Top 5 Tenant Rights on Discrimination & Accessibility in New Brunswick

Understanding discrimination and accessibility is essential for every renter in New Brunswick. As a tenant, knowing your rights ensures you can enjoy your home without unfair barriers or treatment. Whether you face challenges in finding housing, obtaining needed accommodations, or understanding what the law requires of landlords, this article explains the fundamental things you need to know.

1. Discrimination Is Prohibited in Rental Housing

Under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants or applicants based on protected grounds, such as:

• Race or ethnic background
• Age
• Sex, gender identity, or expression
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Marital or family status
• Source of income (e.g., social assistance)

Discrimination can occur at any stage—from advertising and viewing to tenancy or eviction. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission investigates complaints and can order remedies.

2. Right to Reasonable Accommodation

If you have a disability, landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate your accessibility needs—unless doing so would cause them undue hardship. Examples include allowing guide dogs, modifying doorways, or changing building rules. If a landlord refuses to accommodate, you may file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.

3. Applying for Accessible Housing or Modifications

Tenants can request accessibility modifications (like ramps or accessible bathrooms) by making a formal written request. If your request is denied or ignored, keep a record of all communication. In some cases, funding may be available through New Brunswick’s Rent Supplement and Accessibility Programs.

Common Forms and What They’re For

• Residential Tenancy Application Form – Used when applying for a rental. If you suspect discrimination during the process, save your application and correspondence. Download form (PDF)
• Human Rights Complaint Form – Submit to the Human Rights Commission if discrimination occurs. Access the form online

Tip: For physical barriers or urgent, unsafe conditions, you may also contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance.

4. Role of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal in New Brunswick resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, including issues involving accessibility or failure to accommodate. The Tribunal administers the Residential Tenancies Act.

This Act covers your rental agreements, maintenance standards, safety, repairs—and also prohibits discriminatory lease terms. If you need more details on tenant and landlord laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

5. Taking Action if Your Rights Are Violated

If a landlord discriminates or refuses accessibility accommodations:

• Document all incidents (dates, emails, texts)
• Communicate your request for accommodation in writing
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or file a Human Rights Complaint
• Contact tenant advocacy services or Consider mediation where appropriate

Protection from discrimination also extends to common issues during tenancy, such as repairs, pest control, and safe living conditions. Learn more in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Summary

Discrimination has no place in New Brunswick's rental housing market. You have the right to equal treatment and reasonable accommodation. If problems arise, swift action—using the right forms and official channels—will help protect your rights and ensure your home meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are my rights if a landlord refuses to rent to me because of my disability?
   You are protected under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act and can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if you believe this has happened.
2. Who handles tenant discrimination complaints in New Brunswick?
   The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission deals with discrimination claims, while the Residential Tenancies Tribunal addresses tenancy-specific and accommodation disputes.
3. What forms do I use for discrimination or accessibility complaints?
   Use the Human Rights Complaint Form for discrimination. For tenancy disputes (e.g., refusal to modify your unit), contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using their online application process.
4. Can I be evicted for asking for accessibility modifications?
   No, landlords cannot evict you for making a reasonable accommodation request related to a disability.
5. What steps should I take if my landlord ignores my accessibility needs?
   Send a clear written request, keep records, and, if necessary, escalate to the Tribunal or Human Rights Commission using appropriate forms.

How To: Enforce Your Rights on Discrimination or Accessibility

1. How do I file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission in New Brunswick?
   1) Gather your evidence, 2) Fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form, 3) Submit through the Commission’s website or by mail.
2. How do I ask my landlord for a disability accommodation?
   Send a written request outlining your need, include any supporting documentation, and keep records of all correspondence.
3. How do I start a rental dispute about accessibility?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, submit your details through their application portal, and follow up as instructed.

Key Takeaways

• New Brunswick law protects tenants from discrimination and ensures accessibility rights.
• The Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Tribunal are your primary support bodies.
• Document everything, use official forms, and act quickly if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: File complaints, get information, or ask for support.
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Dispute resolution, applications, rental rights guidance.
• Social Development – Housing Services: Information on accessibility supports, funding, and housing rights.
• Provincial fact sheet: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. New Brunswick Human Rights Act
3. Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)

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