Being evicted is stressful, and many tenants worry they will face housing discrimination afterward when applying for new rentals in Newfoundland and Labrador. This article explains what counts as discrimination after an eviction, where to get help, and practical steps tenants and renters can take to document incidents, protect their rights, and pursue complaints with the tribunal or human rights commission. It also covers which forms you may need, how to prepare evidence, and tips for finding new housing without compromising safety. The language is plain and the steps are practical so you can act with confidence whether you plan to challenge discriminatory conduct or simply secure a new rental.
What counts as housing discrimination after eviction?
Housing discrimination after eviction happens when a landlord, property manager, or rental platform treats an applicant differently because of an eviction history combined with a protected ground (race, family status, disability, etc.). It can include refusal to rent, imposing harsher conditions, or advertising that excludes people with past evictions. Protected grounds and how discrimination is applied are handled by the provincial human rights body and by the residential tenancies tribunal.[2][1]
Immediate steps tenants should take
- Document every interaction: save emails, texts, application rejections, and screenshots of listings or messages that mention eviction history or exclude applicants.
- Keep financial records: receipts, bank transfers, and proof of rent payments or attempts to pay can show context for an eviction.
- Collect evidence of protected-ground discrimination: notes about comments, witness names, and dates help support a claim to the human rights commission.
- Preserve notices and court orders: keep original eviction orders and any tribunal or court documents in a safe place for filings.
- Start a housing search early: consider platforms that list many options and filters while you prepare your case.
Filing complaints and forms you may need
Two official routes address post-eviction discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador: the residential tenancies body for tenancy-related disputes, and the provincial human rights commission for discrimination based on protected grounds.
Residential Tenancies Tribunal — Application form
The usual form is the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (often available from Service NL or the provincial residential tenancies page). Use this form when you want the tribunal to hear a tenancy-related matter such as wrongful eviction, improper notices, or retaliatory conduct. Example: if a prospective landlord refuses to return your security deposit citing the eviction without documentation, you can file an application asking the tribunal to order a refund or remedy. Official guidance and the online application are available from the provincial site.[1]
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission — Complaint forms
If the refusal to rent is connected to a protected characteristic (for example, family status, disability, race), you can file a discrimination complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. That complaint form asks for details about the incident, the parties involved, and supporting evidence. Example: if a landlord says they do not rent to people with prior evictions AND also makes comments tied to a protected ground, file with the commission and include the same evidence you prepared for the tribunal filing. Official complaint forms and instructions are on the commission's site.[2]
Finding housing while you sort a complaint
Searching for a rental after an eviction can feel discouraging, but using broad listing tools and clear communication can help. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to scan many listings quickly and filter options. When applying, consider offering references, proof of steady income, and a clear, concise explanation of the eviction situation if asked. Also review provincial guidance on tenant rights: see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador and practical advice on dispute resolution in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
FAQ
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of a past eviction?
- No. A landlord may consider eviction history as part of an application, but they cannot refuse to rent for reasons that violate human rights protections; refuse-or-apply-differently actions tied to a protected ground may be illegal.
- How long do I have to file a complaint with the tribunal or human rights commission?
- Deadlines vary by process. File with the tribunal as soon as practicable after an incident; human rights complaints also have specific time limits. Check the official sites and act quickly to preserve options.[1][2]
- What evidence will I need?
- Good evidence includes written communications, application records, photos or screenshots, receipts, witness names, and copies of eviction or tribunal orders. Keep originals and make dated copies.
How-To
- Collect and organize all documents and screenshots that show the eviction and any post-eviction refusals.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal office for procedure details and the human rights commission for discrimination guidance.
- Complete the relevant application or complaint form and attach your evidence and a clear timeline of events.
- Submit the form, attend any scheduled hearing or mediation, and follow tribunal or commission directions.
- While the process proceeds, continue searching for rentals, provide strong references, and be transparent with prospective landlords as appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything related to the eviction and any later refusals.
- Use the official tribunal and human rights complaint forms to pursue remedies.
- Keep searching for housing and offer strong references while your case is active.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal — Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
- Residential Tenancies Act and provincial legislation resources
