Northwest Territories (NT) lease form
Quick answer
The NWT does not require a written tenancy agreement by law, but the Residential Tenancies Regulations include a Schedule form that becomes implied law in every tenancy. Any provision in a custom agreement that conflicts with the Schedule or the Act is void. Key requirements include a security deposit cap of one month's rent, a pet damage deposit cap of 50 percent of monthly rent, a signed move-in and move-out inspection report, and mandatory 24-hour written notice before landlord entry.
Revun generates a Northwest Territories-ready lease with the required disclosures and clauses built in, then handles e-signature, rent, and renewals on the same platform.
Landlord and tenant must jointly complete and sign move-in and move-out inspection reports; without them the landlord loses the right to deduct repair costs from the deposit.
The landlord must place the security deposit in a trust account and pay government-set interest, returning the balance with an itemized statement within 10 days of vacancy.
The landlord must provide a written receipt when the tenant requests one.
At least three months' written notice is required for any rent increase, and increases are limited to once per 12-month period.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Residential Tenancies Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. R-5; Residential Tenancies Regulations, NWT Reg 052-2010. Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
Northwest Territories lease FAQ
No, a written agreement is not legally required, but it is strongly advisable. The Schedule to the Residential Tenancies Regulations is implied into every tenancy, written or oral.
One month's rent for monthly tenancies, or one week's rent for weekly tenancies. A separate pet damage deposit cannot exceed 50 percent of monthly rent.
Yes, no-pet clauses are enforceable in the NWT. A landlord may also refuse to rent to applicants with pets. A tenant who breaches a no-pet clause can be evicted.
Either party files a complaint with the NWT Rental Office in Yellowknife. The Rental Officer investigates, mediates, and issues binding orders.
