Family Size Discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

Are you a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador worried that your rental application or tenancy is at risk due to your family size? Discrimination based on family status—including how many children you have—is a real concern for many renters in this province. Understanding your rights, local laws, and the process for seeking help can make a big difference for families looking for a fair place to live.

What Is Family Size Discrimination in Rentals?

Family size discrimination means being treated unfairly by a landlord due to the number of people in your household. This most often takes the form of landlords refusing to rent to families with children or placing unreasonable occupancy limits not grounded in local safety bylaws. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this type of discrimination is considered under the broader category of 'family status' within human rights law.

Your Legal Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, tenants are protected from discrimination under the Human Rights Act, 2010. The Act makes it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent based on family status, which includes the composition or size of a family.

• Landlords cannot turn away families simply because of the number of children.
• Rules about occupancy must be reasonable and based on local municipal bylaws, not arbitrary.
• Tenants have the right to equal treatment and access to housing without being penalized for family size.

For a broader overview of tenant rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Discrimination?

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission oversees discrimination complaints, including those related to housing and family size. Issues about rental contracts and landlord-tenant disputes are generally handled by the Residential Tenancies Office.

Common Scenarios: How Discrimination Happens

• Refusing to show or rent an apartment to a family with children
• Advertising 'adults-only' rentals when children are not prohibited by law
• Imposing stricter rules, deposits, or higher rent solely for families

Occasionally, landlords may cite 'overcrowding' when rejecting families, but they must base any limits on official local occupancy guidelines—not personal preferences.

What to Do If You Face Family Size Discrimination

If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you based on your family size, there are important steps you can take to protect your rights:

• Document all communications with the landlord, including texts, emails, and advertisements. This evidence can support your complaint.
• Review municipal occupancy bylaws to confirm what is reasonable for your rental situation.
• If the issue relates to deposit demands, review the rules in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission for advice and to file a formal complaint.

Filing a Complaint: Forms and Process

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission provides an Official Complaint Form for discrimination cases:

• Form name: Human Rights Complaint Form
• Where to get it: Human Rights Commission Forms and Guides
• How it’s used: Submit this form if you believe a landlord has discriminated against you based on family size or family status. Explain what happened, when, and attach any documentation (screenshots, emails, ads).

Example: A tenant applies for a rental, and the landlord emails back refusing to rent because of the tenant’s two young children. The tenant fills out the Human Rights Complaint Form, attaches the email, and submits it to the Commission.

How Rental Laws Apply

The rules of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 protect tenants from unjust eviction or rule enforcement based solely on family status. If you feel threatened with eviction or other penalties, you can seek help under this legislation.

Understanding all parties' obligations can also help: review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more context.

Action Steps for Tenants

• Clarify the landlord's reason for refusal in writing if possible.
• Collect and keep records of all relevant documentation.
• Reach out to tenant support services for guidance and advocacy.
• Submit a written complaint to the Human Rights Commission with supporting documents.

Reviewing your responsibilities after signing a lease? What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement can help you stay informed about next steps.

Finding Family-Friendly Rentals in Newfoundland and Labrador

Looking for homes that welcome families? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to make your search easier across apartments, condos, and houses from St. John's to Labrador City.

FAQ: Family Size Discrimination in Rentals

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No, this is considered discrimination under provincial human rights law. Landlords cannot legally deny rentals based on family size except in rare cases where health or safety bylaws limit occupancy.
2. What steps should I take if I experience family size discrimination?
   Document everything, check local occupancy rules, and submit a complaint to the Human Rights Commission using their official form.
3. Where can I get support or advice when dealing with discrimination?
   Contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission or a local tenant advocacy group. They offer confidential guidance for tenants.
4. Are there official rental laws that also protect families?
   Yes, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 governs fair housing standards and protects tenants from arbitrary rule enforcement.
5. What evidence do I need for my complaint?
   Emails, text messages, rental ads, or any written communications showing discrimination are helpful.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Family status is protected by law—landlords cannot refuse you housing just because you have children.
• If you suspect discrimination, document all evidence and file a complaint with the proper authority.
• Know your rights under both the Human Rights Act, 2010 and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 to prevent or address unfair treatment.

Understanding your legal protection gives you confidence when searching for a home. If in doubt, always seek advice early.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: Discrimination and complaint guidance
• Residential Tenancies Office: Rental laws, dispute forms, tenant resources
• City of St. John's Tenant and Landlord Information
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador: Provincial facts and resources

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. See: Human Rights Act, 2010 and Human Rights Commission tenant resources
3. See: Residential Tenancies Office for tenant-landlord disputes

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