Facing unfair treatment while looking for or living in a rental can be stressful. This guide helps tenants in the Northwest Territories gather strong, practical evidence of discrimination so they can protect their rights and seek remedies. It explains what kinds of incidents to record, how to document interactions and barriers related to disability, family status, race, or other protected grounds, and how to preserve physical and digital proof. Youll get clear examples of dated notes, photos, witness statements, and correspondence, plus step-by-step advice for filing complaints with territorial authorities or seeking legal help. The language is plain and practical so renters can act confidently when building a case.
What to document
When you suspect discrimination in advertising, applications, screening, entry, or during a tenancy, collect items that show a pattern or a single clear incident. Good evidence is objective, dated, and specific.
- Emails, text messages and written correspondence that show statements or refusals
- Photos or videos of conditions, advertising, accessibility barriers, or signage
- Dated notes and a timeline of events with times, locations and names
- Witness names and short signed statements describing what they saw or heard
- Copies of rental applications, screening forms, or rejection notices
How to collect and preserve evidence
Notes and timelines
Keep a dedicated log with dates and times for each interaction. Note the full date, approximate time, who was present and exactly what was said or done. If you phone, follow up with a brief email summarizing the call so theres a written record.
- Write dated notes immediately after incidents and keep them in one folder
- Save copies of submitted applications, receipts and any formal notices
- Use sequential filenames for photos/screenshots (e.g., 2026-06-01-photo1.jpg) and back them up
Photos, screenshots and recordings
Photos and screenshots can show advertising, blocked access, or different treatment. Audio or video can be powerful but check local rules before recording private conversations.
- Take clear photos of signs, accessibility barriers, or inconsistent advertising
- Screenshot online ads, emails and chat threads with visible timestamps
- Keep original files and note when and where each file was created
When and how to file a complaint
If you believe you faced discrimination under protected grounds, you can file with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission using the Human Rights Complaint Form [1]. For tenancy-specific remedies such as unlawful eviction or repairs that intersect with discrimination, the Residential Tenancies Office can accept an application for dispute resolution [2]. Consider both routes: human rights complaints focus on discrimination, while tenancy offices enforce lease and habitability rules. For practical steps on handling complaints in your rental, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and for territorial rights overview see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.
If youre still searching for a new place after an incident, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
FAQ
- What counts as good evidence of discrimination?
- Concrete items such as dated messages, photos, witness statements and comparable treatment examples are strongest because they show facts rather than opinions.
- Can I file with the NWT Human Rights Commission and the Residential Tenancies Office?
- Yes. You may file a human rights complaint for discrimination and a tenancy application for contractual or habitability issues; they are separate processes and can proceed at the same time.
- How long should I keep records?
- Keep records until your issue is fully resolved and for at least one year afterwards; some proceedings may require longer retention, so check deadlines when filing.
How-To
- Create a dated timeline listing each incident with who was involved and what happened.
- Gather supporting documents: emails, photos, screenshots and witness names, and keep originals where possible.
- Complete and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form or tenancy application as directed on the official site, attaching your evidence.
- Contact local advice services or legal aid if you need help preparing the submission or understanding deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- Document incidents quickly, with dates, names and supporting files.
- Use both human rights and tenancy routes when issues overlap.
- Keep backups and keep copies of everything you submit.
Help and Support / Resources
- Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission - Complaint forms and guidance
- Government of the Northwest Territories Residential Tenancies information and forms
