What To Do If Your Heat or Water Is Shut Off in Northwest Territories

Sudden loss of heat or water in your rental unit can be stressful—especially in the harsh climate of the Northwest Territories. Understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take can help you resolve the situation quickly and protect your well-being. This guide covers what tenants should do if essential services like heat or water are disrupted, referencing territorial laws and official resources.

Your Right to Heat and Water in Northwest Territories Rentals

According to the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)^[1], landlords are legally required to provide and maintain vital services, including heat and water, unless the tenant's rental agreement clearly states otherwise. This obligation is especially critical during the region’s long, cold winters, where access to heat is essential for health and safety.

If your landlord fails to provide these services, they may be considered in violation of the Act, and you have specific rights and options to address this situation.

Immediate Steps When Heat or Water Is Shut Off

• Document the issue: Record the date, time, and nature of the interruption. Take photos or videos if possible.
• Contact your landlord immediately: Notify them in writing (keep a copy) about the lack of heat or water. This creates a formal record of your complaint.
• Request urgent repairs: Emphasize the health and safety impact. Politely ask for the service to be restored as soon as possible.

For more on your rights regarding urgent and safety-related repairs, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What to Do If the Landlord Does Not Respond or Refuses to Restore Service

If your landlord does not act promptly or refuses to restore essential services, you may:

• Contact a local health inspector or the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) to report the issue.
• Apply to the RTO for an order to restore service or for other remedies under the law.

Maintaining a healthy and safe rental is a fundamental right. Read about more obligations in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Submit a Complaint to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)

The Residential Tenancies Office (Northwest Territories) is the official agency that handles landlord and tenant disputes, including those about essential services like heat and water.

Relevant Form: "Application to the Rentals Officer"

• Form Name: Application to the Rentals Officer
• When to Use It: If your landlord does not restore heat or water after you’ve informed them, this form allows you to request that the RTO issue an order requiring the landlord to fix the problem.
• How to Use: Complete the form and submit it to the RTO with your supporting documentation (e.g., copies of correspondence with your landlord, photos).
• Official form and instructions (NT Government)

Your Options and Rights if Services Are Not Restored

If your landlord continues to deny you essential services, the Rentals Officer can:

• Order the landlord to restore heat or water
• Authorize you to arrange repairs and recover costs (with written approval)
• Award compensation for losses or inconvenience

It is not advisable to stop paying rent as a first resort—only do this with legal approval, or if the Rentals Officer has granted an order.

Summary: Always keep a record of all communications and repairs, and act promptly to protect your well-being and rights as a tenant. For more about your rights and remedies across the region, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

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FAQ: Dealing with Heat or Water Shut-Off in Rentals

1. Can my landlord legally shut off my heat or water?
   No. The Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to provide these essential services unless your lease clearly states otherwise.
2. What if my landlord doesn’t respond to my repair request?
   Submit an "Application to the Rentals Officer" with documentation. The RTO can order your landlord to act.
3. Am I allowed to hire a plumber or repair technician myself?
   Only with written approval from the Rentals Officer. Otherwise, this may violate your lease.
4. Do I have to keep paying rent if my unit has no heat or water?
   Yes, unless the RTO grants you permission otherwise. Withholding rent without approval can put your tenancy at risk.
5. Who can I contact if I feel unsafe or my health is at risk?
   Reach out to the Residential Tenancies Office and your local health authority as soon as possible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Northwest Territories must provide heat and water to tenants.
• If these services are shut off, document everything and contact your landlord in writing.
• Use official forms and contact the Rentals Officer if the issue isn’t resolved quickly.

Resolving essential service interruptions is urgent—protect your rights by acting quickly and using the correct legal channels.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Guidance, applications, and dispute resolution.
• Download complaint/application forms here.
• For health and safety emergencies, contact your local environmental health office.
• Legal Aid NWT: Free legal advice for tenants.
• Learn more about your local tenant rights in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
2. Official tribunal: Residential Tenancies Office (NWT)

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