Experiencing discrimination when searching for a rental or negotiating shared housing in New Brunswick can be confusing and stressful. Whether you're looking to rent with roommates or on your own, it's important to know your rights and what steps to take if you face unfair treatment. This article explains tenant protections, what counts as discrimination, and how to respond if your rights are violated in the rental market.
Understanding Discrimination in New Brunswick Rentals
In New Brunswick, the law protects tenants and prospective tenants from discrimination based on certain characteristics, including:
- Race, colour, or ethnicity
- Age
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- Marital or family status
- Physical or mental disability
- Religion or creed
- Source of income
These rights apply when dealing with landlords or sub-landlords, and are especially important in roommates & shared housing situations, where informal arrangements are common. The relevant law is the New Brunswick Human Rights Act[1] and the Residential Tenancies Act[2].
Landlords or individuals cannot legally refuse to rent to someone, evict, or treat them differently because of these protected characteristics.
Examples of Discrimination
- A landlord declines your application because of your religion.
- A roommate search ad says "working professionals only," which may indirectly discriminate based on source of income or age.
- Charging higher rent because of your disability.
Your Rights as a Tenant or Roommate
The protections against discrimination apply whether you're named on a formal lease or in a less formal shared housing situation. If you encounter discrimination, you have the right to:
- Request written reasons from a landlord for rejecting your application.
- Make a formal complaint to the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
- File a complaint directly with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
What to Do If You Experience Discrimination
Being treated unfairly—whether by a landlord or another roommate—can be intimidating. However, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Document everything: Keep records of communications, ads, and any remarks made that indicate discrimination.
- Ask for written reasons: If you are denied a rental, request written clarification.
- File a complaint: Both the Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Tribunal handle complaints.
Relevant Forms and How to Use Them
-
New Brunswick Human Rights Commission Complaint Form
- When to use: If you believe you have faced illegal discrimination, complete this form.
- How to use: Fill out the online or downloadable complaint form and submit directly to the Human Rights Commission.
- Example: If you were denied housing because of your family status, use this form to start an official investigation.
-
Residential Tenancies Tribunal Application Forms
- When to use: For tenancy agreement disputes or if you feel your rental rights were violated (for example, unfair eviction due to a protected characteristic).
- How to use: Access forms for hearing applications via the official Tribunal portal. Follow the Tribunal's instructions for submitting your information.
- Example: If your landlord tries to evict you unexpectedly because of your religion, apply to the Tribunal with their appropriate form.
Staying Informed and Safe in Shared Rentals
When sharing housing, consider these extra tips:
- Ensure everyone’s name appears on the lease if possible
- Communicate openly with roommates about shared expectations
- Regularly review your responsibilities, as outlined in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
- Document your living situation and any issues
Staying proactive helps protect all roommates equally and ensures fair treatment by landlords.
If you’re still searching for accommodations, you can browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare options in a safe and supportive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered discrimination in New Brunswick rental housing?
Discrimination may include being denied housing or treated differently due to race, gender, religion, family status, age, disability, or source of income—contrary to the New Brunswick Human Rights Act. - Who deals with disputes if I am discriminated against by a landlord?
The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission investigates discrimination complaints. The New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal addresses tenancy issues, such as unfair eviction or denied rental agreements. - Can roommates discriminate against each other in shared housing situations?
Yes, individual roommates should not discriminate against each other. Human rights protections still apply to shared living arrangements, especially where a formal tenancy agreement exists. - What if I feel unsafe or harassed after reporting discrimination?
Document the situation and contact the Human Rights Commission or local legal aid. Support resources can provide guidance for your specific case. - Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant in New Brunswick?
Start with the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick resource for provincial laws and protections.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- New Brunswick tenants (including roommates) have strong legal protections against discrimination.
- Keep records, use official forms, and know which body to contact for help.
- Staying informed about your rights makes navigating rental and shared housing safer and less stressful.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Handles rental disputes and tenancy agreements.
- New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: Investigates discrimination complaints.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick: Overview of tenant and landlord rights in the province.
- Legal Aid New Brunswick: Free legal information and support for those who qualify (legalaid.nb.ca).
- New Brunswick Human Rights Act, S.N.B. 2011, c. 171. Full text
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.B. 1975, c. R-10.2. Overview & Tribunal
