Human Rights and Shared Housing: Tenants’ Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

Living with roommates or in shared rental housing in Newfoundland and Labrador gives you distinct rights under both the province’s Human Rights Act and residential tenancy law. Knowing how these protections apply is key to enjoying a safe, fair renting experience—especially for tenants from all walks of life, backgrounds, and abilities.

The Human Rights Act and Rental Housing

The Human Rights Act, 2010 (Newfoundland and Labrador) protects you from discrimination in housing. This means that landlords, property managers, and even roommates cannot deny you housing or treat you unfairly because of your race, gender, family status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected grounds under the Act¹.

Discrimination in Roommate and Shared Housing Arrangements

Whether you are renting an apartment together, living in a shared home, or subletting a room, the Human Rights Act applies. Landlords cannot:

• Deny your application or evict you because of a protected characteristic
• Harass you or allow others to harass you based on your identity
• Impose different rules or conditions because of your race, religion, gender, or other protected status

This also applies if you are living with other tenants who are not related to you. While a homeowner who rents out part of their own home and lives there may have certain exemptions, most shared housing settings are still covered under the Act.

What About Accessibility and Accommodation?

Landlords—and sometimes even other tenants—may need to accommodate disabilities to ensure everyone can live safely and comfortably. For example, if you require a service animal in your rental, the landlord generally must permit it, regardless of any ‘no pets’ rule, unless it causes undue hardship.

Your Rights Under the Residential Tenancies Act

Besides the Human Rights Act, tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are also protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018². This law sets out your rights and obligations, whether you’re renting a whole unit or just a room.

• Privacy: Landlords or roommates must not enter your room without proper notice and valid reason
• Quiet Enjoyment: You have the right to live free from ongoing disturbances or harassment
• Safe and Healthy Housing: The rental must meet minimum health and safety standards

To better understand the full range of your rights as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

If you believe your rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission or seek remedies through the Residential Tenancies Office. Document incidents in writing, keep copies of correspondence, and consider speaking to a tenant support agency if you feel unsafe.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Complaint (Human Rights Commission)
  This form is used to start a formal discrimination complaint. Example: If a landlord denies you a room because of your disability, use this form to initiate a claim.
  Find details and submit online via the NL Human Rights Commission Complaint Process.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (Residential Tenancies)
  File this with the Residential Tenancies Office if you need to resolve issues like discriminatory eviction or failure to provide a safe home. Example: If your landlord fails to prevent harassment by another tenant.
  Access the form and instructions at Landlord-Tenant Applications (Newfoundland and Labrador).

Tips for Living in Shared Rentals

• Discuss expectations and house rules with new roommates ahead of time
• Put roommate agreements in writing, including payment responsibilities and shared duties
• Keep all rental and roommate communications documented
• If conflicts arise, attempt to resolve them respectfully before escalating to your landlord
• For more guidance, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained

It’s also important to know what to expect right after you sign a rental agreement. What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement provides further insights.

For a broader look at what is available, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find the right shared or private rental for your needs.

FAQ: Human Rights and Shared Rentals in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Can my landlord reject me as a roommate because of my race or religion?
   No. The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and other protected grounds in almost all rental situations.
2. What should I do if another roommate harasses me for reasons related to my identity?
   Document what happens, report it to your landlord, and if not resolved, make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Office.
3. Are landlords required to allow service animals, even with a ‘no pets’ rule?
   Yes, under human rights law, service animals are generally permitted as an accommodation for a disability.
4. What is considered discrimination in a shared rental?
   Denying housing, eviction threats, or making rules because of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected grounds counts as discrimination.

Key Takeaways

• Human Rights law offers strong protection for all tenants—including roommates—in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Landlords and other tenants cannot discriminate against you for reasons listed in the Human Rights Act
• If your rights are breached, you have official steps and resources for action

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: File a human rights complaint or seek guidance
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Get help with tenancy disputes or apply for dispute resolution
• Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN): Free legal information for tenants
• If you need more about rights and common issues: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Human Rights Act, 2010, Newfoundland and Labrador. Accessible at: Full text of the Human Rights Act, 2010
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, Newfoundland and Labrador. See: Full legislation and updates

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