Racial discrimination in housing happens when a renter or applicant in New Brunswick is treated differently because of race, colour, ethnic origin, or ancestry. This guide explains how tenants and renters can spot unfair treatment during advertising, screening, lease terms, access to services, or evictions. You will learn practical steps to document incidents, report discrimination to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission and the provincial tenancy tribunal, and access free or low-cost legal help. The information is aimed at renters who want clear, step-by-step options: how to preserve evidence, what forms to use, timelines to follow, and where to get assistance so you can enforce your rights while still managing day-to-day housing needs.
Recognizing racial discrimination in housing
Discrimination can appear in different stages of renting: in listings, during screening, when setting terms of the lease, while providing services or amenities, or in the process of eviction. It may be obvious (explicitly racist comments or criteria) or subtle (different standards applied to applicants who are racialized). Keep an objective record of what happened, who was involved, and when it occurred.
- Document any discriminatory messages, emails, or texts.
- Record dates and times of incidents and the names of people present.
- Keep rent receipts and payment records that show different terms.
- Contact witnesses who can confirm what happened.
- Photograph any discriminatory signs, markings, or posted notices.
When to file a complaint
If the issue is explicitly linked to a protected ground such as race, you can consider a complaint to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission [1]. If the conduct affects your tenancy rights (for example, an unlawful eviction, different lease terms, or harassment connected to housing conditions), you may also bring an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal [2]. Provincial legislation that can apply includes New Brunswick's Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act [3]. Choosing the right forum depends on the remedy you want: human rights complaints can seek remedies for discrimination, while the tenancy tribunal can order repairs, stop an eviction, or address lease terms.
Official forms you may need
- Human Rights complaint form (online) — used to start a discrimination complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission. Example: if you were denied a rental because of your race, use this form to describe the incident, provide dates, and attach evidence.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Application for Dispute Resolution) — used when a tenancy issue involves discriminatory conduct such as an unlawful eviction or inconsistent lease enforcement. Example: if a landlord attempts to evict you citing false reasons that relate to your race, file this application with supporting documents.
What to expect and practical tips
After you file a complaint or application, expect an initial screening, possible mediation, and, if unresolved, a hearing. Keep copies of everything, meet all deadlines, and respond to any requests from the tribunal or commission quickly. If you are served with a notice from your landlord, note the deadline and seek advice immediately.
FAQ
- How do I know if I experienced racial discrimination in housing?
- Signs include different screening rules, explicit comments, offers with worse terms, refusal to rent, harassment tied to race, or unequal access to services. Document and keep records of what occurred.
- Should I file with the Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
- Use the Human Rights Commission for discrimination based on protected grounds; use the tenancy tribunal for tenancy-specific remedies like stopping an eviction or ordering repairs. Some cases may involve both.
- What evidence will help my case?
- Photos, dated messages, emails, witness names, receipts, comparison of treatment with other tenants, and any written notices are most useful.
How-To
- Gather and organize evidence: screenshots, photos, receipts, dates, and witness details.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request an explanation or remedy and keep a copy of that communication.
- Choose the right form and file: use the Human Rights complaint form for discrimination claims or the tribunal application for tenancy remedies.
- Meet filing deadlines and attend any mediation or hearings; missing a deadline can limit your options.
- Seek legal advice, community legal clinics, or tenant support organisations for representation or guidance.
Help and Support / Resources
- New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
- Service New Brunswick — Tenant information and forms
