Top 5 Discrimination & Accessibility Facts for NL Tenants

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is key to having a safe, respectful, and accessible place to live. Discrimination and accessibility are protected by law, meaning landlords must follow specific rules to ensure fair treatment for all tenants – including in areas such as mobility, disability, family status, and other protected grounds. If you're renting in Newfoundland and Labrador, here’s what you need to know about discrimination, accessibility, and what to do if your rights are not being respected.

1. Discrimination Is Prohibited by Law

Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone—or treat them differently—based on protected personal characteristics. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 lists these as:

• Race or colour
• Age
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Marital or family status
• Religious or political beliefs
• Disability (including mental and physical disabilities)
• Source of income

If you feel a landlord is treating you unfairly because of any of these, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.^[1]

2. Accessibility Is a Fundamental Tenant Right

Tenants with disabilities have the right to accessible rental housing. This means:

• A landlord must allow reasonable modifications (like ramps or grab bars) for accessibility, as long as you cover the cost and restore the unit if required when you move out.
• You cannot be denied housing just because you have a service animal or require an assistive device.

Landlords cannot charge extra fees for having a medically necessary service animal or make unreasonable barriers to accessibility. For more about general tenant and landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

3. Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you experience discrimination or if your accessibility needs are ignored, you can file a formal complaint. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission investigates claims and may help resolve the issue. The process usually involves:

• Filling out a Complaint Form from the Commission: Human Rights Complaint Form
• Providing documentation, such as emails or communications showing the discrimination or accessibility issue
• Working with an investigator assigned by the Commission

Tip: File your complaint as soon as possible. Timelines for complaints may apply.

4. The Role of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for handling landlord–tenant disputes, including issues related to accessibility (like denial of reasonable modifications) or breaches of tenant rights.^[2]

• You can file forms such as the Application for Dispute Resolution if your landlord refuses to meet accessibility needs.
• Find more details about the process and required forms on the official forms page.

The governing law for landlords and tenants is the Residential Tenancies Act of Newfoundland and Labrador.^[3]

5. How to Request Reasonable Accommodations

If you have an accessibility need (such as requiring a ramp, visual alarms, or permission for a service animal):

• Request your accommodation in writing. Clearly explain what you need and provide supporting documents if available (such as a note from a healthcare professional).
• If your landlord refuses without a valid reason, this may be discrimination. You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

For a wider overview of your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Official Forms You May Need

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTDR Form): File this with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your landlord denies an accessibility accommodation you believe is reasonable. You’ll need to explain your need, what was refused, and provide supporting documents. View and download the form here.

Always keep copies of all communications and applications for your records.

Quick Summary

• You have legal protection from discrimination when renting in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Accessibility accommodations are your right – landlords must allow reasonable modifications for disabilities.
• Filing a complaint is straightforward and supported by official government processes.

If you're searching for an accessible new home, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view for listings that might fit your needs.

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a service animal?
   No. Under the Human Rights Act, denying a rental because you have a service animal is discrimination. Service animals are considered part of reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t allow an accessibility modification?
   First, ask in writing and provide documentation about why you need the modification. If refused, consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and/or filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
3. Who handles discrimination complaints about rental housing in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission reviews and investigates housing discrimination complaints. Accessibility-related tenancy disputes may also be handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
4. Does my landlord have to let me make changes to the unit for accessibility?
   Yes, as long as modifications are reasonable and you agree to restore the property if required upon moving out. The landlord can ask for reasonable assurances about repairs or restoration.
5. Where can I learn more about my general tenant rights in the province?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for an overview.

1. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an accessibility dispute?
   1. Download the Application for Dispute Resolution from the tribunal website.
   2. Complete the form, providing details of the dispute and supporting documents.
   3. Submit the form following the instructions on the website or contact the tribunal for help.
   4. Wait for your hearing and present your case.
2. How do I make a human rights complaint for discrimination?
   1. Get the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Human Rights Commission site.
   2. Fill out the form and attach evidence (such as correspondence).
   3. Submit via the Commission’s instructions (online or by mail).
   4. Respond to Commission investigators if they request more information.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Handles landlord-tenant disputes, including accessibility issues.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission - Receives and investigates discrimination complaints in housing.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation - May provide information on accessible housing and tenant support programs.

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1. [1] Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010: Read the Human Rights Act
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal NL: Official Tribunal Portal
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act: View current legislation

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