Every renter deserves a safe and welcoming home. If you’re living in Newfoundland and Labrador and suspect you’ve experienced housing discrimination, knowing your rights is essential. Tenancy laws and the province’s Human Rights Act protect tenants from unfair practices and help create fair, respectful rental environments—especially in shared housing or roommate situations.
Recognizing Tenant Discrimination in Newfoundland and Labrador
Discrimination in rental housing occurs when a landlord, property manager, or even another tenant treats you unfairly based on a personal characteristic protected by law. In Newfoundland and Labrador, key protected grounds include:
- Race, colour, ethnic origin, or nationality
- Religion or creed
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- Marital status, family status, or source of income
- Disability (mental or physical)
- Age
This means a landlord usually cannot refuse to rent to you, evict you, or apply different rental conditions for these reasons. These protections apply whether you’re renting the entire unit or sharing with roommates. Discrimination may also involve harassment or a failure to accommodate special needs, such as accessibility features for disabilities.
Examples of Discriminatory Practices
- Refusing to rent a room to someone because of their ethnicity
- Evicting a tenant after learning they receive social assistance
- Implementing different house rules based on gender
- Withholding repairs only for tenants with disabilities
For additional information on general tenant and landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Your Rights Under Provincial Law
In Newfoundland and Labrador, two important legal frameworks protect tenants from discrimination:
- Residential Tenancies Act: This provincial law governs landlord-tenant relationships, covering leases, eviction, and repairs. See key facts on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Human Rights Act, 2010: This act protects against discrimination in housing. Read the Human Rights Act, 2010 (official legislation).
Both laws apply whether you rent alone or share your home with roommates.
If You Experience Discrimination: What to Do
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, there are clear steps you can take. The Residential Tenancies Office can assist with tenancy issues, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission addresses all discrimination complaints.
Step-by-Step: File a Human Rights Complaint
- Try to resolve the issue through open communication with your landlord or roommate if it feels safe to do so.
- If the problem persists, collect all supporting documentation, such as emails, texts, or witness statements.
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Submit a complaint to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission using the following form:
- Human Rights Complaint Form: Available at Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF).
- Use this form if you believe a landlord or another party has discriminated against you in rental housing.
- Provide as much detail as possible about the incident and attach supporting documentation.
- Submit by email, mail, or fax as listed on the form; contact details are provided within.
What Happens After Submitting a Complaint?
The Human Rights Commission will review your submission, may ask for additional information, and could pursue informal resolution through mediation or go to a formal hearing. Remedies can include an apology, compensation, or orders to change future behaviour. For tenancy disputes (rent increases, eviction, etc.) unrelated to discrimination, contact the Residential Tenancies Office.
Roommates, Shared Housing, and Discrimination
Discrimination can occur not only between landlord and tenant, but among tenants in shared housing agreements. While private roommate choices (e.g., advertising for “female only”) can be complex, landlords must still comply with the Human Rights Act when filling rental units or rooms. If a fellow tenant harasses you based on a protected ground, raise the matter with your landlord, as they share responsibility for ensuring a safe environment.
For more about what happens after you sign a rental contract, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
Staying Informed: Additional Protections and Housing Resources
- Landlords may only screen tenants based on legitimate factors, such as rental history and ability to pay rent; blanket bans (such as "no children" or "no one on social assistance") are usually illegal.
- If you are denied a rental or face harassment after moving in, you have the right to challenge discriminatory actions.
- Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re looking for a fair and inclusive new place to call home.
If you need more details on rental laws, your rights, and responsibilities, the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page has provincial overviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What should I do if my landlord refuses to rent to me because of my race or ethnicity?
If you believe you were denied housing for a discriminatory reason, collect any evidence and file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission as soon as possible. - Can a landlord ask about my source of income during the rental application process?
Landlords can ask about your ability to pay rent, but cannot refuse to rent solely because of your legal source of income, such as social assistance or disability benefits. - Am I protected from discrimination by my roommates?
While some roommate preferences aren’t always covered, it is illegal for landlords to assist or enforce discriminatory selection among tenants. If you’re being harassed in your shared home, report it to your landlord and seek support from the Human Rights Commission if needed. - Who do I contact for tenancy complaints unrelated to discrimination?
All other rental concerns should go directly to the Residential Tenancies Office.
Key Insights for Tenants
- Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
- Both landlords and other tenants cannot deny you fair access or create a hostile environment based on protected grounds.
- Report discrimination by submitting a complaint to the Human Rights Commission or seeking advice from the Residential Tenancies Office for other issues.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission — File discrimination complaints, find resources, or get answers on housing rights.
- Residential Tenancies Office — Assistance with security deposits, repairs, evictions, and general tenancy disputes.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador — Overview of provincial laws and common tenant issues.
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for inclusive, up-to-date housing listings.
- Residential Tenancies Act (NL): Read the Act (official government site)
- Human Rights Act, 2010 (NL): Read the Act (official government site)
- Residential Tenancies Office: Official government site
- Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: Official site
