Filing a human rights complaint about housing can feel overwhelming, but tenants in the Northwest Territories have clear legal options and practical steps to protect their rights. This guide explains when conduct in housing is discrimination, how to collect the evidence landlords or property managers may challenge, key forms to use, and realistic timelines for filing with the territorial human rights body. It also covers how the process interacts with tenancy issues like repairs, eviction or rent disputes, and what to expect at each stage. Use this information to prepare a focused, well-documented complaint and find the right local resources and tribunal contacts to support your case.
What counts as housing discrimination in NWT?
Housing discrimination happens when a landlord, property manager or housing provider treats someone unfairly because of a protected ground such as disability, family status, race, sex, religion, or marital status. Examples include refusing to rent, imposing different terms, evicting, or denying reasonable accommodations for a disability. The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission handles territorial human rights complaints and provides the official complaint form and guidance.[1]
Preparing your complaint
Before filing, gather a clear record showing what happened, who was involved, where and when events occurred, and any attempts you made to resolve the issue with the landlord. If your housing problem overlaps with repair, eviction or rent disputes, you may also need to contact the tenancy office or follow residential tenancy rules.[2]
- Photos or videos of the unit or discriminatory signage.
- Copies of the lease, emails and text messages from the landlord.
- Names and contact details of witnesses with short statements.
- Records of phone calls, repair requests or notices showing dates and outcomes.
How to file a complaint in the Northwest Territories
Follow these practical steps to file a housing human rights complaint in NWT. If your issue involves tenancy-specific remedies like repairs or eviction notices, also see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and check local tenancy rules in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.
- Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form provided by the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission and include the facts, dates and supporting evidence. For example, attach photos of a denied accommodation request and copies of emails proving the denial.[1]
- File within the territorial deadline stated in the Human Rights Act or on the commission website; missing a deadline can affect your ability to proceed.
- Submit the form and evidence by the methods the commission accepts (mail, email or in-person) and keep proof you submitted the package.
- After filing you may be invited to mediation or a hearing; attend scheduled meetings and bring originals of key documents and any witnesses who can testify.
If you need temporary housing while your complaint is processed or are exploring options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find available rentals in other regions. Consider seeking local legal advice, community legal clinics or tenant support groups for help filling forms or preparing evidence.
FAQ
- Who can file a human rights complaint about housing in the Northwest Territories?
- Any current or prospective tenant, household member, or person denied housing who believes they experienced discrimination based on protected grounds can file a complaint with the territorial human rights commission.
- What information does the complaint form ask for?
- The form requests your contact details, the respondent's details (landlord or housing provider), a clear description of incidents with dates, the grounds you say apply, and supporting evidence.
- Can I file both a tenancy claim and a human rights complaint?
- Yes. You may pursue a human rights complaint and tenancy remedies simultaneously, but follow each process's rules and deadlines; the residential tenancy office handles rent and repair disputes while the human rights commission handles discrimination claims.
How-To
- Collect and organize documents, photos, messages and witness names that support your discrimination claim.
- Fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form completely, attaching clear examples and evidence for each incident.
- Submit the complaint by the methods allowed and within the filing period shown on the commission website.
- Prepare for mediation or a hearing by summarizing your evidence and bringing originals and witnesses as needed.
- Follow up with the commission for case status and get local legal support if you need help at any stage.
Key Takeaways
- Document incidents carefully with dates, messages and photos before filing.
- Use the official Human Rights Complaint Form and follow submission instructions exactly.
- Meet filing deadlines and respond promptly to commission requests.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for complaint forms and guidance.
- Residential Tenancies Office – information on tenancy rules and related forms.
- Government of the Northwest Territories – housing programs and supports.
