Family Status and Discrimination in NL Rentals

Living as a renter can raise questions about fair treatment when you have children, a caregiver, or family responsibilities. This article explains how family status discrimination works for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador, what behaviours may be illegal, and practical steps renters can take if they face bias. You’ll learn how to document incidents, what forms or notices to use, how to file a complaint with provincial bodies, and what to expect during investigations or hearings. The guidance is written for everyday tenants — not lawyers — and focuses on protecting your housing, responding to notices or evictions, and accessing help and official resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What is family status discrimination?

Family status discrimination is when someone treats you differently because of your responsibility to care for family members, like children, elderly relatives, or dependents. For renters this can appear in screening, lease terms, rules that ban children or caregivers, or in eviction actions that single out households with caregiving duties.

Where to get help and which laws apply

The primary routes are human rights complaints and tenancy disputes. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of family status and complaints are handled by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission ^[1]. Tenancy-specific matters — such as eviction or dispute over lease terms — are handled by the provincial residential tenancy body, the Residential Tenancies Board/Tribunal ^[2] and by the governing Residential Tenancies Act for the province.

Common scenarios tenants face

• Refusal to rent or different screening because you have children or a caregiver.
• Eviction notices that reference family size or caregiving as a reason to end a tenancy.
• Lease clauses or building rules that effectively ban families or caregivers.
• Harassment or repeated unwanted requests to move because a tenant has family obligations.

How to protect your rights

• Keep a record of incidents: dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses.
• Send clear written requests or complaints to your landlord and keep copies of letters, emails, or texts.
• Note and meet any deadlines for responses or filings; missing a deadline can affect your options.
• Contact local tenant support services and the Human Rights Commission for guidance on next steps.

Filing a complaint: official forms and practical examples

Two official complaint routes are common for family status issues:

• The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Complaint Form (Human Rights Commission). Use this form when an action or policy discriminates because of family responsibilities. Example: if a landlord refuses to rent because you have young children, submit the form to describe the discrimination and provide your documentation. See the official Commission page ^[1].
• Residential tenancy applications or Notice to Terminate / Application to the Residential Tenancies Board. Use the Board/Tribunal forms when the issue is an eviction, rent dispute, or breach of lease. Example: if you receive a termination notice that cites family status, file the tenancy application to dispute the eviction and attach your evidence. See the Board/Tribunal page ^[2].

If you need to move because of discrimination, start your search early and use reliable listing tools; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme can help locate alternative units.

FAQ

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?

Generally no. Refusing to rent solely because a prospective tenant has children can be discrimination on the basis of family status and may be actionable through the Human Rights Commission or tenancy tribunal.

What if my landlord says a rule bans children or caregivers?

Rules that effectively exclude families can be discriminatory. Document the rule, ask for a written explanation, and consider a complaint to the Human Rights Commission if it is applied in a way that targets family status.

How long does a complaint take and will I need a hearing?

Timelines vary. The Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Board may first try to resolve issues by mediation; unresolved matters can proceed to a hearing. Keep records and ask the office handling your case about typical timelines.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: collect messages, photos, witness names, and dates that show the discriminatory treatment.
2. Try informal resolution: write to your landlord requesting the issue be fixed or explained and keep copies.
3. Complete and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission if discrimination persists, attaching your evidence.
4. If the problem is tenancy-related (eviction, lease dispute), file the appropriate application with the Residential Tenancies Board/Tribunal and bring the same evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Family status is a protected ground; discrimination can be challenged through provincial processes.
• Document everything and attempt informal resolution before filing formal complaints.
• Use the Human Rights Complaint Form for discrimination claims and tenancy forms for eviction or lease disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
• Residential Tenancies Board/Tribunal (Service NL)
• Service NL housing and tenant information

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1. [1] Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Board/Tribunal and provincial tenancy information