Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

Are you renting in Newfoundland and Labrador and wondering about your protections against discrimination or barriers to accessibility? Whether you're searching for a new home, already renting, or facing challenges due to disability or another protected ground, knowing your rights can help ensure you are treated fairly under the law.

Who Is Protected from Discrimination?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, tenants are protected from discrimination under the provincial Human Rights Act, 2010^[1]. This law makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate in any aspect of renting (including advertising, offering, or terminating tenancy) on the following grounds:

• Race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin
• Age
• Religion
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Marital or family status
• Source of income
• Physical or mental disability (including addictions)

This protection applies when you apply for housing, sign a lease, live in your rental, renew your lease, or leave a rental unit. For more information about your province’s rental laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Accessibility Rights for Tenants

If you have a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations, such as permission for a service animal or minor unit modifications (like grab bars). While landlords are required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate, they may deny requests only if it causes undue hardship (e.g., major costs or safety concerns). You cannot be charged extra fees simply for requesting an accommodation.

Service Animals in Your Rental

Service animals are not considered pets under the law. Landlords cannot refuse to rent or evict you because you require a service animal for your disability. Any “no pets” policy does not override this right.

What Is Considered Discrimination in Housing?

Common examples include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to you because you have children
• Being asked intrusive questions about your ethnicity, marital status, or source of income
• Not making necessary repairs or accommodations for a tenant with a disability
• Receiving a notice to vacate because you requested an accessibility modification

Landlords are also responsible for ensuring that other tenants or staff do not harass or discriminate against you in your home.

Where Do Tenant Rights on Discrimination and Accessibility Come From?

Major protections stem from both the provincial Human Rights Act, 2010 and Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[2]. These laws work together to ensure fair treatment, equal access, and remedies for tenants who face discrimination.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you have faced discrimination or denial of accessibility, you have the right to take action. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Document what happened: Keep a written record of dates, details, and people involved.
• Speak with your landlord: Sometimes a respectful conversation can resolve misunderstandings, especially about accessibility.
• File a complaint: If the issue isn't resolved, or if you have experienced blatant discrimination, contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission and fill out their official Application/Complaint Form.

You may also want to review the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further support.

Official Forms for Reporting Discrimination

• Application/Complaint Form (Official Source):
  Use this form to submit a human rights complaint to the Commission. For example, if you were refused an apartment because of your disability, you could fill out this form and include any documentation showing what occurred.
• Residential Tenancies Application (Form 12) (Official Forms):
  If your landlord has breached your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (for example, retaliating after requesting an accommodation), you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using this form. Attach all evidence of discrimination or non-accommodation.

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) is Newfoundland and Labrador's official tribunal handling residential tenancy matters and can issue binding decisions on landlord–tenant disputes.

Understanding Landlord and Tenant Duties

Landlords must treat all applicants and tenants equally, make reasonable efforts to accommodate disabilities, and maintain properties to basic standards. Tenants play a role by communicating their needs respectfully and following agreed procedures. For more guidance, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you are searching for accessible rental homes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for inclusive and up-to-date listings nationwide.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or am on social assistance?
   No. Refusals based on family status or source of income are prohibited under provincial law.
2. How do I ask for an accessibility modification in my unit?
   Submit your request in writing with details of your needs and discuss with your landlord. If refused without valid reason, you have the right to file a complaint.
3. Is my emotional support animal protected the same as a service animal?
   Emotional support animals may not have the same legal status as service animals, but requests must still be considered on a case-by-case basis and not refused unfairly.
4. Where can I find more details on my rights as a tenant?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for an overview of local laws and protections.
5. What evidence should I provide if filing a discrimination complaint?
   Include copies of applications, written communications, notes about conversations, and names of witnesses in your submission.

How To: Take Action if You Face Housing Discrimination

1. How do I file a human rights complaint about rental discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   1. Visit the Human Rights Commission's application page.
   2. Fill out and submit the complaint form, detailing the alleged discrimination and including any supporting documents.
   3. Cooperate with the investigation and participate in mediation if offered.
2. How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
   1. Write to your landlord explaining what accommodation is needed and why.
   2. Provide any doctor's note or supporting documentation as needed.
   3. Keep copies of everything you submit and your landlord’s response.
3. How do I involve the Residential Tenancies Office for accessibility or discrimination issues?
   1. Complete the Residential Tenancies Application (Form 12).
   2. Attach all relevant evidence.
   3. Submit to the RTO by mail, email, or in person. Wait to be contacted for hearing details.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Discrimination and accessibility protections apply at all stages of renting in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities, and landlords must consider these unless undue hardship applies.
• Both the Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Office provide complaint processes if your rights are breached.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission – file discrimination complaints and get support
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – tenancy applications and dispute resolution
• Legal Aid NL – Official Site for free tenant legal assistance
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Human Rights Act, 2010 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018

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