Illegal Rental Application Questions in Northwest Territories

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Northwest Territories includes knowing which rental application questions are legal – and which cross the line. The territory’s laws protect tenants from discrimination and help ensure everyone has a fair chance to secure a safe home.

Rental Discrimination Protections in Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against rental applicants. When filling out a rental application, you are protected from questions about certain personal characteristics.

• Race, colour, ancestry, where you were born
• Religion or spiritual beliefs
• Age (except when related to seniors or age-specific housing)
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Marital status, family status, pregnancy
• Disability
• Source of income (such as social assistance, disability benefits, etc.)
• Political belief or association

Landlords cannot refuse your application, treat you unfairly, or ask application questions based on these grounds. These protections help create equal opportunity to access housing in the territory.

Examples of Illegal Rental Application Questions

Knowing what you shouldn’t be asked can make your rental search safer and less stressful. Here are some examples of questions landlords can not require you to answer on an application or during screening:

• "What is your religion?" or "Do you attend church?"
• "Are you planning to have children?" or "Is your partner moving in with you?"
• "Where were you born?" or "Are you a Canadian citizen?"
• "What is your sexual orientation or gender identity?"
• "How old are you?" (unless applying for age-restricted housing)
• "Do you receive income assistance or disability payments?" if only being used to refuse your application
• Details about your physical or mental health, unless necessary for documented accommodation

What Landlords Are Allowed to Ask

While landlords cannot ask about your protected personal information, they can request information that helps confirm your suitability as a tenant. This may include:

• References from previous landlords
• Proof of income (but not source of income for purposes of discrimination)
• Employment verification (without discriminatory intent)
• Credit reference or credit check (with your consent)
• The number of intended occupants

Personal questions must always respect your privacy and the legal protections outlined above. You can learn more about deposits and protections in the Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know guide.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you by asking illegal questions or refusing to rent to you, you can take action. The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission is responsible for investigating rental discrimination complaints in the territory.

• Form Name: Complaint Form (Form A)
• Where to get it: Official Complaint Form – NWT Human Rights Commission
• When to use: Use this form if you believe you were denied a rental, treated differently, or faced invasive application questions because of a protected ground.

After submitting the complaint, the Commission may contact you for more information. They can attempt to resolve the issue or investigate further as needed.

Tenant Rights Under the Law

Your protections as a tenant come from both the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories).^1,2 For general rental rights and procedures, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

For a wide selection of safe and accessible rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Illegal Rental Application Questions in Northwest Territories

1. Can a landlord ask my age on a rental application?
   No, except for certain age-restricted or seniors’ housing, it is illegal for a landlord to ask your age during the application process.
2. Do I have to disclose my income source if I receive social assistance?
   You are not required to disclose your source of income unless it is for verifying your ability to pay rent, not for discrimination. Denying rental based on source of income is prohibited.
3. Is it legal for landlords to ask if I have children?
   No, landlords cannot ask questions about your family status or whether you have (or plan to have) children.
4. Who handles rental discrimination complaints in Northwest Territories?
   The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission reviews and investigates discrimination complaints involving rental housing.
5. What if an application asks for information I’m not comfortable sharing?
   Politely decline to answer questions that violate your rights and consider contacting the Human Rights Commission for support.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Northwest Territories cannot ask rental application questions about protected grounds like race, religion, age, or family status.
• If you encounter discrimination, you can file a complaint using the Human Rights Commission’s Complaint Form (Form A).
• Your protections are detailed in the Human Rights Act and Residential Tenancies Act – review both for more details.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – File complaints, get support, and learn about tenant discrimination protections.
• Office of the Rental Officer (Northwest Territories) – Handles tenancy disputes, evictions, and general rental rights.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Clear summary of your local rental rights and responsibilities.

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

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