What Tenants Should Do About Housing Discrimination in New Brunswick

Facing discrimination in housing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights as a tenant in New Brunswick. Provincial law protects your right to live free from discrimination, whether you’re renting an apartment, a house, or simply sharing accommodation. This guide explains what steps you can take, your legal protections, and how to get help if you believe you’re experiencing unfair treatment because of discrimination.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in New Brunswick

Discrimination in housing means being denied a rental, facing different rules, or being treated unfairly by a landlord or roommate based on characteristics such as:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or national origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• Age, marital status, or family status
• Physical or mental disability
• Source of income (e.g., social assistance, pensions)

These protections come from the New Brunswick Human Rights Act^[1]. Under this Act, landlords, property managers, and even other tenants or roommates cannot discriminate against you in renting, renewing your lease, or while you're living in your home.

Your Rights as a Tenant

If you are a tenant or are seeking a place to rent, you have the right to equal treatment without discrimination. It is illegal for a landlord to:

• Deny you a rental unit for a discriminatory reason
• Set different terms (like higher rent or stricter rules) for you due to your identity
• Evict you or harass you based on a protected ground

Get familiar with the basics of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant by reviewing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

Whether you experience overt actions, like denial of housing, or more subtle unfair treatment, you can take several steps to protect your rights and address the issue.

1. Document Everything

Keep notes, emails, or texts that show what happened, when, and who was involved. This evidence will help if you file a complaint or need to explain your experience.

2. Talk to the Landlord or Roommate (If Safe)

Sometimes, discrimination arises from misunderstanding or misinformation. If you feel safe, calmly explain how you feel and what behaviour was problematic. Ask for the situation to be corrected.

3. File a Complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission

The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission handles housing discrimination complaints. If informal steps don’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint online or by mail.

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to use: Use this form if you believe you’ve been discriminated against in seeking or living in a rental unit.
• How to use: Provide a clear description of what happened, list any witnesses, and attach any evidence. Submit the form by mail, email, or online at the official NB Human Rights Commission website.

After submitting, the Commission will contact you for more information and may investigate your complaint. They can order remedies like compensation, or changes to landlord practices.

4. Learn About Your Legal Protections and Common Tenant Issues

For more on the kinds of problems tenants can face—and tips for resolving them—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. These guides help you stay informed and empowered when facing discrimination or other challenges in your rental.

Tenancy Law and Housing Tribunals in New Brunswick

While the Human Rights Commission handles discrimination issues, most rental matters in New Brunswick are covered by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. This tribunal oversees disputes about leases, evictions, and rent, under the authority of the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)^[2].

For issues like repairs, deposits, or rent, you can apply to the Tribunal. For cases of discrimination, start with the Human Rights Commission but be aware your tenancy rights are also protected under rental law.

Quick Summary

• Discrimination in housing is illegal in New Brunswick.
• Keep records of all interactions if you believe you’ve faced discrimination.
• File a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if informal resolutions fail.

For a seamless rental search experience, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using current listings and tenant-friendly tools.

FAQ: Housing Discrimination in New Brunswick

1. What is considered discrimination by a landlord in New Brunswick?
   A landlord discriminates when they treat you unfairly based on your race, gender, disability, age, religion, family status, or other protected grounds under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Refusing to rent to tenants with children is considered discrimination based on family status and is not allowed.
3. How do I file a complaint if I am discriminated against?
   You can file a complaint using the Human Rights Complaint Form from the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, either online or by submitting a paper copy.
4. What should I do if my roommate is discriminating against me?
   First, document each incident. If you feel safe, try to address the issue directly. If not, or if it continues, you may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination based on protected grounds is illegal in New Brunswick housing.
• The Human Rights Commission provides a complaint process and support for tenants.
• Know your rights and take prompt action to protect yourself.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – For discrimination complaints and information
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal, New Brunswick – For rental disputes and general tenancy questions
• Legal representation or advocacy: Contact Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick for free legal information
• Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a summary of your protections and options

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1. New Brunswick Human Rights Act: Full legislation text
2. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick): Full legislation text

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