Discrimination and Accessibility: Tenant Help in New Brunswick

If you’re a tenant in New Brunswick and feel you’ve faced discrimination or barriers because of a disability or personal characteristic, you have important rights under both provincial tenancy laws and human rights legislation. This guide explains how tenants can identify discrimination, what practical steps you can take, and where to get official help. We’ll walk you through filing complaints, requesting accommodations, and using key forms, with resources for further support.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility in Rentals

Discrimination in housing means being treated unfairly by your landlord or property manager because of characteristics protected by law, such as disability, race, age, gender, family status, or religion. Accessibility problems happen when your rental doesn’t accommodate a disability or special need, and your landlord refuses reasonable solutions.

• Examples of discrimination: Being denied a rental due to your ethnicity or family status, or facing higher rent than other tenants because of your religion.
• Examples of accessibility issues: Refusal to allow reasonable changes, like installing grab bars or even a ramp, or denying a support animal when medically necessary.

These situations are illegal under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act and must also align with tenant protections in the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)^[1].

Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

If you believe you're being discriminated against or have accessibility concerns, follow these practical steps to address the issue:

1. Document the Problem

• Write down dates, times, and details of incidents or any refusal of requests.
• Save emails or texts exchanged with your landlord.
• Take photos if a barrier exists (such as a blocked ramp or inaccessible entrance).

Keeping a thorough record is critical if you need to demonstrate your case later to the landlord, tribunal, or human rights commission.

2. Communicate Clearly in Writing

• Send a polite written request to your landlord describing your situation and what you need (for example, a grab bar, a non-allergenic carpet, or a support animal).
• Ask for a reasonable accommodation and a written response. If you have supporting medical or professional documentation, include it (or offer to provide it).

If you're unsure what to include, tenant advocacy offices can help review your letter or email.

3. Reference Your Rights and Responsibilities

It helps to mention your rights under New Brunswick’s laws. Landlords and tenants each have duties under the Residential Tenancies Act and human rights law—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more.

4. If Things Don’t Improve, File a Formal Complaint

If your landlord refuses to accommodate you or continues discriminatory practices, you can file a complaint, either:

• With the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: For tenancy-related issues or non-repair of accessibility features. Access forms and information from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website.^[2]
• With the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: For discrimination based on protected characteristics (like disability, race, or family status). Learn more or file online at the NB Human Rights Commission.^[3]

Key Forms in New Brunswick

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal Application Form – Use this to apply for resolution of disputes about repair, maintenance, or non-accommodation: Application for Assistance [Form 6]. Complete with a clear explanation and attach evidence where possible.
• Human Rights Complaint Form – File this if your complaint relates to discrimination (race, disability, gender, etc.) instead of a tenancy-only issue. Access it here. Provide details and supporting documents – for example, your written landlord communications and any medical notes, if applicable.

If discrimination or accessibility issues affect the safety or healthiness of your home, you may also want to review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Summary: Know Your Rights and the Tribunal Role

It’s against the law in New Brunswick for landlords to deny, harass, or refuse accommodation based on a protected characteristic—or to ignore reasonable accessibility requests. If talking and documenting doesn’t solve things, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal has authority on rental matters, while the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission deals with rights-based claims. Both have plain-language forms and support for tenants who need help.

For a province-by-province comparison, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

For those searching for accessible or non-discriminatory rentals, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as housing discrimination in New Brunswick?
   Discrimination includes denial of housing, different treatment, or harassment based on race, disability, family status, nationality, gender, or similar protected personal characteristics. This is illegal under New Brunswick’s human rights and tenancy laws.
2. How can I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Ask in writing, specify what you need (like a ramp or service animal permission), and provide any necessary supporting documents. If the landlord refuses without good reason, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or Human Rights Commission.
3. Who do I contact if I face harassment or discrimination in my rental?
   You may contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or, for discrimination related to a protected characteristic, the NB Human Rights Commission.
4. What happens after I file a human rights complaint?
   Your complaint will be reviewed by the Human Rights Commission, which may contact your landlord, offer mediation, or investigate further. If discrimination is found, various remedies are possible.

How To: Taking Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Problems

1. How do I file a human rights complaint against my landlord in New Brunswick?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form (online or on paper), describe your situation, provide evidence (communications, photos, documentation), and submit it to the NB Human Rights Commission. They will follow up with next steps.
2. How do I ask my landlord for an accessibility accommodation?
   Describe your need in writing, request a specific accommodation, and offer any medical or support letters if needed. Keep copies for your records.
3. How do I fill out an Application for Assistance to the tribunal?
   Use Form 6 from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, clearly explain your complaint, attach all evidence, and submit the form online or by mail. Tribunal staff can assist with questions.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and failure to accommodate accessibility needs in housing are illegal in New Brunswick.
• Keep written records and communicate your needs respectfully in writing.
• If issues continue, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or Human Rights Commission.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick) – Information, forms, and dispute resolution related to rental issues.
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – Learn about your rights and file discrimination complaints.
• Government of New Brunswick – Tenant Resources – Guides, laws, and common questions.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. [1] Key New Brunswick tenancy protections: Residential Tenancies Act (NB)
2. [2] File rental-related complaints or ask for mediation: Residential Tenancies Tribunal
3. [3] For discrimination based on a protected characteristic: New Brunswick Human Rights Commission

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