If you're renting in the Northwest Territories, it's important to understand your rights when it comes to discrimination and accessibility. Knowing the laws and steps you can take helps ensure safe, fair, and inclusive housing. This guide explains the top 5 things tenants should know, including official forms, the relevant residential tenancy tribunal, and accessibility protections.
1. Fair Housing Is Guaranteed—Know What Counts as Discrimination
The Northwest Territories Human Rights Act protects tenants against discrimination in housing. Landlords cannot deny you a place to live based on:
- Race, colour, ancestry, nationality, or ethnic origin
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Age
- Religion or creed
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
- Family status or marital status
- Source of income
This means a landlord cannot refuse to rent, evict you, or treat you unfairly because of any protected ground. Discrimination can be direct (e.g., saying they won't rent to families with children) or indirect (e.g., rules that have a worse impact on people with disabilities).
2. Accessibility: The Right to Reasonable Accommodation
Under territorial law, landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Reasonable accommodation might include:
- Allowing service animals, even where pets are generally not allowed
- Making minor modifications to a unit (e.g., installing grab bars or light switches)
- Changing rules or policies that create barriers
If your accessibility needs are ignored, the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission handles accommodation complaints for tenants.
3. Filing a Human Rights Complaint—Forms and Steps
If you believe you've experienced discrimination or haven't received accommodation, you can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. Here's how:
- Form: Complaint Form – Download from the NWT Human Rights Commission.
- When to use: Use this form if you have been treated unfairly or denied housing due to a protected ground, or if your reasonable accommodation request was refused.
- What to include: Provide details about what happened, who was involved, and any supporting documents (such as emails, doctors' notes, or a copy of your lease).
- How to file: Submit your completed form by email, mail, or in person to the Human Rights Commission. The Commission will contact you about your next steps.
Complaints should be filed as soon as possible—the deadline is usually one year from the date of discrimination.
4. The Law and Tribunal Protecting Tenant Rights
Rental disputes in the Northwest Territories—such as eviction, maintenance, or rights violations—are managed by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). The key law is the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT).1 This legislation outlines both landlord and tenant rights and prohibits discriminatory practices in renting.
If you have concerns beyond discrimination—like repairs or general rights—you can consult the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories page for more details about tenancy rules, deposits, and responsibilities.
5. Accessibility and Safety: What Landlords Must Provide
Landlords are required to maintain safe living conditions, which includes addressing health, safety, and accessibility issues. If repairs or modifications are needed for accessibility (like handrails or ramps), you can formally request them in writing. For issues like heating, pest control, or dangerous conditions, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more guidance on landlord obligations and your rights.
Remember, it's illegal for your landlord to charge extra fees for accommodating a disability, or to evict you for requesting an accessible unit.
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FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Northwest Territories Rentals
- Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because of my disability?
No. Landlords in Northwest Territories cannot refuse a tenant based on disability or any other protected ground such as race, age, or religion. They have a duty to accommodate reasonable needs unless it results in serious hardship. - How do I request an accessibility modification in my unit?
Write to your landlord describing what you need and why. Attach supporting documents if necessary. If they deny your request, you can file a human rights complaint. - What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change to policies, rules, or the rental unit to allow a person with a disability equal access to housing—for example, installing a ramp or allowing a support animal. - Where do I go if I suspect discrimination?
You should file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. If it's about eviction or rental issues, also contact the Residential Tenancies Office. - Is my landlord allowed to evict me for complaining about discrimination?
No. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, including filing a discrimination complaint.
How To: Take Action If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers
- How do I file a discrimination complaint about my rental?
Download and fill out the NWT Human Rights Commission Complaint Form, attach supporting materials, and submit it as instructed on the website. Keep copies for your records. - What should I do if my landlord ignores my accessibility request?
Send a written reminder noting the request, give them time to answer, and if necessary, proceed to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. - What steps should I take if my health or safety is affected by accessibility issues?
Notify your landlord in writing, and if not resolved, contact both the Residential Tenancies Office and consider a human rights complaint. - Where do I find the legislation protecting my rights as a tenant?
The Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) and the Human Rights Act provide the legal basis for your rights and responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants in Northwest Territories are protected from discrimination and have the right to accessible housing.
- Reasonable accommodation must be provided for disabilities unless it causes hardship.
- Complaints can be filed with the Human Rights Commission and rental disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Office.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – Information, forms, and complaints
- NWT Residential Tenancies Office – Rental disputes and fact sheets
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
- NWT Legal Aid Legal Aid information
