Can Landlords Refuse to Rent to International Students in NL?

Finding a place to rent in Newfoundland and Labrador as an international student can be challenging. Many students worry whether landlords can legally deny them housing based on their student or immigration status. This article explains your rights as a prospective tenant, outlines anti-discrimination protections, and provides steps you can take if you believe you've experienced discrimination. All information is accurate for 2024 and based on official sources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Discrimination and Rental Applications: What Are the Rules?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords must follow both the Human Rights Act, 2010 and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1][2]. These laws protect renters from unlawful discrimination when seeking accommodation. While landlords can consider legitimate factors like ability to pay rent or rental history, it is generally unlawful to discriminate against tenants based on characteristics such as:

• Race, national or ethnic origin
• Age
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Religion
• Family or marital status
• Disability
• Source of income

Specifically, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone simply because they are an international student or based on their citizenship or immigration status. However, landlords are allowed to request information to confirm a tenant’s ability to pay rent or seek references, provided these requests are made to all applicants equally.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Ask

While it’s reasonable for landlords to check your ability to pay rent (such as proof of funds or an employment letter), you’re protected if you feel questions or screening are designed to filter out international students unfairly.

If you are asked inappropriate questions or denied housing solely because you are an international student, you can take action.

Tip: Always keep a record of your correspondence (emails, messages) with any landlord you feel may be discriminating against you. This can be helpful if you need to file a human rights complaint later.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe a landlord has refused to rent to you because you are an international student, you can file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. The commission investigates claims of discrimination in housing under the Human Rights Act, 2010^[1].

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to use: If you’ve been denied a rental, treated unfairly during the application process, or believe a landlord acted in a discriminatory manner, complete this form.
• Official source: Human Rights Complaint Form - NL Human Rights Commission
• How to use: Provide details about what happened, include any supporting documentation, and submit it online or via mail to the Commission.

If a tenancy has already started and you face unfair treatment as a tenant, the Residential Tenancies Section (a division of Service NL) handles rental disputes and rule enforcement. Complaints about landlord behaviour (for issues after moving in) can be made to them. For a detailed overview of the rules and your rights as a tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Common Scenarios for International Students

• Landlord requests a larger or additional deposit from you than from domestic students — this could violate fair housing principles. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Landlord declines to rent to you after learning your immigration status but provides vague or inconsistent reasons with no link to your rental history — this may be discriminatory.
• Landlord asks for information not required from other applicants – for example, requiring only international students to provide a guarantor.

In all of these cases, it’s essential to understand both your rights before signing a lease and your protections after. If you’re already renting, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for practical guidance on common issues that arise during tenancies.

Key Tenant Protections in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Equal treatment: International students are entitled to the same rental opportunities as citizens and permanent residents.
• Same rental processes: Application screening must be consistent for all applicants.
• Right to file a complaint: The Human Rights Commission investigates housing discrimination.
• Strong legal framework: The Human Rights Act and Residential Tenancies Act protect you from unfair treatment.

Looking for a rental? Browse apartments for rent in Canada with advanced filters to help you search safely and efficiently as an international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a landlord legally deny my application just because I am an international student?
   No. Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador cannot refuse to rent to you simply because of your nationality, immigration status, or because you are an international student.
2. What should I do if I think I was discriminated against?
   Gather any evidence (emails, texts) and file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to ask for more deposit money from international students?
   No. Charging a higher or additional deposit based only on international status can be discriminatory and likely violates housing law.
4. Are international students protected under the same laws as other tenants?
   Yes. The Human Rights Act, 2010 and Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 protect all tenants regardless of status.
5. Where can I find more information about my tenant rights?
   Read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for a full overview of your rights and protections.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you are an international student in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• You are protected by strong anti-discrimination laws and can file a complaint if treated unfairly.
• Resources and support are available to help you understand and assert your rights throughout the rental process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: Official resource to file complaints and access discrimination advice (complaint form).
• Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL): Handles rental disputes, information, and forms for tenants and landlords.
• University or college international student offices: Most institutions offer housing advice, advocacy support, and resources.
• For a detailed overview of your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

---

1. Human Rights Act, 2010 (NL)
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy