Avoiding Discrimination & Accessibility Mistakes for Tenants in Northwest Territories

As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, understanding your rights around discrimination and accessibility is essential for a safe and fair housing experience. Landlords must provide equal treatment and accessible living spaces, but sometimes mistakes occur—often unintentionally—that can negatively impact tenants. This guide focuses on avoiding common pitfalls and knowing the steps to take if you encounter challenges.

Recognizing Discrimination in Renting

Discrimination in housing happens when a landlord treats a tenant unfairly based on protected grounds, such as race, disability, age, or family status. In the Northwest Territories, both the Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and the NWT Human Rights Act^[2] protect your right to equal treatment.

• Examples of discrimination: Refusing to rent to someone because they have children, a disability, or based on religion
• Evicting a tenant after learning about a disability
• Setting different rental terms for protected groups

Common Accessibility Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)

Accessibility means providing equal opportunity for people with disabilities to use and enjoy rental housing. Mistakes happen when landlords forget their duty to accommodate, such as refusing reasonable changes or failing to maintain accessibility features.

• Not allowing support animals despite medical documentation
• Refusing reasonable physical modifications (e.g., grab bars or ramps)
• Overlooking accessibility during routine repairs and unit maintenance

If you need an accommodation, it's best to make your request in writing and provide supporting documents if needed. Landlords are required to accommodate "to the point of undue hardship."

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, knowing the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories is crucial. Both landlords and tenants must follow the terms of the lease and fair treatment standards outlined by law. For a deeper understanding, also review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Reporting Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

If you believe your landlord has discriminated against you or failed to accommodate your accessibility needs, you have the right to take action. The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission is responsible for investigating complaints related to discrimination and accessibility in housing.

Official Forms and Filing a Complaint

• NWT Human Rights Complaint Form – Use this form to file a complaint of discrimination or failure to accommodate. Available from the NWT Human Rights Commission. Fill out the form with details and submit it within 2 years of the alleged event.
• Residential Tenancies Act forms: For tenancy-related matters (not discrimination), the most common forms include the Application to the Rental Officer, available on the NWT Rental Office website.

After submitting your complaint, you may be contacted for further information. Resolution can involve mediation, investigation, or a hearing, depending on the case.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Always communicate requests for accommodation in writing
• Clarify obligations and rights using government resources whenever possible
• Document interactions and keep copies of communications for your records
• Encourage open communication with your landlord about accessibility needs

Understanding the rules can prevent misunderstandings and protect your rights in advance.

Additional Supports for Tenants

Whether you’re just moving in or facing ongoing rental challenges, being aware of your rights empowers you to respond effectively. For more information on dealing with routine rental issues, refer to Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For those seeking housing that meets accessibility needs, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and filter by accessibility features when possible.

1. What are protected grounds for discrimination in the Northwest Territories?
   Protected grounds include race, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, and family status, among others.
2. Can my landlord refuse to allow a support animal?
   Landlords cannot refuse a service or support animal if you provide proper documentation and the accommodation is reasonable.
3. What if my landlord won’t make accessibility modifications?
   If your request is reasonable and supported by documentation, contact the landlord in writing. If they still refuse, contact the NWT Human Rights Commission.
4. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You must file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission within 2 years from when the incident occurred.
5. What resources exist for learning more about tenant rights?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for detailed local information and guidance.

1. How can I request an accessibility-related accommodation?
   Write a formal request to your landlord explaining your needs and include supporting documentation if available. Maintain copies for your own records.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Northwest Territories?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form from the NWT Human Rights Commission's website and submit it with your account of the incident.
3. How do I document discrimination or an accessibility issue?
   Keep a log detailing all relevant events, including who was involved, what was said or done, and any supporting correspondence.
4. How do I follow up after submitting a complaint?
   The Commission may contact you for more details. Respond promptly and provide requested information to help with your case. Keep a record of all communications.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Rental Office (Residential Tenancy Disputes)
• NWT Human Rights Commission – for discrimination and accessibility complaints
• NWT Housing Corporation – offers supports for affordable and accessible housing
• For a full overview of your rights, visit: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. NWT Human Rights Act

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