What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix a broken fridge in my rental?

Notify your landlord in writing first. If they do not respond or refuse, you can apply to the Rental Officer using Form 1 to seek an order for repair or compensation.

Am I responsible for repairing appliances if I caused the damage?

Yes. If you break an appliance through misuse or neglect, you can be held responsible for the cost of repairs.

Can my landlord ask me to repair my own appliances?

Generally, no. Unless your lease says otherwise, landlords must repair appliances they provided in the unit.

How do I prove that I requested a repair if there's a dispute?

Keep copies of all written requests, notes, emails, and photos showing the appliance issue and your communication history.

Who Fixes Appliances in Northwest Territories Rentals?

Maintenance & Repairs Northwest Territories published June 20, 2025

If you rent a home or apartment in the Northwest Territories, it's important to know who is responsible for repairing appliances like fridges, stoves, or washing machines. Appliance repairs can impact your comfort and daily life, so understanding your rights and your landlord's obligations helps prevent disputes and ensures safe, liveable housing.

Who Is Responsible for Appliance Repairs?

In the Northwest Territories, responsibility for appliance repair depends on your rental agreement and territory laws. Generally, if an appliance was provided with the unit (for example, the fridge or stove was included when you moved in), the landlord is responsible for ensuring it works properly. However, if the tenant causes the damage through misuse or neglect, the cost may fall on the tenant instead.

Landlord's responsibility: To repair or replace appliances supplied with the rental that fail due to normal use, age, or wear and tear.
Tenant's responsibility: To fix or cover the cost of repairs if they damage an appliance through improper use or neglect.

What Does the Law Say?

The key legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories). It requires landlords to keep the premises – including any provided appliances – in a good state of repair and fit for habitation¹.

What If Your Lease Is Not Clear?

It’s best for both tenants and landlords to clarify in the lease who is responsible for which appliances and repairs. If your lease is silent or unclear, the law generally sides with the tenant for essential repairs to provided appliances, unless you caused the damage.

Common Scenarios for Appliance Repairs

Fridge stops working suddenly: If you did not cause the problem, report it to your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
Washing machine breaks from overloading: If misuse is clear, you may be expected to pay for the repair.

Always document the issue and your communications to help resolve disputes quickly.

How to Request Appliance Repairs

If an appliance breaks, follow these steps:

Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Include the date, description of the problem, and the appliance affected.
Keep copies of all correspondence and any photos or videos of the issue.
If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, consider taking further action with the proper forms.

For urgent repairs (like no fridge or stove), act quickly and keep written records. Timely requests protect your rights.

Official Forms for Repair Issues

If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you can apply for help at the Northwest Territories’ Rental Office (Rental Officer). The Rental Officer handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including repair concerns.

Application to the Rental Officer (Form 1): Use this form if your landlord does not address the repair after you request it. Explain your situation and include any supporting documents. Download Form 1 from the NWT Courts.
Example: After reporting a broken oven and waiting without response, fill out Form 1 to ask the Rental Officer for an order to repair or compensation.
Notice to Remedy (Form 2): Sometimes, you or your landlord may use this form to formally request that an issue be corrected. Get Form 2 here.

Be sure to follow the application instructions and file with the Rental Office (address and contact found on their official website).

Tenant and Landlord Maintenance Obligations

Both landlords and tenants have legal duties beyond appliances. Learn more about their roles in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Routine repairs and inspections can also help prevent issues. See the Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities guide for practical prevention tips and maintenance advice.

What If There Is a Health or Safety Concern?

A malfunctioning appliance can sometimes be a health or safety hazard (like spoiled food from a broken fridge). Tenants have the right to a safe and healthy home. If you believe your rental is unsafe, visit the Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting page for more info on your options.

For additional territory-specific tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Looking for your next home or want to compare options? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and see what's available wherever you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix a broken fridge in my rental?
If a landlord fails to repair a provided fridge after you've notified them in writing, you can apply to the Rental Officer using the proper forms to seek an order for the repair or compensation.
Am I responsible for repairing appliances if I caused the damage?
Yes. If you, as the tenant, cause the appliance to break through misuse or negligence, you may be required to pay for repairs.
Can my landlord ask me to repair my own appliances?
Unless you agreed to this responsibility in your lease and the appliance was provided, landlords are typically expected to handle necessary repairs.
Is there a time limit for my landlord to fix a broken appliance?
The law does not state a strict deadline, but repairs should be completed within a reasonable time. Emergency or essential appliances require faster action than non-essential ones.
How do I prove I requested a repair if there's a dispute?
Always keep copies of written requests, dated notes, and any photographs or evidence to show you informed your landlord about the problem.

Conclusion: Key Points for Tenants

Landlords must repair or replace appliances they provided, except for damage caused by tenants.
If repairs are ignored, tenants can apply to the Rental Officer using Form 1.
Clear communication and keeping written records help resolve most appliance issues smoothly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Northwest Territories Rental Office (Rental Officer) – for applications, disputes, and official forms
NWT Department of Justice – Rental Officer Info
Local tenants’ associations or legal clinics (check your regional resources)
Read the Residential Tenancies Act

Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) – See sections on landlord repair duties
Northwest Territories Rental Office (Rental Officer)