What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses Rent Payment in Northwest Territories

If you’re a tenant in the Northwest Territories and your landlord refuses your rent payment, you might feel anxious or confused about what to do next. While this situation can be unsettling, it’s important to know that both landlords and tenants have clear rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT). This guide explains why a landlord might decline your payment, your rights as a tenant, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid complications like eviction.

Your Rights When Paying Rent in the Northwest Territories

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT), tenants have a legal obligation to pay rent in full and on time. At the same time, landlords must accept rent unless they have legal grounds to refuse it (for example, if the tenancy has ended or they have grounds for eviction). If your landlord is refusing to accept your payment, consider these possible reasons:

  • The landlord believes you have already been lawfully evicted
  • There's a dispute over the rent amount (such as a rent increase, extra charges, or arrears)
  • The landlord issued an eviction notice and claims the tenancy is over
  • They want to pressure you to move out

No matter the reason, you still have tenant rights and there are steps you can take.

What Steps Should Tenants Take If Rent Payment Is Refused?

If your landlord will not accept your rent, it’s crucial to act quickly and keep detailed records. Here are key actions to consider:

  • Document the refusal: Write down when and how you tried to pay (e.g., email, cheque, e-transfer). Save any texts, messages, or returned cheque copies.
  • Attempt another payment method: If possible, try paying rent by a different method (e.g., certified cheque, money order, or electronic transfer). Always keep proof.
  • Offer full payment: Make sure you’re offering the full legal rent—not just a portion.
  • Send a written notice: Inform your landlord in writing that you attempted to pay rent, and clarify your intention to continue paying as required by your lease and the law.
  • Hold the rent in trust (if possible): Keep the rent funds set aside so you can immediately pay once the issue is resolved.
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If you suspect your landlord is using the refusal of rent to try to "constructively evict" you, or end your tenancy outside of the legal process, it’s especially important to protect yourself by documenting everything and seeking advice.

It is always a good idea to keep copies of all rent payment attempts and correspondence. This could help if the landlord tries to claim non-payment of rent at a later stage.

Understanding Your Lease and Rent Obligations

Your obligations as a tenant go beyond just paying rent on time. For more about your responsibilities after signing a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

When to Involve the Rentals Officer

The Rentals Officer is the official body in the Northwest Territories handling residential disputes. If you cannot resolve payment issues directly with your landlord, you can apply to the Rentals Officer for help.

  • Dispute Resolution: The Rentals Officer can review your complaint and decide what happens next. If your landlord refuses rent, you can ask the Rentals Officer to determine whether the refusal was lawful, and whether your tenancy remains in good standing.
  • Apply for an Order: If needed, you can use the “Application to Rentals Officer” to start this process.

Practical example: If your landlord rejects your April rent and claims you must move out, but you disagree and want to remain, you would complete the Application to Rentals Officer form (Form 1), describe the situation, and submit your evidence (e.g., copies of payment attempts, your lease, and correspondence).

For more details, see the official Rentals Officer page.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

  • Application to Rentals Officer (Form 1): Use this form to start a dispute if your landlord refuses your rent or if you disagree about the end of your tenancy. Download Form 1 here (PDF).
  • Notice to End Tenancy: If you receive an eviction notice and believe it’s invalid or linked to rent payment refusal, reference this in your application to the Rentals Officer.

How to submit: Complete the form, attach all supporting documentation, and submit it by email, in person, or mail to the Rentals Officer (see resources below).

How Does Rent Refusal Affect Evictions?

If a landlord claims you haven’t paid rent—but you can prove you tried—this could affect their ability to evict you. The Rentals Officer will consider both sides and may allow your tenancy to continue if the rent refusal was not justified.

To learn more about your ongoing rights and duties, consult Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Stay Proactive: Prevent Issues Before They Start

  • Clarify payment methods with your landlord in writing at the start of your lease.
  • Always pay rent on time, even if there’s an unresolved dispute (pay under protest if necessary, and note this in writing).
  • Document every interaction, especially if a dispute begins to develop.

For guidance specific to your region, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my landlord refuse to accept my rent for any reason?
    Generally, no. A landlord in the Northwest Territories can only refuse rent for specific legal reasons, such as if you have already been lawfully evicted. In most cases, they must accept your payment unless otherwise directed by the Rentals Officer.
  2. What should I do if my landlord won’t accept my rent?
    Keep the rent money aside (do not spend it), document your attempts to pay, and notify your landlord in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, make an application to the Rentals Officer for dispute resolution.
  3. Does a landlord’s refusal of rent automatically end my tenancy?
    No. Your tenancy only legally ends if there is a valid eviction process or if the Rentals Officer issues an order. Simply refusing rent does not terminate your tenancy.
  4. Can I use the Application to Rentals Officer form without a lawyer?
    Yes. This form is designed for tenants and landlords to use directly. If you need help, tenant support organizations or the Rentals Officer can guide you.
  5. Where can I find official forms for rental disputes?
    All current forms are available from the Government of the Northwest Territories website.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

  • If your landlord refuses your rent in the Northwest Territories, keep careful records and act quickly.
  • The Rentals Officer can resolve disputes, but you must submit an official application and supporting evidence.
  • Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) gives you the tools to protect your home and avoid wrongful eviction.

With timely action and good documentation, most rent refusal issues can be resolved fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT): View full legislation
  2. Government of NWT – Rentals Officer: Official resource
  3. Application to Rentals Officer (Form 1): Download from Government of the Northwest Territories

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