Younger renters in the Northwest Territories sometimes face different rules, informal age limits, or unfair treatment when they try to find housing. This article explains what age discrimination in housing looks like, how provincial human rights protections apply, and practical steps tenants can take if they believe a landlord treated them unfairly because of age. It covers how to document incidents, which official forms and complaints processes to use, and where to find local help. Written for renters who are not legal experts, the guide uses plain language and clear examples so you can protect your rights, respond to unfair practices, and find safe, stable housing in your community.
What age discrimination in housing can look like in the Northwest Territories
Age discrimination in housing happens when a landlord or property manager treats someone differently because of their age. Examples include refusing to consider applicants who are young, imposing higher deposits on younger tenants, or applying different house rules to people under a certain age. If the treatment is because of age and not for a legitimate safety or legal reason, it may violate territorial human rights protections and tenancy rules.
Your rights and where they come from
Two separate systems may help: human rights protections for discrimination claims and the tenancy system for rental disputes. For discrimination based on age you can contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission and, for tenancy matters like evictions or deposit disputes, the Residential Tenancies Office or the applicable territorial tenancy process.[1][2]
Common examples tenants should watch for
- Refusing to rent or charging a higher deposit to younger applicants just because of age.
- Giving different lease terms or rules to tenants under a certain age.
- Using informal screening that consistently excludes renters in a particular age group without valid reason.
When to use human rights complaints versus tenancy forms
If the primary issue is unfair treatment because of age, the Human Rights Commission is the right place to start; it handles discrimination complaints and can recommend remedies. If the issue is a tenancy problem (for example, an illegal eviction or a deposit dispute), file through the territorial tenancy process. Sometimes both systems apply: you may file a human rights complaint and also pursue a tenancy remedy.
How to prepare before you file a complaint
- Gather evidence: lease, screenshots, emails, photos, witness names and dates.
- Identify which process fits your issue: human rights complaint for discrimination or tenancy application for eviction/deposit issues.
- Note important deadlines: check timelines in the Human Rights Commission guidance and tenancy rules.
- Contact local tenant advice services or legal clinics for help filling forms.
- Consider finding alternative listings while you resolve the dispute; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Required official forms and when to use them
Two forms you will likely need:
- Human Rights Complaint Form — use this to file an age discrimination complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. Example: a 19-year-old applicant repeatedly denied housing despite meeting all criteria can submit this complaint to begin an investigation.[1]
- Tenancy Application / Notice Forms — use the official Residential Tenancies Office or territorial tenancy application form to resolve deposit disputes or unfair evictions. Example: if a landlord attempts to evict a renter without proper notice after discovering the renter is under a certain age, file the tenancy application to dispute the eviction.[2]
Filing tips and practical steps
- File as soon as possible: timelines can be strict and evidence is easier to gather early.
- Ask for help from local legal aid, tenant advisory services, or community groups.
- For habitability complaints raised alongside discrimination, document repair requests and any landlord responses.
FAQ
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am young?
- Not if the refusal is solely because of your age and age is a protected ground under territorial human rights law; you may have grounds for a human rights complaint.
- Will filing a human rights complaint stop an eviction?
- Filing a complaint does not automatically stop a tenancy action; you should also use the tenancy dispute process if the landlord is pursuing eviction and seek legal advice promptly.
- What evidence helps the most in these cases?
- Written records, dated messages, witnesses, photos, and copies of lease or advertising that show discriminatory language are most useful.
How-To
- Step 1: Gather and organize evidence including lease, messages, photos, and witness names.
- Step 2: Decide the right process—human rights complaint for discrimination or tenancy application for eviction/deposit issues.
- Step 3: Complete the official complaint or tenancy form following the instructions and attach your evidence.
- Step 4: File with the appropriate office and keep proof of filing; serve copies to the landlord if required.
- Step 5: Attend any interviews or hearings and bring your organized evidence and a clear timeline of events.
Key Takeaways
- Age-based exclusion may be discrimination and can be addressed through human rights or tenancy processes.
- Document incidents, act quickly on deadlines, and use the correct official forms.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact: NWT Human Rights Commission
- Contact: Government of the Northwest Territories - Residential Tenancies information
- Contact: Government of the Northwest Territories - Justice and tenant resources
