Know Your Rights: Tenant Discrimination Laws in New Brunswick

Discrimination in rental housing is a serious issue, especially in shared accommodations and roommate situations. As a tenant in New Brunswick, it's important to know that your rights are protected by provincial laws and enforced by dedicated authorities. This guide explains your rights, what counts as unlawful discrimination, and what steps you can take if you believe you've been treated unfairly.

What Is Tenant Discrimination?

Tenant discrimination occurs when a landlord, property manager, or co-tenant treats you unfairly based on specific personal traits that are protected by law. In New Brunswick, it's illegal to discriminate against a tenant based on:

• Race or colour
• National or ethnic origin
• Religion
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Marital or family status
• Age
• Physical or mental disability
• Social condition

This applies whether you're applying for a new rental unit, renewing your lease, or living in shared housing with roommates. Discriminatory actions can include being refused a rental, facing different rules or conditions, or being harassed by a landlord or housemate because of a protected characteristic.

Legal Protections for Tenants in New Brunswick

Tenant protections in New Brunswick are guided by two main legal frameworks:

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Handles tenancy disputes and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – Accepts and investigates discrimination complaints under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act

The law covers both landlords and tenants in shared housing. This means even if you’re only renting a room, you're still protected from discrimination.

Discrimination and Shared Accommodation

In shared homes or when seeking a roommate, you might wonder if the laws are different. In most cases, anti-discrimination protections still apply. For example, an existing tenant who acts as a 'landlord' when choosing a new roommate must not discriminate based on the grounds above. However, there are some exemptions—for instance, when a landlord is also living in the unit and sharing common areas. Always check the details with the Human Rights Commission if you’re unsure.

Common Examples of Discrimination in Shared Housing

• A landlord refuses to rent to you because of your ethnic background.
• A co-tenant creates a hostile environment due to your gender identity.
• Rules or rent increases apply differently to you based on your family status.
• You are evicted after disclosing a disability.

If you’re dealing with issues beyond discrimination, such as unexpected rent increases, repairs, or pests, check out Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further guidance.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you've been discriminated against, here are the steps you can follow:

• Document Everything: Keep records of conversations, emails, texts, or notices relating to the discriminatory behaviour.
• Contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: They can give advice and help you submit a formal complaint.
• Consider Filing an Application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: If the discrimination affects your tenancy terms, eviction, or rent.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Human Rights Complaint Form (NBHRC):
  Download the Human Rights Complaint Form
  When to use: If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, file this form with the Commission. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent you a room because of your religion, fill out this form to start the complaint process.
• Application Form (Residential Tenancies Tribunal):
  Download the Application for Tenancy Adjudication
  When to use: Use if your tenancy rights have been restricted (e.g., unfair eviction linked to a protected ground) and you need the Tribunal to decide the matter.

For a deeper understanding of housing law, visit the detailed page on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick—a useful resource for renters in the province.

Next Steps and Ongoing Protection

After you submit a complaint, the relevant authority (Human Rights Commission or Tenancies Tribunal) will review your case. You may be asked for more details or to attend mediation. Remedies can include compensation, changes to your rental terms, or an order to stop the discrimination.

If you are uncertain about the lease agreement, your move-in conditions, or rent payments, these guides may help:

• Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained

Looking for more rental opportunities? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings that let you find compatible housing options all over Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tenant Discrimination in New Brunswick

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my background or beliefs?
   No. Landlords and property managers are not allowed to refuse housing rental based on protected grounds such as race, religion, or disability under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act.
2. Do discrimination laws apply in shared or roommate housing?
   In most situations, yes. Tenant anti-discrimination protections are enforced even in shared accommodations, though there are some specific exemptions.
3. What should I do if I suspect discrimination?
   Collect evidence, contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, and consider filing a formal complaint using the official forms.
4. Can I be evicted for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No, retaliation for asserting your rights is not allowed under provincial law.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant?
   The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page offers a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion

• New Brunswick tenants—including those in shared housing—are legally protected from discrimination.
• If you suspect discrimination, keeping records and using official complaint channels are vital steps.
• Support and resources are available to help you assert your rights and maintain fair housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – For discrimination complaints and advice. Call (506) 453-2301 or toll free 1-888-471-2233.
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – For tenancy disputes, applications, and official forms. Phone: 1-888-762-8600.
• Community Legal Information New Brunswick: legal-info-legale.nb.ca/en/tenants – Tenant guides and direct support.
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for more provincial facts and housing rules.

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1. New Brunswick Human Rights Act (Government of New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (Government of New Brunswick)
3. New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
4. Residential Tenancies Tribunal

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