Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for New Tenants in Northwest Territories

Starting a tenancy in Northwest Territories brings excitement, but also important questions about fairness and access. If you’re a new tenant, it’s essential to understand how discrimination and accessibility laws protect you before and during your rental. This guide clarifies key rights under Northwest Territories law, outlines your protections against discrimination, and explains how to request accommodations if needed.

What is Discrimination in Housing?

Discrimination means being treated unfairly or differently because of a personal characteristic protected by law. In Northwest Territories, these protected grounds include:

• Race, colour, ancestry, ethnicity, or place of origin
• Religion or creed
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Family status, marital status
• Source of income (e.g., government assistance)
• Age

Landlords cannot refuse to rent, set different rules, or otherwise treat tenants unfairly for these reasons¹.

Your Right to Accessible Housing

Accessibility refers to making sure rental homes are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Under Northwest Territories human rights law, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship (such as excessive cost or health/safety risks).

Common Examples of Accommodations

• Allowing a service animal, even if the building has a “no pets” policy
• Permitting installation of grab bars or ramps
• Adjusting rules (like reserved parking spaces)

Protections for New Tenants: What to Expect

From your first viewing to signing the lease, landlords cannot:

• Ask discriminatory questions (e.g., about religion, disability, or family status)
• Refuse applications due to a protected characteristic
• Deny reasonable accessibility requests

Learn more specifics about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a full overview of your protection as a tenant.

Reporting Discrimination or Lack of Accessibility

If you face discrimination, or your landlord denies a reasonable accessibility accommodation, you have the right to file a complaint with:

• The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission

The rental tribunal for tenancy problems is the Rental Officer of Northwest Territories, who can help with issues related to your tenancy agreement and repairs².

Official Forms for Discrimination and Accessibility Complaints

Here's how tenants can take action if they feel their rights have been violated:

• Human Rights Complaint Form (download link): Use this to report discrimination or a denied accommodation. Submit it to the Human Rights Commission with details of what happened, when, and any supporting evidence (like emails or medical letters).

Tip: Describe the incident clearly and attach documents if possible.

Legislation Protecting Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) – governs rental housing rights and responsibilities
• Human Rights Act (Northwest Territories) – protects against discrimination and requires accommodation

Tenancy-related rules, obligations, and remedies are explained in the Residential Tenancies Act³.

Landlords’ and Tenants’ Responsibilities

Both parties must follow the law:

• Landlords: Must not discriminate and must provide reasonable accommodations
• Tenants: Must pay rent and care for the unit, and inform landlords promptly of accommodation needs

See more on your rights and obligations in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for a New Rental? Accessibility Options Matter

Whether you need step-free entry, service animal allowance, or just want the best selection, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—including accessible options—in Northwest Territories and beyond.

1. What if my landlord refuses to allow my service animal?
   Your landlord must provide reasonable accommodation for your service animal, even if there’s a general "no pets" policy. If refused, file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.
2. Can a landlord reject my application because I'm on income assistance?
   No. Source of income is a protected ground under the Human Rights Act, so landlords cannot discriminate against tenants on income assistance.
3. Do all rental buildings need to be accessible?
   Not all are fully accessible. However, landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities unless it causes them serious hardship.
4. Where do I complain if I face discrimination after moving in?
   You can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission or contact the Rental Officer for tenancy agreement disputes.
5. What documentation do I need for a discrimination complaint?
   Include a clear explanation of what happened, dates, and any supporting evidence such as emails or medical documentation.

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation?
   Notify your landlord in writing, explain your need, and provide any supporting medical documentation if relevant.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   Fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, describing what happened and attaching evidence.
3. How can I find accessible rentals in Northwest Territories?
   Search on rental platforms, look for accessibility features, and communicate your needs to the landlord before signing a lease.
4. How do I follow up on a complaint with the Human Rights Commission?
   After submitting your complaint, the Commission will contact you for further details or to confirm the process. Respond promptly and provide any extra information requested.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Northwest Territories are protected from discrimination and have the right to accessible housing.
• Landlords must accommodate accessibility needs unless it is an undue hardship.
• If your rights are violated, you can file a complaint and seek remedies under both tenancy and human rights laws.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Rental Officer (Northwest Territories) – For tenancy problems, repairs, and disputes
• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – For discrimination and accessibility complaints
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

1. Human Rights Act (Northwest Territories), full legislation
2. Rental Officer (Northwest Territories)
3. Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)