Discrimination in Northwest Territories Housing: Case Studies & Tenant Rights

Facing discrimination when renting a home can be distressing and confusing. In the Northwest Territories, housing discrimination is illegal, and tenants have protections under local law. By reviewing real case studies and recent legal precedents, tenants can better understand their rights and how discrimination is addressed by authorities in this territory.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in the Northwest Territories

Discrimination in housing means treating someone unfairly or denying rental accommodations based on protected grounds. In the Northwest Territories, the Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, gender, disability, family status, or age when it comes to rental housing. Landlords must follow these rules.

Common Examples of Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone because they have children
• Denying an application based on race or ethnic background
• Imposing different rules or higher security deposits due to disability or family size

If you believe you’ve faced discrimination, it’s important to know that avenues for support and justice exist through the territory’s legal system.

Legal Precedents and Case Studies in the Northwest Territories

Several recent cases brought before the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission have helped clarify how tenancy discrimination is handled. For example, in 2022, a tenant with a service animal filed a complaint after a landlord refused to rent to them, citing “no pets.” The Commission found that the landlord’s refusal contravened the duty to accommodate disability under the Human Rights Act. As a result, the tenant was awarded compensation and the landlord was required to update their policies.

Another key case involved a landlord who offered rental units only to single applicants, turning away families with children. The Human Rights Adjudication Panel determined this violated the right to fair housing, and ordered changes to the landlord’s advertising and rental criteria.

These decisions set important precedents and help protect tenants throughout the territory from similar mistreatment. If you’re unsure about what qualifies as discrimination, the case summaries published by the Commission are a valuable resource and can help identify if your situation may be covered.

How Tenants Can Respond to Discrimination

If you experience what you believe is housing discrimination, you have options for recourse. The Human Rights Commission encourages tenants to:

• Document the incident with dates, names, and any written communication
• Speak with the landlord first, if you feel safe doing so, to attempt to resolve the issue
• Submit an official complaint if the issue is not resolved or is severe

The territorial Human Rights Complaint Form is used to begin the process. When completing this form, describe your experience clearly and attach copies of any relevant evidence (such as emails, texts, or rental advertisements).

Tenancy Tribunal and Relevant Legislation

The Residential Tenancies Office manages rental disputes not related to discrimination such as rent, maintenance, or eviction under the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act¹. For issues of discrimination, however, tenants must go through the Human Rights Commission under the Human Rights Act².

Forms and Filing a Complaint: What Tenants Need

• Human Rights Complaint Form (no number): Used to report discrimination.
  Example: If your application was denied because you have children, you would use this form to start a formal complaint.
  Access the official form here.

Once a complaint is filed, the Commission may attempt mediation first. If no resolution is found, your case may proceed to a hearing before an Adjudication Panel.

Know Your Tenant Rights in the Northwest Territories

The rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords are outlined in the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act. For a summary of your rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Many discrimination cases also involve issues like deposits, maintenance, or notice periods. For a deeper understanding of related topics, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

If you are searching for a discrimination-free rental experience, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQs: Discrimination in Housing in the Northwest Territories

1. What is considered housing discrimination in the Northwest Territories?
   Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord or manager treats a tenant unfairly due to race, age, family status, disability, or another protected ground.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint as a tenant?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission with all necessary evidence.
3. Which tribunal deals with tenant discrimination cases?
   The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission handles discrimination cases; other rental issues go to the Residential Tenancies Office.
4. What happens after I submit a human rights complaint?
   The commission will review and may offer mediation. If unresolved, it can move to a formal hearing and decision.
5. Can a landlord refuse to rent to families with children?
   No. Refusing to rent based on family status is prohibited under human rights laws in the Northwest Territories.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Housing discrimination is illegal in the Northwest Territories—tenants have strong legal protection.
• The Human Rights Commission and official complaint form are the primary avenues for addressing discrimination.
• Document every incident and know your rights for better advocacy and support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – File complaints, access forms, or get support
• Residential Tenancies Office – Legal questions and dispute resolution for non-discrimination tenancy matters
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Overview of tenant and landlord obligations
• Local tenant advocacy groups or legal aid for confidential support

---

1. Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies Act
2. Northwest Territories Human Rights Act

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy