Roommate Discrimination and Immigration Status: Tenant Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

Facing discrimination based on immigration status when searching for shared accommodation or roommates in Newfoundland and Labrador can be stressful. Understanding your rights as a tenant and knowing what steps you can take is important for protecting yourself and ensuring fair treatment. This guide outlines tenant protections, explains what counts as discrimination, and highlights your options if you experience unfair treatment in shared housing.

What Is Discrimination Based on Immigration Status?

Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or denied housing opportunities because of their immigration status, such as being a newcomer, international student, refugee, or temporary worker. In the context of roommates and shared housing, this can appear as:

• Being refused a room rental or sublet due to your citizenship or visa type
• Being offered less favourable terms or higher rent because you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Receiving different treatment from other tenants because of your immigration background

Your Rights Under Newfoundland and Labrador Law

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Human Rights Act, 2010 protects against discrimination in housing on several grounds, including citizenship and national origin¹. Landlords and those advertising shared accommodations cannot deny you housing or treat you less fairly because of your immigration status.

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 covers the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in rental housing, including shared accommodations². The Act applies whether you are on a formal lease or an informal arrangement in a shared home.

Roommates and Shared Housing: What You Need to Know

If you are living with roommates or renting a room, you still have key rights as a tenant. Even in informal or verbal rental arrangements, discrimination is not allowed. Here are some essentials:

• If you have signed a lease, you are officially covered as a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
• If you are subletting, both the main tenant (sublessor) and the landlord must follow legal obligations
• Verbal rental agreements are also recognized, but having a written contract helps protect your rights

Common Signs of Discrimination in Shared Housing

• Room listings that state “Canadians only” or “No internationals”
• Being asked for more references or information than other applicants
• Being charged extra fees based on your visa or status

If you experience any of these, it may be considered discrimination under the law.

How to Respond if You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, here are the steps you can take:

• Document what happened, including screenshots, emails, or texts
• Ask the landlord or roommate for the reason if your rental application was denied
• Contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission to file a complaint
• For disputes involving landlords or rental contracts, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Office

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

There are several useful official forms for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Discrimination Complaint Form (NL Human Rights Commission):
  File a complaint if you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to your immigration status. You’ll describe your situation, provide evidence, and submit it to the Commission. The Commission will review your case and may help mediate the situation.
• Application to Residential Tenancies Office (Service NL Form RT-1):
  RT-1 – Application is used if your issue relates to your tenancy (for example, if a landlord is unlawfully terminating your agreement due to your immigration status). Complete the form and submit it to the Office to start the dispute resolution process.

For practical use, if a landlord rejects you because you are on a student visa, you can use the Human Rights Commission’s complaint form. If a landlord or roommate tries to evict you based on immigration status, the RT-1 form can help you seek a hearing.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

All tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador have the right to fair treatment and must fulfill basic responsibilities, including paying rent and respecting the rental agreement. For more on general tenant rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you’re dealing with shared housing or common rental challenges, Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them offers practical solutions and steps you can follow.

If You Need to Find New Housing

Finding a new rental can be stressful, especially if you’ve faced discrimination. You’re not alone—support is available, and there are resources to help you locate safe, welcoming housing. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for flexible options and up-to-date listings in your area.

1. Is it legal for a landlord or roommate to ask about my immigration status in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Landlords or roommates can verify identity, but denying housing based on immigration status, citizenship, or national origin is prohibited by the Human Rights Act, 2010.
2. What should I do if a rental listing says “Canadians only”?
   Such language may be discriminatory. Document the listing and file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.
3. Am I protected if I don’t have a written lease?
   Yes. Verbal agreements are still recognized under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, and the Human Rights Act, 2010 protects you regardless of lease type.
4. What is the process to file a discrimination complaint?
   Gather any evidence, complete the discrimination complaint form through the Human Rights Commission website, and submit it. The Commission will guide you on next steps.
5. Where can I learn more about tenant rights for newcomers or international students?
   Visit the official Newfoundland and Labrador government and Human Rights Commission websites for reliable resources and guidance tailored to non-citizens and newcomers.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You are protected against discrimination based on immigration status in Newfoundland and Labrador rentals and shared housing.
• If you are denied a rental or treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Office.
• Support is available—know your rights and use the official forms and resources outlined here.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: thinkhumanrights.ca | Phone: 1-800-563-5808 | Submit a complaint online
• Residential Tenancies Office: Service NL Tenancies Office | Phone: 1-877-829-2608 | Access tenancy forms
• Immigration, Population Growth and Skills: Provincial office for newcomers
• Additional Information: Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for full provincial details.

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

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