Window Bars in Northwest Territories Rentals: Tenant Safety & Laws

For tenants renting in the Northwest Territories, safety features such as window bars can bring up important legal and practical questions. Are these security devices allowed by law? Do they affect your rights, your landlord’s duties, or your ability to exit safely in emergency situations? This article explains what both tenants and landlords should know about window bars, focusing on safety legislation and tenant rights unique to the Northwest Territories.

Understanding Window Bars: Security vs. Safety

Window bars are commonly used to boost security by deterring break-ins, but they can also present fire and emergency risks if not installed properly. The Northwest Territories does not specifically outlaw window bars in rental units, but their installation and use must meet certain health and safety requirements set out by law and local fire codes.

Relevant Legislation for Rentals

• Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories): This is the main legislation governing tenant-landlord relationships in the Northwest Territories. It requires landlords to maintain the premises in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety laws. Read the full Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]
• Fire Prevention Act and Local Fire Bylaws: The Fire Prevention Act and municipal fire codes require that exits, including windows designated as emergency exits (such as in bedrooms), remain accessible at all times. Window bars must not block your escape in an emergency.^[2]

Window bars are legal only if they do not compromise safe egress (your ability to exit during a fire or emergency). Landlords and tenants should ensure any bars installed on windows—especially those in sleeping rooms—can be opened easily from the inside, without special tools or keys. If window bars prevent escape, this may violate both safety laws and your rights as a tenant.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a home that is both secure and safe. Your landlord is required to maintain the rental in accordance with health and safety codes—but you are also responsible for reporting any hazards or unsafe installations. See more on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you notice that window bars in your home are permanently fixed and block exit in an emergency, you should raise this with your landlord immediately. If the landlord does not address the issue, you can make a complaint to the Northwest Territories Rental Office, which administers the Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]

What Landlords Must Do

• Obtain municipal permits and comply with local bylaws when installing window bars
• Ensure bars can be opened easily from the inside without a key or tool
• Maintain all exits and emergency escape routes as required by the Fire Prevention Act
• Promptly address any health or safety concern reported by tenants

For a broader overview of what landlords and tenants are responsible for, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Issues and What to Do

If you feel unsafe or your landlord installs window bars that block escape, take the following steps:

• Document the issue: Take photos and note which windows are affected.
• Contact your landlord in writing with your concern and request for remediation.
• If unresolved, seek help from the Rental Office or local fire department.

You can explore more about routine and emergency repairs in our guide on Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Are There Official Forms for Window Bar Issues?

While there is no dedicated form for window bar complaints, tenants can submit a general application to the Northwest Territories Rental Office if health and safety are at risk. Typically, the "Application to Determine a Dispute" form is used:

• Application to Determine a Dispute (Form A):
  View and download Form A here^[3].
  When to use: If your landlord refuses to make your unit safe, use Form A to file a dispute regarding health or safety. Complete the form, specify the safety concern (such as window bars), and submit it to the Rental Office.

Learn More About Tenant Rights in the Northwest Territories

For detailed information on your rights and the duties of landlords, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Looking for other rentals where safety features are a top priority? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and ensure your next place fits your needs.

FAQs About Window Bars in Northwest Territories Rentals

1. Are landlords allowed to install fixed window bars on rental units in the Northwest Territories?
   Landlords must ensure window bars meet fire safety rules. Fixed bars that prevent emergency escape are not permitted on bedrooms or egress windows.
2. What should I do if window bars in my rental block emergency exits?
   Document the problem, notify your landlord in writing, and, if unresolved, file a complaint with the Rental Office using Form A.
3. Can I remove window bars on my own if they create a safety risk?
   It is best not to alter the rental unit without landlord consent. Address concerns through appropriate channels to avoid breaching your lease.
4. Who is responsible for ensuring window bars comply with fire codes?
   The landlord is responsible for installations and compliance with all safety and fire regulations.
5. Where can I get more information about safety and tenant rights?
   Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page for more resources.

Key Takeaways

• Window bars in Northwest Territories rentals are only legal if they don’t block emergency exits.
• Both landlords and tenants share responsibility for safety—raise any concerns promptly.
• Use official forms and the Rental Office for unresolved disputes.

By understanding your rights and local safety laws, you can help ensure your rental unit is both secure from intruders and safe to live in.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Rental Office – File tenant applications, disputes, or safety complaints
• Government of NWT Rental Office Information – Official guidance and legislation
• Local fire department – For urgent fire or egress safety issues
• For general tenant support, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
2. Fire Prevention Act and Fire Safety in the NWT
3. Application to Determine a Dispute (Rental Office Form A)

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