Discrimination & Accessibility Rights for NWT Tenants: FAQs

If you’re a tenant in the Northwest Territories and have questions about discrimination or accessibility in housing, understanding your rights is essential. The Human Rights Act and Residential Tenancies Act protect tenants from unfair treatment based on disability, race, sex, family status, and more. This guide answers frequently asked questions and provides practical help so you can take action if your rights are being ignored.

What Counts as Discrimination in Rental Housing?

Discrimination in rental housing happens when a landlord treats a tenant or applicant unfairly due to personal characteristics protected by law. In the Northwest Territories, these protected characteristics include:

• Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin
• Disability (including physical, mental, or developmental)
• Sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation
• Family status, marital status
• Age, religious beliefs, or political beliefs

It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent, evict, or treat someone differently because of any of these grounds.^[1]

Examples of Discrimination

• A landlord refusing to rent to someone with children
• Denying a rental unit due to a person's disability
• Raising rent only for tenants of a specific background

Accessibility: What Are My Rights?

Tenants living with disabilities have the right to accessible housing. Landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations—meaning changes or adjustments—to rules or physical barriers unless it causes undue hardship (major financial or health/safety risks).

• Allowing guide or service animals, even if pets are not usually allowed
• Providing accessible parking or ramps where reasonably possible
• Permitting certain unit modifications to improve physical access

If you ask for an accommodation, you may need to provide some evidence of your needs, but landlords cannot ask invasive personal questions. Reasonable accommodation is a legal requirement under NWT law.

Complaint Process: What Steps Should Tenants Take?

If you experience discrimination or your request for accommodation is ignored, several steps are available:

1. Try to resolve the issue with your landlord first, preferably in writing. Clearly state your needs and refer to the Human Rights Act or rental regulations.
2. Document all communications and keep copies of any related paperwork.
3. If the issue persists, you can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission (official body for discrimination complaints).
4. For issues about repairs or unfair notices, contact the NWT Office of the Rental Officer (Rental Office), responsible for resolving tenancy disputes.

Official Complaint Forms

• NWT Human Rights Complaint Form – Used for formal complaints of discrimination or harassment. Access the official NWT Human Rights Complaint Form here. Complete this if you feel your rights have been violated; include as much detail and supporting evidence as possible.
• Application to Rental Officer – Used for tenancy issues like denied accommodations or repairs. Download the Application to Rental Officer here. For example, use this to resolve disputes when reasonable modifications are denied.

Key Rules for Landlords and Tenants

Both tenants and landlords have important rights and responsibilities. For a full overview of what each side can and cannot do, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for the territory’s legal basics.

• Landlords must treat all tenants equally, including when advertising, renting, or setting rules
• Tenants should report discrimination or accessibility problems as soon as possible
• Landlords and tenants can use the Rental Officer for mediation or formal dispute resolution

Renters searching for accessible or inclusive housing options can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme using advanced filters for needs and location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination & Accessibility

1. What if my landlord refuses my request for a wheelchair ramp? If your building can be reasonably modified, your landlord should make the change unless it causes undue hardship. If they refuse without a valid reason, you have the right to file a human rights complaint or apply to the Rental Officer.
2. Can my landlord ban my certified guide dog? No. Service and guide animals must be allowed, even if there is a no-pets policy, as reasonable accommodation is a protected right.
3. What proof do I need to request an accommodation? You typically need to explain your need (for example, a doctor’s note for a medical issue), but landlords cannot demand intrusive personal information.
4. Does discrimination apply to rental ads and applications? Yes. Landlords may not use language or criteria in ads, applications, or interviews that excludes people based on protected grounds (such as 'no children' or 'adults only').
5. Where can I get a summary of all tenant rights and landlord duties in NWT? Practical overviews are available at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

How To Take Action When Facing Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

1. How to document discrimination by a landlord? Keep a dated record of incidents, save all letters/texts, and summarize phone or in-person exchanges after they happen.
2. How to file a human rights complaint? Complete the NWT Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Human Rights Commission within two years of the incident.
3. How to seek accessible modifications if my landlord says no? Explain your needs in writing, provide supporting evidence if possible, and if still refused, apply to the Rental Officer for a ruling or mediation.
4. How to request mediation with the Rental Officer? Use the Application to Rental Officer form, detailing your dispute. The process is tenant-friendly and confidential.

Key Takeaways for Northwest Territories Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination and have a right to reasonable accommodations in rental housing.
• Act promptly—document issues and use the right complaint forms if your landlord doesn’t respond.
• Support and resources are available through the Human Rights Commission and Rental Officer.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – For discrimination and accommodation complaints (1-888-669-5575)
• NWT Office of the Rental Officer – For tenancy disputes and problem resolution (867-767-9256 ext. 82160)
• Northwest Territories Housing Corporation – For programs, advocacy, and housing help
• Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

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1. The Human Rights Act (Northwest Territories): View the Human Rights Act official version
2. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT): See the Residential Tenancies Act

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