Can a landlord reject my rental application without explanation?

Yes, landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador can reject applications without providing a reason unless the rejection is based on a discriminatory ground.

Is it legal for a landlord to refuse me because I’m on social assistance?

No. Refusing an applicant due to their source of income, including social assistance, is considered discrimination under the Human Rights Act, 2010.

How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?

You should file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission within one year of the alleged act of discrimination.

What if my application is rejected for missing or incorrect information?

Landlords can legally reject applications for incomplete or inaccurate information, as this is not discrimination.

Tenant Rights after Rental Application Rejection in Newfoundland and Labrador

Q: Where can I get help understanding my tenancy rights?

You can contact Service NL or the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission for guidance on your tenancy rights.

Discrimination & Accessibility Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 19, 2025

If you've had your rental application rejected in Newfoundland and Labrador, it's natural to feel uncertain or discouraged about your next steps. Understanding your rights can help you identify whether the rejection was lawful or discriminatory and guide you in seeking fair treatment. This article explains tenant rights around rental application rejections, focusing on anti-discrimination law, accessibility, and the complaint process under provincial rules.

Understanding Lawful vs. Discriminatory Rental Application Rejection

Landlords generally have the right to decide which applicants they rent to, but their decisions must comply with the law. Rental denials that are based on a legitimate reason—such as insufficient income, poor references, or a history of damaging rental units—are typically allowed.

However, landlords cannot reject an applicant for reasons related to protected characteristics under provincial human rights legislation. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Human Rights Act, 2010 forbids discrimination in housing for the following reasons:

Race, colour, or ethnic origin
Sex, gender identity or expression
Sexual orientation
Age (but not for minors)
Religion or creed
Disability
Marital or family status
Source of income (such as social assistance)

What Counts as Discrimination?

If a landlord rejects your application because of a protected characteristic, this is illegal discrimination. Examples may include refusing to consider families with children, declining applicants because they receive government assistance, or rejecting someone due to their religion or ethnicity.

If you suspect discrimination, make note of any comments or communications from the landlord that suggest the rejection was based on a protected ground. Documenting this can be very important if you choose to file a complaint.

Which Bodies Handle Tenant Complaints in Newfoundland and Labrador?

There are two main authorities tenants may need to interact with:

Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL: Handles issues relating to landlord and tenant disputes (but not discrimination).
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: Addresses discrimination and accessibility complaints in housing. Visit the Human Rights Commission website

Navigating these systems can feel complex, but both offer information and support for tenants.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint: Forms and Steps

If you believe your rental application was unfairly denied for a discriminatory reason, you have the right to submit a complaint to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form
Where to get it: Official complaint page (download PDF or complete online)
When to use it: If you believe your rental application was rejected due to a reason protected under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
Example: You were told you would not be accepted as a tenant because you are a single parent receiving income support. This is potentially discrimination based on family status and source of income.

Action Steps:

Download or request the Human Rights Complaint Form from the commission's website.
Fill in your details, a description of what happened, and provide supporting documents or communications if possible.
Submit the form as directed: by mail, email, or in person to the Human Rights Commission.
The Commission will review your complaint and may investigate or mediate the issue.

Keep in mind: The Commission is neutral and does not represent either your side or the landlord's. Their role is to enforce the law fairly.

Key Official Resources

What Tenants Should Know When Rejected

It's important to know the difference between a legitimate rejection and discrimination. While landlords may require references, proof of income, or credit checks, they cannot deny applications based on protected grounds. If you’re unsure whether you were rejected legally, you may also find helpful legal context by reviewing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities after securing a rental, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For renters at all stages, including application, move-in, and after signing, Canada's best rental listings platform makes it easier to browse homes and stay informed about tenant rights nationwide.

FAQ: Rental Application Rejection and Tenant Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

Can a landlord reject my rental application without explanation?
Yes, landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador are not legally required to provide a reason for rejecting an application. However, if you suspect a discriminatory reason, you may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
Is it legal for a landlord to refuse me because I’m on social assistance?
No. Rejecting applicants because of their source of income (including government assistance) is considered discrimination under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you should file within one year of the alleged discrimination, but it’s best to act as soon as possible.
What if my application is rejected for missing or incorrect information?
Landlords can deny applications for incomplete or unverifiable information, as this is not considered discrimination.
Where can I get help understanding my tenancy rights?
You can contact Service NL (Residential Tenancies) or the Human Rights Commission for assistance. Provincial tenant support groups may also help.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

Landlords cannot reject tenants for reasons related to protected characteristics under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
If you suspect discrimination, document your experience and consider filing a complaint using the official form.
Resources and support are available to help you understand and defend your rights as a tenant.

Knowing your rights as an applicant empowers you to seek fair rental opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Stay informed and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL): Official website (for general tenant-landlord issues)
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: Official website | Complaint form and guidance
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador (Key facts and legislation summary)

Human Rights Act, 2010, SNL 2010, c. H-13.1: Full text of the Human Rights Act, 2010
Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, SNL 2018, c. R-14.2: Full text of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: ThinkHumanRights.ca
Service NL - Residential Tenancies: Official website