Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for NL Tenants

Renting a home in Newfoundland and Labrador means you have the right to live free from discrimination and to access reasonable accommodations when needed. Understanding these rights is essential whether you’re entering a new tenancy, dealing with an issue, or planning to request accessibility features. This checklist explains key protections, steps, and resources so tenants can confidently assert their rights under provincial law.

Your Rights Against Discrimination as a Tenant

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Human Rights Act, 2010 protects tenants from discrimination when renting a home. Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you unfairly based on:

• Disability (including physical, mental, or developmental)
• Age, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Race, ancestry, ethnic origin, color, religion
• Family status or marital status
• Receiving income support or social assistance

If you believe you have faced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.^[1]

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities, unless it would cause them undue hardship (unreasonable cost or major property changes). Accommodations could include:

• Permitting service animals even if a “no pets” rule exists
• Allowing minor modifications (e.g., grab bars, accessible hardware)
• Providing accessible parking or entry ramps

Requests should be made in writing and may require supporting documentation. For detailed advice, see the Commission’s accommodation guidelines.^[1]

Checklist for Discrimination & Accessibility Issues

• Have you completed a move-in inspection, noting any accessibility needs?
• Did you advise your landlord in writing of your request for accommodations?
• Were any requests denied in writing with reasons?
• Are common areas (lobbies, laundry, parking) accessible?
• Is your tenancy agreement free from discriminatory language?
• Were you treated differently during application because of a protected ground?

For a full understanding of landlord and tenant expectations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Forms for Accommodation and Complaints

• Accommodation Request Letter (no official provincial form): Write to your landlord outlining your needs and the type of accommodation requested. Include relevant medical or support documents if applicable.
• Human Rights Complaint Form: Use the official Human Rights Complaint form if your landlord refuses to accommodate or you experience discrimination.
  Example: If your landlord declines a reasonable request for a grab bar installation, complete and submit this form to the Human Rights Commission.
• Application to Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 6: Application by Tenant): Use this if a dispute arises over accessibility or discrimination affecting your tenancy rights. Access the form and instructions on the official Residential Tenancies forms page.^[2]

Handling Disputes and Escalating Concerns

If informal discussion with your landlord does not resolve the issue, you have several options:

• Contact the NL Human Rights Commission
• Make a formal application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Newfoundland and Labrador, which handles all tenancy disputes
• Consult a legal clinic or advocacy organization

Keep detailed records of all communications and any evidence regarding your situation.

For a broad outline of tenant protection and general rental law in your province, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

General Rental Best Practices for Tenants

• Read your tenancy agreement for any potentially discriminatory terms
• Document unit condition and accessibility during move-in and move-out
• Ask for all responses from your landlord in writing
• Stay informed about your legal rights and quickly address concerns

Looking for accessible or inclusive rentals? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and filter by accessibility features.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability?
   No. Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador cannot deny you housing or apply different rules based on disability. Your rights are protected under both the Human Rights Act and tenancy legislation.
2. What do I do if my landlord ignores my request for an accessibility modification?
   First, put your request in writing. If your landlord does not respond or refuses without valid reason, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. Do landlords have to allow service animals in rentals with a "no pets" policy?
   Yes. Service animals are considered an accommodation under human rights law. Landlords must allow them even if a pet restriction is in place.
4. Where do I file a formal discrimination complaint?
   You can file with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission using their complaint form, available online.
5. Can my landlord charge extra for reasonable housing modifications?
   Generally, landlords cannot charge extra for permitting accessibility modifications unless the changes cause undue hardship or are not considered reasonable accommodations.

How To Protect Your Rights as a Tenant

1. How do I request an accommodation for my disability?
   Write to your landlord, clearly stating your needs and what changes you’re requesting. Attach supporting documentation if possible.
2. How do I file a human rights complaint if discriminated against?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint form from the Commission website and submit it online or by mail.
3. How do I bring the issue to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
   Fill out Form 6 (Application by Tenant) from the Tribunal’s website and submit it with supporting documents.
4. How do I document discrimination or accessibility denial?
   Keep all written communications, take photos of inaccessible areas, and note dates/times of incidents.

Key Takeaways for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

• Your landlord cannot legally discriminate against you for reasons such as disability, your source of income, or family status.
• Reasonable accommodations must be made for tenants with accessibility needs, subject to certain limits.
• Use formal complaint channels such as the Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Tribunal if informal negotiation fails.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Newfoundland and Labrador: Apply for dispute resolution, find forms, and read guidance.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: File a discrimination complaint or find accessible resources.
• NL Legal Aid Commission: Free or low-cost legal help for qualifying tenants.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador: Overview of rental laws and protections in NL.

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1. Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010. Full Act here.
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL). Read the Provincial Act here.

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