How to Handle Housing Discrimination as a Tenant in Northwest Territories

Experiencing discrimination can be stressful, especially when it affects your ability to find or keep housing in the Northwest Territories. If you believe you've been treated unfairly—whether by a landlord, property manager, or even a potential roommate—understanding your rights and how to respond is essential. This guide covers your protections as a tenant and offers a clear path for addressing housing discrimination in the NWT.

Recognizing Housing Discrimination in Northwest Territories

According to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act, it’s illegal for landlords or anyone advertising shared housing—including roommate arrangements—to discriminate based on grounds such as race, gender, disability, family status, religion, or sexual orientation.^[1]

• Refusing to rent to you because of your ethnicity, marital status, or other protected ground
• Creating rental ads that specify a preference for or against certain groups
• Denying reasonable accommodations for a disability
• Increasing rent or ending your tenancy based on protected characteristics

Understanding which behaviours are discriminatory is the first step to protecting your rights.

Your Legal Rights and Where They Come From

In Northwest Territories, both the Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[2] provide essential protections for tenants. These laws ensure you have a right to fair and equal treatment in all stages of renting—including applying for a room, signing a lease, or sharing living space.

For a province-wide overview, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for additional context.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Discriminated Against

If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly in your search for rental housing or by your landlord or roommate, there are clear steps you can take. Acting quickly and keeping good records can strengthen your case and help address the situation effectively.

Step 1: Record the Details

• Write down dates, times, locations, and exactly what happened or was said
• Keep copies of emails, texts, or rental ads you believe are discriminatory
• Collect names and contact details for any witnesses

Step 2: Try to Resolve Informally (Optional)

Sometimes, clear communication can solve a misunderstanding. You may wish to speak or write to your landlord or roommate to explain your perspective. However, this is not required if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Step 3: File a Formal Complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission is your main resource for discrimination issues in rental housing—including shared or roommate situations.

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to Use: If you have reason to believe your rights were violated under the Human Rights Act, for example, by exclusion from a rental unit or unfair treatment from a roommate/landlord, use this form.
• How to Submit: Download, fill out the form, and submit it online, by email, or by mail as directed on the Commission’s website. Staff are available to help with questions.

Step 4: Know the Role of the Rental Officer

For tenancy issues not related to discrimination (such as repairs or rent payments), the Rental Officer for Northwest Territories oversees landlord-tenant disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act.^[2]

Your obligations and protections regarding maintenance, deposits, and eviction are set by the RTA. See Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for more about everyday rental disputes.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

The NWT Human Rights Commission will review your submission and may offer mediation, or conduct an investigation. If the claim moves forward, both parties might attend a hearing. Remedies can include:

• An order for the landlord or roommate to stop discriminatory behaviour
• Monetary compensation
• Policy changes for the housing provider

Matters involving your tenancy agreement—such as ending a lease or rent payments—remain under the Rental Officer’s jurisdiction. For more information about your broader rights and duties as a tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Living with Roommates: What to Watch For

Roommate and shared housing arrangements are common, but discrimination laws still apply. If you’re excluded from a living arrangement, harassed, or have trouble with lease changes for a discriminatory reason, you have the same right to protection.

• All rental advertisements and selection processes must follow the Human Rights Act
• Discrimination by co-tenants is also covered

For tips on smooth move-ins and your basic obligations, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Housing Discrimination: Summary

Discrimination in housing is unlawful and protections are in place for all types of rental situations, including shared and roommate housing. If you believe your rights as a tenant in Northwest Territories have been violated, you can confidently take action—whether informally or by filing an official complaint.

1. Is discrimination in roommate ads or selection allowed?
   No, advertisements and selection based on protected characteristics (such as race, religion, or gender) are not allowed under the NWT Human Rights Act. All stages of finding a roommate or renting a room must comply.
2. What legal protections cover tenants facing discrimination?
   The Human Rights Act protects you in all rental housing, including roommate setups. The Residential Tenancies Act covers your tenancy rights generally.
3. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the NWT Human Rights Commission. Staff can guide you if you’re unsure about the process.
4. Can I still rent if I have filed a complaint?
   Landlords can’t evict or deny you housing as retaliation for filing a complaint. This is also illegal under the Human Rights Act.
5. Where can I find more information on my general tenant rights?
   You can find a helpful overview at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories and the NWT Rental Office.

Facing discrimination or housing challenges can be daunting. However, tenants have strong legal protections and support options. Key reminders include:

• Keep detailed notes and any communications
• Use the NWT Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues
• Rental Officer addresses general landlord-tenant disputes
• You are protected whether in full tenancies or shared/roommate setups

To explore more accommodation options while searching for fair and inclusive housing, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission
  Assistance with discrimination complaints and rights information.
• Rental Office – Government of Northwest Territories
  Dispute resolution, forms, and answers about landlord/tenant problems.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
  Comprehensive fact sheet on your tenancy rights and responsibilities.

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1. Northwest Territories Human Rights Act, S.N.W.T. 2002, c.18
2. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT), S.N.W.T. 2008, c.10

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