How Tenants Can Address Discrimination & Accessibility Issues in Newfoundland and Labrador

Facing discrimination or accessibility problems can feel overwhelming for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador, but you are protected by law. This guide will provide clear, step-by-step assistance specifically for tenants experiencing unfair treatment or barriers due to disability, ancestry, family status, religion, or other protected grounds. Knowing your rights and the process can help you resolve issues confidently and access safe, equitable housing.

What Counts as Discrimination or Accessibility Problems?

According to the Human Rights Act, 2010 (Newfoundland and Labrador), discrimination means treating someone unfairly or denying access based on protected personal characteristics, such as:

• Disability (physical, mental, developmental, or learning)
• Race, color, or ancestry
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Religion or creed
• Marital or family status
• Age
• Source of income

Accessibility problems can include a landlord refusing reasonable changes (accommodations) for tenants with disabilities, such as allowing a service animal, installing ramps, or providing accessible parking.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador

Landlords must follow both the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1] and the Human Rights Act, 2010^[2]. This means:

• You cannot be denied rental housing or evicted due to a protected personal characteristic.
• Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate accessibility needs unless it causes them undue hardship.
• Retaliation for requesting accommodation is illegal.

For more details about your rights, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Documents and Forms You May Need

If you need to raise a concern or make a complaint involving discrimination or accessibility, the following official forms and offices are involved:

• Application for Adjudication (Residential Tenancies): Used if the issue involves your tenancy (for example, an eviction or other dispute relating to discrimination).
  Download the Application for Adjudication form
  Example: If your landlord tries to evict you after you request an accessibility modification, use this form to challenge the eviction at the Residential Tenancies Office.
• Human Rights Complaint Form: File directly with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission if your issue is clearly discrimination or denial of accommodation by the landlord.
  Download the Human Rights Complaint Form
  Example: If you’re denied a rental because you use a wheelchair, complete and submit this form to the Commission.

It is recommended to keep copies of all related communications, notices, and forms.

Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Problems

• Document your experience. Write down dates, actions, and keep copies of emails, texts, or letters.
• Communicate with your landlord. Put your request for accommodation (such as a ramp installation or service animal) in writing. Explain your need and ask for a reasonable solution.
• If the issue is unresolved, you can:
  • File an Application for Adjudication with the Residential Tenancies Office if it directly involves your right to remain in your rental or access the unit.
  • Or, file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador for discrimination, refusal to rent, or denial of accommodation.
• Follow official processes. Each office may ask for additional evidence or mediation. Respond promptly to requests.

If discrimination or a lack of accessibility is making your tenancy stressful, you may wish to review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further guidance on handling broader rental problems.

If Maintenance or Health Issues are Part of the Problem

For situations where accessibility requires repairs—such as making entrances wheelchair-friendly—these may intersect with habitability and health. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Where to File and Who Handles Your Case?

• Residential Tenancies Office: Handles disputes and applications related to rental agreements and evictions. Visit the official website to file tenancy-related forms.
• Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador: Investigates and resolves discrimination and accessibility complaints in rental housing. Start your process here.

Summary for Tenants

Discrimination and accessibility complaints can be resolved through the Residential Tenancies Office or the Human Rights Commission, depending on the issue. Provincial law requires landlords to treat tenants fairly and accommodate legitimate accessibility needs whenever possible.

Canada's best rental listings platform can help you find accessible, barrier-free apartments in your community.

FAQ

1. What kinds of housing discrimination are banned in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Landlords cannot deny housing, evict, or treat tenants differently because of age, disability, race, gender, religion, family status, or other protected grounds under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
2. Can I ask my landlord to make changes to my unit for accessibility?
   Yes. Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate accessibility needs (such as installing grab bars or allowing service animals) unless this causes them undue hardship.
3. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   You can submit a Human Rights Complaint Form to the Human Rights Commission, or, if the issue is related to eviction or tenancy, file an Application for Adjudication with the Residential Tenancies Office.
4. Who decides if a landlord has to accommodate my accessibility request?
   If no agreement is reached with the landlord, the Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Office will review and decide your case.
5. Where can I learn more about tenant and landlord rights in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for a clear breakdown.

How To: Take Action If You Face Discrimination or Lack of Accessibility

1. How do I request accommodation for a disability?
   • Write to your landlord, explain your needs, and suggest specific modifications or accommodations. Attach medical documentation if comfortable.
2. How do I file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission?
   • Download and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form, provide documentation, and submit it to the Commission by mail, fax, or email as directed on the form.
3. What steps do I take if I am evicted because of a protected characteristic?
   • File an Application for Adjudication quickly with the Residential Tenancies Office, present your evidence, and attend your scheduled hearing.
4. How can I keep track of my complaint?
   • Save copies of all correspondence, keep a detailed record of each incident, and confirm the status of your complaint with the responsible office.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You are protected against housing discrimination and have the right to ask for reasonable accessibility accommodations.
• Use the Human Rights Complaint Form or the Application for Adjudication for official action.
• Support, information, and forms are available through government offices and advocacy organizations.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Service NL): Official tenancy board for rental disputes and applications.
• Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador: Learn about your rights and how to file a discrimination complaint.
• Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador: Tenant education and support.
• For barrier-free rentals: Canada's best rental listings platform

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Human Rights Act, 2010 (Newfoundland and Labrador)

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