights and contact info: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
• Browse Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for new housing options and to search current listings.

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¹ Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)

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