How Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador Can File a Human Rights Complaint

Experiencing discrimination in your rental housing can be stressful—but you do have rights. Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are legally protected from discrimination under both the Human Rights Act, 2010 and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018. This guide explains how tenants can recognize discrimination and file a formal human rights complaint while renting in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you are protected from discrimination based on grounds such as race, age, sex, disability, family status, sexual orientation, and more. These protections apply whether you are living alone or in shared housing with roommates. Landlords and other tenants are not permitted to treat you unfairly because of these characteristics.

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent, increase rent, or evict you for a discriminatory reason
• Harassment, denial of reasonable accommodation (such as for a disability), or inequitable treatment are also forms of discrimination

To better understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, refer to the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Common Discrimination Issues in Shared Housing

Roommates and shared accommodations often present unique challenges. Common examples of discrimination include:

• Refusing to rent a room due to ethnicity, religion, or gender identity
• Failing to accommodate accessibility needs in common areas
• Harassment from another tenant based on a protected characteristic

How to File a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant

If you believe your human rights have been violated, you can make a formal complaint to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. This process is separate from filing a tenancy claim with the Residential Tenancies Section but can overlap when discrimination occurs in rental housing.

Preparing Your Complaint

• Identify the discriminatory act: Clearly describe what happened, who was involved, and why you believe it was discriminatory.
• Gather evidence: Collect emails, letters, text messages, photos, and witness statements if possible.
• Submit the official form: Use the Human Rights Complaint Form (see below).

Which Official Forms Are Required?

• Human Rights Complaint Form – This is the primary form for initiating a human rights complaint.
  When to use: If you experience discrimination by a landlord or roommate based on a protected ground.
  How to file: Download and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Human Rights Commission website, then submit it by mail, fax, or in person.

After your form is received, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission will assign an officer to review your case and may contact you for further information.

What Happens Next?

Once your complaint is accepted, a confidential process begins. The Commission may help parties resolve the issue through mediation, or if necessary, proceed to a public hearing.

It is free to file a human rights complaint in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Commission can guide you through the process—even if you’re not sure your experience qualifies as discrimination.

Other Tenancy Issues and Your Rights

Sometimes, what seems like discrimination may be a different tenancy issue, such as unfair rent increases or ignored maintenance requests. If so, learn about Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them or seek advice from the Residential Tenancies Section.

If safety or health is ever compromised, review our guidance on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tips for Shared Housing Disputes

• Communicate in writing whenever possible for a clear record
• If the problem involves tenancy basics (not discrimination), consider mediation through the Residential Tenancies Section

Whether your concern is about equal treatment or general housing conditions, it's important to act promptly.

Steps to File a Human Rights Complaint in Newfoundland and Labrador

The process ensures that tenants have fair access to justice and support.

1. Document details of the discriminatory incident(s), including times, dates, and communications.
2. Download the Human Rights Complaint Form.
3. Complete the form as fully as possible, explaining your situation and attaching supporting evidence.
4. Submit the form to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission by mail, fax, or in person.
5. Cooperate with the Commission’s investigator by providing additional information as required.
6. Participate in mediation or, if necessary, a public hearing to resolve the complaint.

Throughout the process, you retain your tenancy rights under Newfoundland and Labrador law. For rental listings that suit your needs, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered discrimination in rental housing? Discrimination includes unfair treatment based on protected grounds like race, gender, disability, or family status, whether from a landlord or another tenant. It also includes denial of reasonable accommodation.
2. Can I file a complaint if my roommate discriminates against me? Yes. Complaints can be filed even if the discriminatory act comes from a roommate or another occupant, not only a landlord.
3. How long do I have to file a human rights complaint? Generally, complaints must be filed within one year of the discriminatory event, but earlier is better for accurate investigation.
4. Will my tenancy be affected if I file a complaint? Landlords are not allowed to retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights. If you are concerned, contact the Human Rights Commission or tenant support services for guidance.
5. Where can I get more information about tenant rights in Newfoundland and Labrador? Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page for a comprehensive overview.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in shared housing have full protection from discrimination under Newfoundland and Labrador law
• To file a complaint, use the Human Rights Complaint Form and contact the Human Rights Commission
• Resources are available to provide support; your tenancy rights remain protected throughout the process

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission – Learn about discrimination, file a complaint, or get support
• Residential Tenancies Section, Service NL – Handles tenancy issues and can mediate non-discrimination disputes
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – National information on tenant rights and fair housing
• For a general overview, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Human Rights Act, 2010 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
3. Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission

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