Discrimination in housing can be distressing, especially when looking for a safe place to live in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a tenant, you are protected under both provincial and federal laws. Understanding your rights and knowing what action to take can make a meaningful difference if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly in your search for housing, when applying with roommates, or during your tenancy.
What Counts as Housing Discrimination?
Housing discrimination happens when a landlord, property manager, or roommate treats you unfairly based on a protected ground under the law. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Human Rights Act, 2010 makes it illegal to refuse to rent, evict, or treat tenants differently because of factors like:
- Race, colour, nationality, or ethnic origin
- Religion or creed
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Marital or family status
- Disability
- Age
- Source of income (such as social assistance)
If you’re unsure whether something you’ve experienced counts as discrimination, remember: the law applies to all landlords, roommates, and even advertisements for rental units.
Your Rights as a Tenant or Roommate
You have the right to fair treatment when searching for rental housing, applying for a unit, signing an agreement, or during your tenancy in Newfoundland and Labrador. This means landlords or roommates cannot:
- Deny your application based on a protected ground
- Set different rules, rents, or deposits for certain groups of applicants
- Evict, harass, or refuse repairs because of who you are
Knowing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador can help you recognize your legal protections.
What to Do If You Experience Discrimination
When you suspect discrimination, it’s important to take steps right away. Acting quickly strengthens your case and helps protect your rights.
Step 1: Document Everything
- Keep all emails, texts, or written correspondence
- Make notes summarizing in-person or phone conversations (date, time, what was said, and by whom)
- Collect evidence, such as screenshots of discriminatory ads or messages
This documentation helps support your complaint if you decide to take formal action.
Step 2: Make a Written Complaint to Your Landlord
If discrimination occurred during your tenancy, contact your landlord in writing explaining the issue and asking for a fair resolution. Giving them a chance to respond may resolve the matter and also gives you a paper trail.
If the issue is with a roommate, put your concerns in writing and keep a copy. This helps show you tried to resolve things before seeking outside help.
Step 3: File a Complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints. You must file your complaint within one year of the incident.
- Use: Human Rights Complaint Form
- When: If you believe you have been discriminated against in renting, sharing, or occupying a home
- How: Complete the form with as much detail as possible and submit it to the Commission by mail, fax, or in person. Learn more here.
After reviewing your submission, the Commission may investigate, facilitate mediation, or proceed to a formal hearing if there’s enough evidence.
The Residential Tenancies Board’s Role
The Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL oversees landlord-tenant matters. While discrimination complaints are handled by the Human Rights Commission, the Board can help if discrimination involves eviction, deposits, or rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.[2]
If your issue relates to other rights or problems (like rent increases, repairs, or deposits), see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
Example: Discriminatory Rent Deposit Demands
Suppose your landlord asks for a higher deposit because of your ethnicity or job status. This is not allowed. Familiarize yourself with Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know. If you experience this, document the demand and consider filing a complaint.
Practical Advice for Tenants in Shared Housing
Discrimination can happen in shared rentals or with roommates, not just landlords. Examples include refusing to consider you as a roommate due to disability or religion, or making offensive comments. Keep records even if you haven’t signed an agreement — your rights start with the application process.
Find a Fair Place to Live
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FAQ: Housing Discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador
- What should I do if a landlord rejects my application for a discriminatory reason?
If you suspect discrimination, gather evidence (emails, messages), record what happened, and consider filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. - Does the law protect me even if I haven’t signed a rental agreement?
Yes, your rights apply from the moment you apply for a rental or roommate arrangement. - Can the Residential Tenancies Board order a landlord to stop discrimination?
The Human Rights Commission addresses discrimination directly, but the Residential Tenancies Section can provide guidance or help resolve related rental disputes. - Are there support services for tenants facing discrimination?
Yes, the Commission offers support. You can also contact tenant advocacy organizations listed below. - Is there a deadline to file a discrimination complaint?
Complaints must be made within one year of the last discriminatory act.
Conclusion: Key Points for Tenants
- You have strong legal protection against housing discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Act promptly: gather evidence, contact your landlord, and file a complaint if needed.
- Provincial agencies like the Human Rights Commission and Tenancies Section are available to help.
For more on tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission – File a complaint or get advice
- Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL) – Rental advice and dispute resolution
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – Rental rights overview
- For a full summary of your provincial rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
- "Human Rights Act, 2010", SNL 2010 c H-13.1. Read the full Human Rights Act, 2010 here.
- "Residential Tenancies Act, 2018", SNL 2018 c R-14.1. Full Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 text.
