As a tenant in the Northwest Territories, knowing your rights around discrimination and accessibility is essential. Landlords in this territory must comply with the law and provide fair, accessible housing for all individuals, regardless of background or needs. This guide breaks down your protections, outlines what to do if you face barriers or unfair treatment, and connects you to actionable resources—so you can feel secure and empowered in your rental home.
Understanding Tenant Protections: Discrimination in NWT Rentals
In the Northwest Territories, tenants are safeguarded by the NWT Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act[1]. These laws prohibit landlords from treating tenants unfairly or refusing accommodation based on specific personal characteristics.
- Race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnicity, or place of origin
- Religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- Family status (including whether you have children)
- Marital status
- Disability or lawful source of income
Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or harass someone for any of the above reasons. If you believe you've faced discrimination, you have a right to file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission[2].
Accessibility: Right to Reasonable Accommodation
Access to rental housing isn't just about being able to sign a lease—it's about living comfortably and safely. Under the law, landlords are required to remove barriers and provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, as long as it doesn't cause undue hardship.
- Making entrances, hallways, or bathrooms wheelchair accessible
- Allowing service animals, even in pet-restricted buildings
- Offering written materials in alternative formats, if requested
Common Forms: Requesting Accommodation or Filing a Complaint
- Request for Accommodation (No official government form): Provide a written letter or email to your landlord outlining what changes or supports you need due to your disability or medical condition. Attach documentation from a healthcare professional if possible.
- Human Rights Complaint Form: Use the official NWT Human Rights Commission Complaint Form when you have faced discrimination (for example, a landlord refuses to rent due to your child or disability). Complete the form online or mail it, including any evidence you have. The Human Rights Commission will investigate and help resolve the complaint.
Summary: Protection against discrimination and requirements for accessibility both apply during rental applications and your entire tenancy period.
Landlords’ Obligations & Tenant Rights
Landlords must treat all tenants equally and act promptly on requests for accessibility. They may require medical documents to support your request for accommodation but should keep these confidential and only use them for the intended purpose.
- A landlord can only refuse accommodation if making changes would cause excessive financial or safety issues ("undue hardship").
- Common issues such as rent increases, repairs, or entry to your unit must be managed according to law and cannot be used to harass or discriminate against you.
- If issues arise, you are protected by the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.
For more details on the responsibilities of both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Complaint Process: What to Expect
If you face discrimination or your accessibility needs are not met, you have these options:
- Raise your concern with your landlord or property manager in writing
- If unresolved, submit a human rights complaint using the NWT Human Rights Commission’s online portal
- You may also apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for issues related to eviction or landlord conduct[3]
For rental disputes outside of discrimination (such as repairs or safety), see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
What Evidence Do I Need?
Keep the following whenever you are dealing with discrimination or accessibility barriers:
- Written correspondence with your landlord
- Medical letters supporting your need for accommodation
- Photos of inaccessible features or other problems
- Records of complaints to government agencies or support organizations
Documenting the problem can make a big difference if you have to file a formal complaint or seek legal help.
Additional Tenant Support
The rental housing market is for everyone. If you are searching for new accessible homes or want to compare options, try using Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to simplify your search in the Northwest Territories and beyond.
FAQ
- What types of discrimination are prohibited for tenants in Northwest Territories?
Landlords cannot treat tenants unfavourably based on race, disability, family status, religion, sex, age, or other protected grounds under NWT law. - Are landlords required to make units wheelchair-accessible?
Landlords must provide "reasonable accommodation" for disabilities unless it creates an "undue hardship" (extreme financial or safety risk). Minor modifications are often required. - What should I do if my accessibility request is ignored?
Begin by making a written request to your landlord. If there's no response or your request is denied without justification, file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission. - Where can I get official forms for filing a discrimination complaint?
Visit the NWT Human Rights Commission to access the Human Rights Complaint Form. - Can my landlord evict me for needing an accessible home?
No. Landlords cannot evict tenants for requesting accommodations related to a disability or other protected grounds.
How To Protect Your Rights as a Tenant in the Northwest Territories
- How do I request accessibility changes in my rental?
Write a letter or email to your landlord describing what you need and why. Include supporting documentation if available and keep copies. - How can I file a discrimination complaint?
Gather any evidence (emails, letters, notes). Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it online or by mail. The Commission will contact you about next steps. - What steps can I take if discrimination impacts my tenancy?
Communicate with your landlord first. If the problem persists, you may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or seek mediation through the Residential Tenancies Office. - How do I prove discrimination occurred?
Document each incident carefully (dates, what happened, witnesses). Keep all written communications and relevant records.
Key Takeaways for NWT Tenants
- You have strong legal protection against discrimination and barriers to accessibility.
- Landlords must act on accommodation requests unless it is an extreme burden.
- Help is available through territorial agencies if you need to make a complaint or stand up for your rights.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- NWT Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints and access support
- Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Residential tenancy dispute resolution and advice
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Facts, protections, and practical information for tenants
- For ongoing legal help, contact Legal Aid NWT at ntlegalaid.ca
