Top 50 Questions: Discrimination & Accessibility – Newfoundland and Labrador

Discrimination & Accessibility Newfoundland and Labrador published June 26, 2025 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador
What is considered discrimination in rental housing?
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly based on protected grounds like race, sex, disability, or age under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
What protected grounds for discrimination apply in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Protected grounds include race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, family status, and source of income.
Who handles rental discrimination complaints in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints.
Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to rent to me because of my disability?
No, refusing to rent due to disability is prohibited under the Human Rights Act, 2010.
Can a landlord charge higher rent because I have children?
No, charging higher rent due to family status or children is not allowed.
What do I do if I experience discrimination by my landlord?
File a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
Do rental ads have to follow discrimination laws?
Yes, landlords cannot post ads with discriminatory criteria like "no kids" or "adults only".
Can my landlord ask about my religion or nationality?
No, landlords cannot ask about religion, nationality, or other protected characteristics.
What if my landlord won’t accommodate my disability?
Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship. File a complaint if refused.
What does "accommodation" mean in housing?
Accommodation means making changes to rules or units so people with disabilities or needs can access housing equally.
Can landlords refuse emotional support or service animals?
Landlords must allow service or emotional support animals for tenants with disabilities; no-pet policies cannot override this.
Can I be evicted for having a service animal?
No, it is illegal for landlords to evict you solely for having a legitimate service animal.
Am I required to disclose my disability to my landlord?
No, but you may need to share some information (not diagnosis) if you require accommodations.
What is undue hardship for landlords?
Undue hardship means significant difficulty or expense for the landlord to make an accommodation; landlords must prove it.
If my building is not wheelchair accessible, what can I do?
Request reasonable modifications; the landlord must accommodate unless it causes undue hardship.
Can a landlord ask for extra deposits for tenants with disabilities?
No, landlords cannot request extra deposits based only on disability.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone on social assistance?
No, refusing to rent based on source of income is considered discrimination.
Is there a government form to file a discrimination complaint?
Yes, use the Human Rights Complaint Form. File it with the Human Rights Commission.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act protect against discrimination?
The Act covers general tenancy rights, but anti-discrimination protections come from the Human Rights Act, 2010.
Which tribunal handles rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Office handles tenancy disputes.
What legislation covers tenant rights here?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 and the Human Rights Act, 2010.
Can landlords set different rental rules for certain groups?
No, separate rules for protected groups are not allowed unless it’s a justified accommodation.
What if my landlord retaliates after I ask for an accommodation?
Retaliation for seeking accommodation is illegal. Document what happens and consider a complaint.
Can a landlord evict me for needing accessible features?
No, they cannot evict you for needing or requesting accessibility modifications.
What is the process to request an accommodation?
Inform your landlord in writing about your need. They must work with you to find a solution.
Can landlords set occupancy limits that discriminate?
Occupancy rules must be reasonable and cannot target families or protected groups.
Can I be denied a unit based on my age?
No, discrimination based on age (except seniors’ housing) is generally illegal.
What if my landlord ignores my accessibility needs?
Remind them of their legal duty. If the problem continues, file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
Can I ask for building modifications at my own expense?
You can offer to pay for needed changes, and landlords should not refuse reasonable proposals.
Do I need proof of disability for accommodations?
You may need a note from a healthcare provider, but only enough info to confirm the need, not a full diagnosis.
Can my landlord ask about my medical condition?
Landlords can only ask for enough information to assess the request, not details about your condition.
Are there exceptions to discrimination laws in student or seniors housing?
Yes, some age or similar limitations are allowed in student or seniors complexes by law.
Can a landlord limit visiting hours for tenants with disabilities?
No, rules must apply equally and not target persons with disabilities.
What if my landlord refuses rent payments from social programs?
Refusing social assistance or subsidy payments is discrimination based on source of income.
Is building accessibility covered by the tenancy laws?
Building access is mainly covered by human rights law, not the Residential Tenancies Act.
Are verbal rental agreements protected from discrimination?
Yes, all tenancy arrangements are subject to human rights protections.
How much time do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
You must file within 12 months of the last event of discrimination.
Can I be evicted for complaining about discrimination?
No, retaliation for filing a complaint or asserting your rights is illegal.
Is there a fee to file a Human Rights complaint?
No, filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission is free.
Can I file if I was discriminated against by another tenant?
Usually, human rights law applies to landlords, but landlord inaction on harassment may be a violation.
What outcome can I expect if I win a discrimination case?
You could receive remedies such as compensation, a required accommodation, or policy changes.
Are gender identity and sexual orientation protected in housing?
Yes, both are protected grounds under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Human Rights Act.
Can a landlord ban assistive devices like walkers or oxygen tanks?
No, banning essential assistive devices is not allowed.
Do I need a lawyer to file a human rights complaint?
No, legal representation is not required to file a complaint.
Can human rights rules override the lease?
Yes, lease clauses that break human rights laws are not enforceable.
What if I face harassment because of a protected ground?
Harassment is discrimination. Keep records and file a complaint if necessary.
Are landlords required to install visual alarms for hearing impaired tenants?
Reasonable requests for visual alarms should be accommodated unless undue hardship is shown.
Do I have to pay for accessibility improvements?
Typically, landlords cover costs, but they can argue undue hardship for very expensive modifications.
What if my service animal damages the property?
You are responsible for damages, but cannot be charged extra deposits in advance.
Where can I get more information about tenant human rights?
Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission site.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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