Can my landlord refuse to rent to me if I get social assistance?

No, a landlord in Northwest Territories cannot reject your rental application solely because you receive social assistance, disability, or other government income. This may violate human rights protections.

Is a landlord allowed to ask for proof of my income?

Yes, landlords can ask for reasonable proof of income (like pay stubs or benefit statements) to ensure you can pay rent, but the process must be fair.

Who do I contact if I feel discriminated against because of my income source?

Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for human rights concerns, or the Residential Tenancies Office for rental agreement issues.

Landlord Income Requirements: Tenant Rights in Northwest Territories

Roommates & Shared Housing Northwest Territories published June 13, 2025

Income requirements are a common concern for tenants searching for shared housing or looking to rent in the Northwest Territories. Understanding your rights can help you navigate any screening process with confidence and ensure you are protected from unjust discrimination.

How Landlords Screen Tenants: Can Income Be a Factor?

In the Northwest Territories, landlords may consider a prospective tenant’s ability to pay rent when choosing tenants for apartments, homes, or rooms. It’s standard practice for landlords to ask for employment details, income statements, or references to assess financial reliability. However, there are important legal restrictions on how this information can be used.

What Does the Law Say?

The Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) governs rental relationships, including application screening.^[1] The act allows landlords to ask for information to determine if a tenant can afford the rent, but they must:

Apply criteria fairly to all applicants
Not discriminate against protected groups (as defined by the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act)^[2]

Landlords can refuse an application if the tenant demonstrates insufficient income to cover the monthly rent. However, blanket policies that disadvantage certain groups may violate anti-discrimination laws, especially if based on source of income (for example, refusing tenants on social assistance).

Human Rights Protections in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission ensures landlords cannot discriminate based on source of income, race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Tenants denied accommodation based solely on having income from government assistance or child support may have grounds to file a complaint.

Tip: Keep all correspondence and documentation if you believe you were denied a rental due to your income source. This can support a human rights complaint if needed.

Roommates and Shared Housing: Do the Same Rules Apply?

If you are seeking a room in shared housing, complex situations may arise. For example:

Landlords renting to a group may ask for total combined income
Individual tenants subletting may also conduct informal income checks

In both cases, human rights protections still apply. However, if you’re joining an existing group as a roommate, some “roommate vetting” decisions might fall outside the act’s direct scope, unless the landlord is the one choosing who is approved.

What Proof of Income Can a Landlord Legally Ask For?

Landlords may request reasonable evidence to verify your ability to pay, such as:

Recent pay stubs
Letter of employment
Proof of government benefits
Bank statements (showing regular deposits)

Landlords cannot demand sensitive information not reasonably connected to your ability to pay, such as excessive details about your lifestyle, unless related to the rental agreement. After being approved, review your rights and obligations under Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Rental Forms and Procedures for Tenants

The official body overseeing residential tenancies in the Northwest Territories is the Residential Tenancies Office. Key forms and processes include:

Rental Application: Standard application forms may request income and employment details. Use official templates when possible.
Rental Agreement: Once selected, both parties must sign a written agreement. Ensure you receive and review a copy before paying deposits.
Application for Dispute Resolution (Form): If you believe you were unfairly denied based on income source or other protected grounds, complete the Application for Order form to begin a tenant complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office.

For information about your rights during and after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What Should You Do If Denied Due to Income?

If you believe your application was rejected strictly because of the source of income (such as social assistance, pension, or child support), and not just the level of income, you can:

Ask the landlord for a written explanation
Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for complaint support
Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office if you suspect other tenancy violations

Clear records of emails, texts, or letters will help your case if pursuing a formal complaint.

Related Rights and Legal Protections

For more information on the full scope of tenant and landlord legal rights specific to this territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories. To search for rental options that suit your budget and situation, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Tenant Income Screening in Northwest Territories

Can my landlord refuse my application if I am on social assistance or disability?
No, landlords cannot deny your application solely because your income comes from assistance programs or disability. This may be a violation of human rights.
What if my income is too low for the rent?
Landlords can refuse applications if your total income cannot reasonably cover the monthly rent, as long as this rule is applied equally to all potential tenants.
Do I have to provide proof of income for shared housing or roommates?
Usually yes, if the landlord is part of the approval process. If only roommates are vetting, it depends—but human rights laws still set limits.
Where can I file a complaint if I feel unfairly treated?
Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for discrimination or the Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy process concerns.
Does this apply to all types of rentals?
Most private and shared rentals are covered, but some special living situations (e.g., living with the owner in their home) may have different rules.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

Landlords in Northwest Territories may request income information but must avoid discriminatory policies.
If denied based on your income source, you have rights and options for recourse.
The Residential Tenancies Office and Human Rights Commission provide support and complaint mechanisms.

By knowing your rights around income screening, you can better prepare for rental applications and protect yourself from unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office, NWT – Guidance and official forms for tenant-landlord disputes
Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – Support with discrimination and human rights complaints
Northwest Territories Housing Programs – Assistance for tenants in need
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories – Comprehensive fact page on local rental rights