Denied Housing Over Pets? Tenant Rights in Northwest Territories

Are you a tenant or rental applicant in the Northwest Territories who has faced housing denial because of pet ownership? With rental housing often in short supply and many people considering pets as family, it's essential to understand your rights, the relevant laws, and what steps you can take if you're refused a rental due to your pets. This guide explains how pet ownership is handled under Northwest Territories tenancy laws, what counts as discrimination, and your options for appealing unfair treatment.

Can Landlords Deny You Housing Over Pets?

In the Northwest Territories, landlords are generally allowed to set their own pet policies. That means unless the animal is a service or support animal for a disability, landlords can legally refuse your rental application if you own a pet. However, there are important exceptions and extra protections for people with disabilities that tenants should know.

Service Animals and Human Rights Protections

Under the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act, it's illegal for a landlord to refuse housing because a person requires a service animal for a disability. This includes guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance animals needed to help manage a disability. If you've been denied housing on this basis, you may have a human rights complaint.

• Regular pets: No specific right to keep pets. Landlords can set rules.
• Service/assistance animals: Protected under human rights law. Landlords cannot refuse you or charge pet fees for certified service animals.

What Does Your Lease Say?

If you're already renting, check your lease or tenancy agreement. Many leases in the Northwest Territories have clear clauses about pets. If pets are not mentioned, ask your landlord for written permission before bringing a new pet home. Violating pet policies may be grounds for eviction if the tenancy agreement was clear from the start.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant

The rights of tenants and landlords in the Northwest Territories are defined by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)^[1]. While pet ownership is not protected under the RTA itself, tenants still have legal recourse if a landlord's pet policy violates human rights or is applied unfairly. For more specifics, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

• You cannot be charged extra rent for a certified service or guide animal.
• Renters with pets must still follow all rules on property damage and cleanliness.
• All tenants are protected from discrimination based on disability-related needs, including the use of service animals.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe your rights were violated because of a service animal, you can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. This includes housing denials based on your need for a service animal or unfair pet-related terms that target disability. When you file, you’ll need to provide details and any supporting documents, such as medical proof of disability and animal certification.

Deposits and Pet-Related Fees

Landlords can request a pet deposit in addition to the security deposit, but not for service animals. The combined amount of your security and pet deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent^[2]. For a detailed overview, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Forms Do You Need?

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office: When a landlord attempts to evict you for a pet that is a service animal, you can file this application with the RTO. The form typically requires:
  • Your contact information and rental details
  • The issue you're disputing (e.g., eviction, unfair deposit, discrimination)
  • Supporting documents such as notice to terminate, service animal certification, or medical documentation

  Download the Application Form (PDF)

• Human Rights Complaint Form: File with the NWT Human Rights Commission if you believe you've experienced discrimination tied to your need for a service animal. Include medical confirmation and animal certifications if possible.

Always make copies for your records and submit forms as soon as possible after the incident.

Practical Example: Denied Housing Due to a Guide Dog

Suppose you applied to rent an apartment with your certified guide dog and were denied solely due to the animal. This is likely disability discrimination and you can:

• File a human rights complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission
• Request a hearing if you are already a tenant facing eviction
• Seek advice from local tenant support agencies

Service animal needs are protected even if general pet bans exist in a building.

Looking for Pet-Friendly Rentals?

Finding housing that accepts pets can be difficult, especially outside the major centres. If you are searching for pet-friendly listings, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for current options across the Northwest Territories and beyond.

FAQ

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a pet?
   Yes, unless the pet is a certified service or support animal required for a disability. There is no general right to have pets in rental housing in the Northwest Territories.
2. Are landlords allowed to charge a pet deposit?
   Yes, but the combined security and pet deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent. No pet deposits or pet-related fees can be charged for certified service animals.
3. What legal steps can I take if I’m denied housing for my service animal?
   You can file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission and/or apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for a review if you’re already a tenant facing eviction.
4. What if my landlord tries to evict me because of a pet?
   You may contest the eviction with the Residential Tenancies Office, especially if your animal is a certified service animal protected by human rights legislation.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in the Northwest Territories can refuse pets unless you require a service animal due to a disability.
• If you believe you faced discrimination because of a service animal, file a human rights complaint promptly.
• Be sure to review your rental agreement and clarify pet policies before signing.

For further details on the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, explore Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): For tenancy disputes, eviction notices, and complaints
• NWT Human Rights Commission: For discrimination or rights complaints related to service animals and rental denials
• Download NWT Tenancy Forms: For applications and notices
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories: Comprehensive guide on local tenant-law issues

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1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
2. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Regulations

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