Being evicted is stressful, but tenants in the Northwest Territories still have legal protections — including under human rights law — that can help after a tenancy ends. This guide explains what kinds of discrimination are prohibited, how human rights remedies differ from tenancy remedies, and practical next steps tenants can take if they believe an eviction involved discrimination or retaliatory conduct. It focuses on accessible, practical advice for renters and explains where to find forms, how to document issues, and what officials or boards review complaints in the Northwest Territories. If you are navigating housing after an eviction, this piece is meant to help you understand your options and the people and forms who can help you move forward.
How human rights law can help after an eviction
Human rights law prevents discrimination in housing based on protected grounds such as race, sex, family status, disability, religion, and other characteristics. After an eviction, human rights remedies can address discriminatory reasons or retaliation that a tenancy board or small-claims process may not fully resolve. Tenants may seek remedies like compensation, an order to stop discriminatory practices, or policy changes by a landlord or housing provider.
Differences between tenancy remedies and human rights complaints
Tenancy processes administered through the residential tenancy office focus on breaches of a lease, unpaid rent, damage, and formal eviction procedures. Human rights complaints focus on whether protected characteristics or retaliatory conduct played a role in housing decisions. You can pursue both routes in some cases — a tenancy application for repossession or damages and a human rights complaint for discrimination.
- Document dates, messages, photos and witness names to support any discrimination claim.
- Keep copies of eviction notices, lease agreements, and any written communication from your landlord.
- If there was a hearing or formal decision by the residential tenancy office, keep those orders and dates for reference.
If you plan to challenge an eviction through the residential tenancy office or raise human rights concerns, know who handles each process: tenancy matters in the Northwest Territories are managed by the territorys residential tenancy office[1], while discrimination complaints go to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission[2].
Practical next steps for tenants after eviction
Choose steps based on whether the eviction appears discriminatory or a standard tenancy dispute. The list below gives a practical sequence you can follow.
- Gather evidence: save texts, emails, photos, receipts and names of witnesses who can support your account.
- Request written reasons from the landlord for the eviction and keep that document with your records.
- Consider filing with the residential tenancy office if the eviction involved lease breaches or unpaid rent.
- If you believe discrimination or retaliation was a factor, prepare and submit a human rights complaint to the Human Rights Commission.
- Seek legal advice or community legal aid early, especially if deadlines apply or you are seeking compensation.
What forms and official steps should tenants expect?
Each process has forms and timelines. For tenancy matters you may need to use the residential tenancy application forms to request a hearing or decision; for discrimination claims the Human Rights Commission provides a complaint form. Filling the right form starts the official review and opens a record of your claim.
Related reading and resources
To understand local tenancy rules or common post-eviction issues, these pages can help:
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories explains local tenancy rules and timelines.
- Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them gives practical solutions for problems that often arise before or after eviction.
If youre looking for a new place after an eviction, consider Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search listings and map-based options quickly.
FAQ
- Can I file a human rights complaint after an eviction?
- Yes. If you suspect the eviction was based on a protected ground (for example, disability, family status, race, sex) or was retaliatory, you can file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. The complaint process is separate from tenancy hearings.
- Will a human rights complaint reverse an eviction?
- Human rights remedies vary and may include compensation, orders to stop discriminatory practices, or other corrective measures. They do not always reverse an eviction, but they can provide remedies for discrimination or retaliation tied to housing decisions.
- Should I file with the residential tenancy office or the Human Rights Commission first?
- It depends on your goals. If you need an urgent tenancy hearing about unpaid rent or possession, start with the residential tenancy office. If the core issue is discrimination or retaliation, file a human rights complaint. You can pursue both if appropriate.
How-To
- Collect and organize all evidence: messages, photos, receipts, and witness names.
- Obtain copies of eviction notices, leases, and any official orders from the residential tenancy office.
- Complete the Human Rights complaint form with clear dates and facts, and submit it to the Human Rights Commission.
- Contact legal aid or a tenant advisory service for help with forms and deadlines.
- Attend any scheduled hearings or mediation sessions and bring copies of your evidence and witnesses if available.
Key Takeaways
- Human rights law can address discrimination or retaliation linked to eviction.
- Document everything and keep copies of notices, leases, and communications.
- You may pursue tenancy remedies and human rights complaints simultaneously where appropriate.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories
- Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission
