Renting in Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents

Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in Northwest Territories, how rent increases work, what rents cost and which programs help.

Who to contact

Residential tenancies in Northwest Territories are handled by the Rental Office. It explains the rules, provides the official forms and settles disputes between landlords and tenants. Official site ↗

Rent increases

There is no limit on the amount of a rent increase. Rent can be increased once every 12 months, with at least three months' written notice.

Exceptions and details

A tenant who does not accept the increase can treat the notice as a notice to end the tenancy, effective the day before the increase.
The 12-month limit continues even if the property is sold. Housing NWT market units follow their own notice rules.

Source: official rent increase page ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Average rents by city (2025)

City	Studio	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	3 bedrooms
Yellowknife	$1,606	$1,757	$2,109	$2,449

Average rent of occupied units in CMHC's survey (Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0133-01). Asking rents for vacant units are usually higher. All cities →

Help paying rent

The Canada Housing Benefit is delivered by each province and territory, and people with low income may also qualify for social assistance shelter amounts. All programs →

Before you sign

Get the lease in writing and keep a copy.
Ask what is included: heat, electricity, water, parking, internet.
Photograph the unit on move-in day and note existing damage.
Check what deposit is allowed in this province before paying one.
Buy tenant insurance: the landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.