Tenant Action Steps If Facing Discrimination by Other Tenants in New Brunswick

If you're experiencing discrimination from other tenants in your New Brunswick rental, it's essential to understand your rights and the actions you can take. Discrimination in housing is prohibited under provincial and federal laws, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected where they live. This guide explains your legal protections, practical steps for responding, and how to get help in New Brunswick.

Your Rights as a Tenant in New Brunswick

Tenants in New Brunswick are protected from discrimination under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act. This law forbids discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability, family status, age, and other protected grounds. This protection applies not only to landlords but also to interactions among tenants. You have the right to enjoy your home free from harassment or discrimination.

If you'd like a broader overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for your core entitlements and obligations.

Recognizing Discrimination by Other Tenants

Discrimination from other tenants can take many forms. Examples may include:

• Racial slurs or derogatory comments
• Bullying or harassment due to your religion, disability, or other protected grounds
• Exclusion from common spaces or activities based on personal characteristics
• Threats or intimidation related to who you are

Not all unpleasant behaviour counts as discrimination—only actions based on protected grounds are legally prohibited. If you're unsure, consider reaching out to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for confidential guidance.

Immediate Steps You Can Take

Addressing discrimination can feel daunting, but you have several options. Here are steps you can follow:

• Document all incidents: Write down details such as dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses.
• If you feel safe, clearly ask the other tenant to stop the behaviour. Only do this if you are comfortable and safe to do so.
• Speak to your landlord or property manager. Landlords have responsibilities to provide a safe and harassment-free environment. If the issue affects your enjoyment of the property, notify them in writing.

• Consider involving mediators or tenant support organizations if informal approaches don't resolve the issue.

For general support with conflicts and complaints, refer to How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Contacting the Landlord and Their Legal Duties

Your landlord must take reasonable steps to address discrimination between tenants if you inform them in writing. This could involve reminders about the building’s rules, warnings, or—if severe—considering eviction processes. Document all communication with your landlord, including emails and letters.

For more about landlord and tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint in New Brunswick

If the problem continues and is based on a prohibited ground, you can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission. Their process is free and confidential. You will need to:

• Complete and submit the New Brunswick Human Rights Complaint Form (no number). Download it from the official commission page.
• Describe what happened, attach any evidence, and include your contact information. See their website for submission instructions.

The Human Rights Commission will review your case, investigate, and may offer mediation or support legal action if necessary.

Is This a Tenancy Matter or a Human Rights Issue?

Some disputes between tenants may also involve noise, safety, or other common rental problems. In such cases, you may want to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick—the official body handling landlord-tenant disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act.

If the discrimination is severe enough that you cannot safely remain in your home, seek help immediately. You may also consider searching for alternative housing—Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of available listings.

Related Issues That May Arise

Harassment or discrimination can sometimes lead to wider conflicts, such as threats to your personal safety or enjoyment of the property. If you experience vandalism, threats, or emergencies, contact local police for immediate protection and inform your landlord. For ongoing problems affecting your living conditions (like harassment, noise, or threats), document everything and seek advice from the Tenancies Tribunal or Human Rights Commission.

FAQ: Discrimination from Other Tenants in New Brunswick

1. What types of discrimination are illegal in a New Brunswick rental?
   Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, family status, and other protected grounds is illegal under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act.
2. How do I document incidents of harassment from other tenants?
   Write down dates, times, what was said or done, who was involved, and any witnesses. Keep records of texts, emails, or other evidence.
3. Who do I contact if my landlord does not address tenant-to-tenant discrimination?
   You can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
4. Can the Residential Tenancies Tribunal help with discrimination issues?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal deals mainly with rental agreements, maintenance, and tenancy issues, while discrimination claims usually go to the Human Rights Commission.
5. Is there a cost to file a human rights complaint?
   No, filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission is free of charge.

Key Takeaways

• If you face discrimination from another tenant, document everything and know your legal rights.
• Notify your landlord in writing—they have duties to ensure a safe, harassment-free property.
• You can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission if the issue isn't resolved.

Understanding your rights and available remedies can empower you to respond confidently to discrimination in your rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints or get confidential advice.
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Resolve landlord-tenant disputes and get info on rental rights.
• Local tenant advocacy services or legal aid may also help—contact the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission at legalaid.nb.ca.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Overview of your rights.

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1. New Brunswick Human Rights Act: Full Text and Protected Grounds
2. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Read the legislation
3. New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: Complaint Form and Process
4. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Tribunal Info and Forms

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