Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for NWT Tenants

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers in your Northwest Territories rental? Knowing your rights empowers you to live safely and with dignity. This checklist explains your protections under territorial law, outlines practical steps, and points you to help if you need it.

Know Your Legal Rights: Discrimination Protections

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Act protects tenants from discrimination in housing. Your landlord cannot treat you differently based on factors such as:

• Race, colour, or ancestry
• Disability (including physical and mental disabilities)
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Religion or creed
• Family status, marital status, or source of income
• Age

Landlords must provide equal access to rental opportunities and services. If they've denied your application, increased your rent unfairly, or refused a repair because of these personal characteristics, you have the right to challenge this treatment.

Accessibility & Accommodation: What Landlords Must Do

Tenants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation. This means landlords must make adjustments (unless it causes them undue hardship) so you can use your home fully. Examples include:

• Permitting service animals, even in "no pets" buildings
• Allowing grab bars or ramps to be installed
• Making communication accessible (e.g., using email if you are deaf or hard of hearing)

Common Discrimination Scenarios in Rentals

• Denying a rental application due to ethnicity, disability, or family status
• Evicting a tenant for needing an accessibility modification
• Different rules or requirements for certain groups of tenants
• Refusing to address maintenance that affects accessibility

These situations are not allowed under NWT law.

Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for NWT Tenants

• Check your lease and building rules—do they unfairly target certain groups or needs?
• Ask your landlord in writing for disability-related modifications if needed
• Document all interactions—date, time, details—especially if denied an application or request
• If you face repeated problems, contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission

Discrimination can also affect your health and safety. To learn more on keeping your home safe and healthy, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Legislation for NWT Renters

• Human Rights Act (NWT)
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) — governs landlord and tenant relations

Knowing both can help protect your rights in a variety of situations.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you experience discrimination or your landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation, you can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form (Download here)
• When to use: If you believe your rights were violated due to any protected ground (e.g., disability, race, source of income)
• How: Complete the form, detail the specific incident(s), and submit following instructions on the form page

For rental disputes not involving discrimination, applications go to the NWT Rental Office. Use their tenant application forms to resolve issues like repairs, rent deposits, or eviction.

Tribunals & Where to Get Help

• NWT Rental Office (official site) — handles landlord-tenant disputes
• Human Rights Commission — handles discrimination and accessibility complaints

For more details on your legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Want to search accessible or pet-friendly rental homes? Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility – NWT Tenants

1. What should I do if I’m denied an apartment for having children or a disability?
   Document what happened as best you can, then contact the Human Rights Commission to discuss filing a complaint.
2. Can my landlord refuse my service animal?
   No, even if the building doesn't allow pets, service or support animals must be reasonably accommodated for tenants with disabilities.
3. How do I request accessibility modifications?
   Ask your landlord in writing for the change; explain your needs and offer to cover reasonable costs if appropriate.
4. Who enforces anti-discrimination laws for tenants in the NWT?
   The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission investigates and, if needed, resolves housing discrimination complaints.
5. Are there any rules about discrimination against income-assisted tenants?
   Yes. Source of income is a protected ground, so landlords cannot refuse a tenant just because they receive government assistance.

How To: Deal with Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers as a Tenant

1. How do I file a formal discrimination complaint about a rental in the NWT?
   Download and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form, describe the situation, and submit it to the Human Rights Commission.
2. How can I prove I was discriminated against?
   Keep detailed notes, emails, and any documents showing unfair treatment based on protected grounds (such as disability, family status, or race).
3. How do I challenge my landlord’s refusal to accommodate my disability?
   Send your accommodation request in writing, ask for a written response, and if denied, apply to the Human Rights Commission.
4. How to get repairs or modifications for accessibility?
   Request the modification in writing. If refused, file an application with the Rental Office or discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Commission, depending on the issue.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and accessibility rights are protected by NWT legislation
• Landlords must make reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship exists
• If you experience discrimination, keep records and use official complaint processes

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission — complaint help and information
• NWT Rental Office — guides, forms, and dispute resolution
• Read the Human Rights Act (NWT)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. NWT Human Rights Act – full text here
2. NWT Residential Tenancies Act – Rental Office & legislation
3. Official forms: Human Rights Complaint Form, Tenant Application Forms (NWT)

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