How Tenants Can File a Human Rights Complaint in New Brunswick

If you’re renting in New Brunswick and you experience discrimination—such as being treated unfairly because of race, disability, gender, family status, or other protected reasons—you have the right to make a human rights complaint. Whether you live in a shared apartment, house with roommates, or rent on your own, the law offers protections so everyone can enjoy equal access to housing. This guide offers step-by-step support for tenants in New Brunswick looking to file a human rights complaint and ensures you know where to find help throughout the process.

Understanding Tenant Human Rights in New Brunswick

Discrimination in rental housing—whether from a landlord or roommate—can include being denied an apartment, facing harassment, or unequal treatment due to characteristics like race, religion, gender identity, disability, or family status. These rights are protected under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act and apply to all tenants, including those sharing accommodation.

• Examples of discrimination:
• A landlord refuses to rent to someone with children.
• A roommate attempts to evict a tenant based on their religion or sexual orientation.
• Refusal of accessibility accommodations for a tenant with a disability.

Who Oversees Human Rights Complaints?

In New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission (NBHRC) is responsible for resolving discrimination complaints in housing, including those involving shared accommodations or roommates. The residential tenancy system is handled separately by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, which addresses landlord-tenant disputes.

When and Why Should Tenants File a Human Rights Complaint?

If you believe your rights as a tenant have been violated, filing a human rights complaint can protect you and help create a fairer rental environment. Common reasons to file include:

• Being denied a rental unit due to a protected characteristic
• Harassment by landlords or roommates based on race, gender, disability, or other grounds
• Refusal by a landlord or roommate to accommodate a disability, family status, or religion

Before you file, consider talking to your landlord or roommate directly (if safe). Many issues can be resolved through open communication. If needed, you can also review How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide for practical strategies on addressing problems before taking formal steps.

Steps to File a Human Rights Complaint in New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission provides a clear, confidential process for submitting complaints. Here’s how tenants should proceed:

• Gather all relevant documents and evidence (emails, texts, letters, rental agreements).
• Review your rights and confirm the discrimination falls within one of the protected grounds.
• Complete and submit the official complaint form (see below for details).
• The Commission will investigate and may attempt to resolve the matter through mediation.

Official Human Rights Complaint Form

• Form Name: New Brunswick Human Rights Complaint Form
• Where to Get It: Download directly from the NBHRC Forms Page
• How to Use: Fill out this form if you experience discriminatory treatment in your rental due to a protected reason. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children, you would complete this form describing what occurred, attach any supporting evidence, and submit it by mail or email as instructed.
• Official Submission: Email to hrc.cdp@gnb.ca or mail to address on the form.

You can also call 1-888-471-2233 if you need help completing the form or require accommodation for a disability.

What Happens After You Submit a Complaint?

The Human Rights Commission will:

• Review your complaint for jurisdiction (does it address housing and a protected ground?)
• Contact you for more information, if needed
• Investigate the claim, talking to both parties and gathering further evidence
• Attempt mediation or resolution
• If unresolved, may proceed to a formal hearing

If the Commission finds discrimination, they can order remedies such as changes to housing policies, compensation, or requiring a landlord/roommate to stop unwanted actions.

Connecting Human Rights and Rental Law in New Brunswick

Besides filing a human rights complaint, tenants should also understand their legal rights and responsibilities under New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act. This Act governs rental agreements, deposits, evictions, and more. For a clearer understanding of what you’re entitled to—and your duties—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

For practical information about everyday rental issues and guidance on topics like maintenance, inspections, and complaints, review How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide. It can help you decide when a problem is a legal matter, a human rights issue, or both.

Looking for your next home or wish to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme? Explore Canada’s best listings and search confidently for accessible, discrimination-free accommodation in New Brunswick and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of discrimination are illegal for tenants in New Brunswick? Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, family status, sexual orientation, and other protected grounds under the Human Rights Act is illegal. This includes actions by landlords and, in some cases, roommates.
2. Can I file a complaint if my roommate discriminates against me? Yes, the Human Rights Act applies to people sharing accommodations, and you can file a complaint even if it’s another tenant, not the landlord, who discriminates.
3. What is the deadline to make a human rights complaint? In New Brunswick, you should file within one year of the discriminatory act or treatment.
4. Can I be evicted for filing a human rights complaint? Retaliatory eviction is illegal. If you believe you’re being threatened with eviction for exercising your rights, document everything and report it to the Human Rights Commission and/or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
5. Where can I get help filling out the human rights complaint form? Contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission directly by phone or email for guidance, or seek support from a tenant advocacy organization.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Act Early

• Tenants in New Brunswick are protected from discrimination and can file formal complaints if needed.
• Use the Human Rights Complaint Form and reach out for help early to protect your housing rights.
• Learning about both human rights law and rental law improves your confidence as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – main page
• Download the Human Rights Complaint Form
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – landlord/tenant dispute resolution
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
• For interpretation, accessible forms, or urgent support, call 1-888-471-2233 (Human Rights Commission)

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1. New Brunswick Human Rights Act: Overview and legislation
2. Official Human Rights Complaint Forms: NBHRC Forms
3. Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.B. 2018, c.36: Read the Act here
4. Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Official government page

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