Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for NL Tenants

If you’re renting in Newfoundland and Labrador and facing discrimination or accessibility barriers, it is crucial to know your rights and the steps you can take. This guide provides clear advice for tenants navigating these issues, covering legal protections, action steps, official resources, and what to expect if problems arise. Understanding the law helps you secure safe, fair, and accessible housing.

Your Legal Rights as a Tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador

All tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are protected against discrimination and have the right to accessible rental housing. The law prohibits landlords from discriminating based on race, disability, age, gender, family status, religion, and other grounds.

  • Anti-discrimination provisions: The Residential Tenancies Act[1] and the Human Rights Act[2] forbid discriminatory practices in renting.
  • Accessibility: Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities, which can include allowing service animals or making adaptations to the rental unit when possible.

Learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador’s general tenant protections in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints?

The provincial body that oversees tenancy matters in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). For discrimination and human rights issues, complaints may also be directed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.

Common Examples of Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

  • A landlord refuses to rent to someone because of their ethnicity or religion.
  • Barriers for tenants with mobility aids, such as refusal to permit ramps.
  • Not accommodating service animals or support persons for a tenant with a disability.
  • Screening or advertising that excludes certain protected groups.

Experiencing any of these issues? It’s important to know that you are entitled to fair treatment and reasonable accommodation.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination or Barriers

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly or denied reasonable accessibility in your rental situation, here are the main steps to take:

  • Document: Record details, with dates and communication, about the discrimination or failed accommodation.
  • Raise the Issue: Write to your landlord outlining your concerns. Having issues in writing helps create an official record.
  • Request Accommodation: Clearly state what change or support you need, such as an accessibility adaptation.
  • File a Complaint if Needed: If the landlord doesn’t address your issue, you may apply to the Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Office, depending on the nature of the complaint.
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Official Forms and Practical Steps

  • Application to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Use the Form 6: Application by Tenant to request a hearing or remedy for tenancy disputes. For example, if your landlord refuses a reasonable accessibility adaptation, submit this form to open a case with the RTO.
  • Human Rights Complaint Form: Find the Complaint Form on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission website. This is used if your discrimination complaint relates to a protected ground under the Human Rights Act (e.g., disability or family status).
If you need help completing these forms, tenant advocacy organizations or the Human Rights Commission can guide you.

Health, Safety, and Accessibility Responsibilities

Landlords are responsible for ensuring the rental is safe and maintained, including meeting accessibility standards where applicable. Tenants, in turn, should report any hazards or needed repairs to their landlord promptly.

For more on this topic, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If Your Rental Needs Modifications?

Tenants with accessibility needs can request reasonable modifications to their units. Landlords can only refuse if changes cause undue hardship or fundamentally alter the property. Typically, the tenant may be required to restore the unit at the end of tenancy.

For more on everyone’s duties, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for Accessible Rentals?

Finding a rental that suits your accessibility needs can be challenging. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with search filters that can help identify accessible apartments and homes across Canada.

FAQ

  1. What is considered discrimination by a landlord in Newfoundland and Labrador? Discrimination is treating a tenant unfairly based on characteristics such as race, disability, gender, religion, family status, or age. This can include refusing to rent, setting stricter rules, or denying reasonable accessibility accommodations.
  2. What should I do if my landlord refuses a service animal? Under the Human Rights Act, landlords must accommodate service animals for tenants with disabilities unless there is a valid exemption. Begin with a written request, and if denied, file a human rights complaint.
  3. Who handles tenant complaints about discrimination in NL? Discrimination and accessibility complaints may be filed with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, while general tenancy disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Office.
  4. Is it legal for a landlord to refuse accessibility modifications? Landlords must allow reasonable modifications unless the change causes significant difficulty or cost. They may require the tenant to restore the unit after moving out.
  5. Where can I find more information about my general tenant rights in Newfoundland and Labrador? You can review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for comprehensive information.

How To Take Action If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

  1. How do I file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Commission? Download the complaint form, gather supporting evidence, fill it out, and submit it online, by mail, or in person as directed on the official website.
  2. How do I request accessibility modifications in my rental? Write a formal letter to your landlord describing the specific accommodation you need, include any supporting documentation (like a doctor’s letter), and keep a dated copy for your records.
  3. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Office in NL? Use Form 6 (Application by Tenant) to submit your issue to the RTO. You can file in person or online. Record all communication and retain copies for the hearing.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are legally protected against discrimination and are entitled to accessible housing.
  • Use official forms and contact the RTO or Human Rights Commission for support if your landlord fails to address your needs.
  • Document all incidents and communications—clear records strengthen your case.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
  2. Human Rights Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
  3. Residential Tenancies Office
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.