Searching for a rental in the Northwest Territories can be a challenge, especially for families with children sharing a home or looking for roommate situations. One important question tenants often have is whether a landlord can refuse to rent to you solely because you have children. This article breaks down your rights, highlights the laws protecting families, and provides actionable steps if you face this kind of discrimination.
Can a Landlord Legally Refuse to Rent to Families with Children?
In the Northwest Territories, landlords are generally not allowed to discriminate against tenants or prospective tenants on the basis of family status—including whether you have children. This applies to all types of rental housing, including shared accommodations and situations with roommates.
Family status is a protected ground under the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act[1]. This means landlords or other tenants cannot legally reject, evict, or otherwise treat you unfairly just because you have children living with you.
What Counts as Discrimination?
- Refusing your rental application solely because you have children
- Advertising units as “adults only,” or specifying “no children” in listings
- Setting different rental terms or extra charges for people with kids
It is illegal for housing providers or landlords to engage in these behaviours. There are very limited exceptions (for example, seniors-only housing), but most ordinary rentals, rooms, and apartments cannot exclude families.
Your Rights as a Tenant or Roommate Applicant
If you are applying for housing in the Northwest Territories, you have the right to fair consideration regardless of family status. Protecting these rights is essential for families, roommates with children, and anyone concerned about equality in housing.
To read more about tenancy rights in your territory, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.
What to Do if You Face Discrimination as a Parent
If you believe a landlord has unfairly rejected your application or treated you differently because you have children, you can take action. Here’s how to address the situation.
- Record What Happened: Save any messages, emails, or ads that show discrimination.
- Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission: They handle complaints related to discrimination, including housing.
- Consider Filing a Complaint: The process is confidential and can help protect your rights and those of others facing similar issues.
The official body that handles tenant rights, including disputes and discrimination, is the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission and you may also have interactions with the Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy-specific matters.
Official Forms and How to Use Them
- NWT Human Rights Complaint Form
- When to Use: If you believe you've been denied a rental, or treated unfairly, because of your children or family status.
- How to Use: Complete the form and provide as much detail as possible, including dates and evidence. Submit it to the Human Rights Commission.
- View and download the Complaint Form
For routine rental issues (like maintenance or disputes), the Residential Tenancies Office provides forms and guidance.
Other Important Tenant Protections
Your rights as a tenant extend beyond discrimination. You also have rights around safety, repairs, and the conditions of your rental unit.
- Landlords must maintain safe living conditions (Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting).
- Deposits, entry rules, and ending your lease must be handled according to the Residential Tenancies Act [2].
Every tenant, with or without children, is protected by these laws.
When searching for a new home—or if you need to relocate due to discrimination—you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily, including family-friendly listings.
Questions and Answers About Tenancy Discrimination
- Can my landlord evict me if I have a baby or my family grows?
No, a landlord cannot evict you just because you have a child, unless a specific, legal exemption applies. - What should I do if a rental listing says "adults only"?
This is likely discriminatory and should be reported. Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. - Does the law also cover shared housing with roommates?
Yes—whether renting a whole unit or with roommates, family status protections still apply. - Are there any exceptions to these rules?
The main exception is for seniors-only residences. Normal apartments, condos, and rentals must comply with the law. - Who can help me if my rights are violated?
The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission offers confidential advice and complaint handling for tenants experiencing discrimination.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Landlords in Northwest Territories generally cannot reject your rental application just because you have children.
- If you face this issue, keep records and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
- All tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Act.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – File complaints, get legal information, and see resources on your rights.
- Residential Tenancies Office – Guidance on all tenancy matters, forms, and dispute resolution.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Comprehensive guide for tenants and landlords in NWT.
