Legal Support for Discrimination & Accessibility in NWT Rentals

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers in your rental in the Northwest Territories can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, tenants have legal rights and can access help when dealing with issues like refusal of reasonable accommodations, discriminatory practices, or concerns about accessibility in housing. This guide will help you understand where to turn and what steps you can take if you experience discrimination or accessibility problems as a tenant in the Northwest Territories.

Recognizing Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

Discrimination can happen in many forms. This includes being treated unfairly by your landlord, property manager, or other tenants due to your race, ethnicity, gender, disability, family status, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics. Accessibility issues may involve barriers that make it difficult or impossible for a tenant with a disability to fully use their rental home.

• Refusing to rent or renew a lease because of a protected characteristic
• Denying reasonable modifications or accommodations for tenants with disabilities
• Making rules or imposing fees that negatively affect people with disabilities

Legal Protections for Tenants in the Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, tenant rights regarding discrimination and accessibility are protected under two key laws:

• NWT Human Rights Act – protects against discrimination in housing
• Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) – outlines tenant and landlord rights, including maintenance, repairs, and obligations¹

Landlords are required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities. Tenants are also protected from eviction, rent increases, or other adverse actions taken as retaliation for asserting these rights. For a complete overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Steps to Take If You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

Addressing these issues can require communication, documentation, and sometimes legal action. Here are practical steps tenants can follow:

• Document everything: Keep detailed notes and copies of communication with your landlord.
• Communicate in writing: Clearly outline your request for accommodation or your concerns about discrimination.
• Know your rights: Review both the NWT Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act to understand protections.
• Contact the landlord: Ask for repairs, changes, or accommodation in writing. For example, request a grab bar installation or service animal accommodation.
• Seek help if your landlord refuses: You may file a complaint or application with relevant authorities.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe your human rights have been violated in rental housing, you can contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. Submit a formal complaint using the appropriate form:

• NWT Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this if you believe a landlord discriminated against you due to a protected ground (e.g., disability, race). Download and complete the official complaint form, then submit it by email, mail, or in person.

Example: If your landlord refuses to allow a service animal despite medical documentation, you can file a complaint using this form. Attach copies of your correspondence and any supporting documents.

Dispute Resolution at the Rentals Office

Some issues that relate to repairs, entry, or your right to quiet enjoyment can be addressed through the official tenancy tribunal in the Northwest Territories:

• NWT Rentals Office – handles tenancy disputes between tenants and landlords²

To officially resolve a tenancy dispute, use the required form:

• Application to Rental Officer (Form): File this if your landlord has not addressed accessibility concerns related to maintenance or has retaliated against you for asserting your rights. Download the Rental Officer Application Form and follow instructions for submission.

Example: If your landlord refuses to build a wheelchair ramp or repair an elevator crucial to your accessibility, this is the official process for dispute resolution.

Related Tenant Complaints and Resolutions

Other rights and obligations in your tenancy—such as landlord obligations to make repairs, respect your privacy, and maintain health and safety—may intersect with discrimination or accessibility issues. For a wider look at your rights and solutions, consult Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Finding Inclusive and Accessible Rental Housing

When seeking a new home, prioritize properties that meet your accessibility needs. To help with your search, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with accessibility filters and other preferences.

1. What counts as discrimination in rental housing?
   Discrimination can include refusing to rent, evicting, or treating you unfairly based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, religion, family status, gender identity, or age. The law requires landlords to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations wherever possible.
2. Does my landlord have to make my unit accessible for my disability?
   Yes, landlords must make reasonable accommodations. This could include installing ramps, allowing service animals, or modifying policies—unless it would cause undue hardship to the landlord.
3. Where can I make a complaint about discrimination as a tenant in NWT?
   File a written complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for discrimination, or with the NWT Rentals Office for tenancy-related disputes.
4. Can I be evicted for requesting accommodation or filing a complaint?
   No. Retaliation for asserting your rights is prohibited. If you face eviction threats after requesting a reasonable accommodation or after making a complaint, seek legal support right away.
5. What if my dispute is about repairs or poor living conditions?
   File an application with the Rentals Office if your complaint relates to property maintenance or health and safety, especially if these affect accessibility.

1. How do I file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission in NWT?
   Download the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Commission’s website, complete it, and submit it with all relevant documentation. You will receive instructions from the Commission about the next steps and the investigation process.
2. How can I apply to the Rentals Office?
   Complete the Rental Officer Application Form and send it in by mail, email, or in person to the Rentals Office.
3. How should I document discrimination or accessibility problems?
   Keep a record of emails, letters, and any photos or witness statements showing barriers or discriminatory actions. This documentation can be very important to support your complaint.

• Tenants in the Northwest Territories have strong protections under both the Human Rights Act and Residential Tenancies Act for discrimination and accessibility.
• Always document your concerns and communicate clearly in writing with your landlord.
• Use available official forms and contact authorities like the Human Rights Commission or Rentals Office for support and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Human Rights Commission (discrimination, accessibility complaints, advocacy)
• NWT Rentals Office (tenancy disputes and applications)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories (local fact page with more details)
• Additional support: Community Legal Aid clinics and advocacy groups in the NWT may also help tenants facing discrimination.

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1. Read more: Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. Dispute resolution and forms: NWT Rentals Office

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