What marital-status discrimination looks like in NWT
Marital-status discrimination in rental applications can include questions or policies that treat single, married, common-law, separated or divorced applicants differently. Examples include denying joint tenants because one applicant is unmarried, asking for information about marriage or divorce when it is not relevant to screening, or applying different rules to applicants based on their family or relationship status. Territorial human rights legislation and tenancy guidance set out protected grounds and give tenants options to respond and file complaints. [1]
How to document and respond
Act quickly and carefully. Collect the application forms you completed, screenshots or copies of emails and texts, notes from conversations, and the name and contact details of any witnesses. If a landlord asked irrelevant personal questions or applied a different standard because of marital status, make a dated record of what was asked and how the landlord responded. For practical help on common problems tenants face while documenting issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
- Gather evidence: copies of applications, emails, photos, and witness names.
- Keep dates and deadlines: note when inquiries, viewings, offers, and denials occurred.
- Ask for written reasons if your application was denied and keep that communication.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Office to ask about dispute resolution and filing options.[2]
Filing a formal complaint
If informal discussion with the landlord does not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the territorial office responsible for tenancy or human rights. Use the official complaint form and attach your evidence and a short statement of what happened. The office will explain whether the complaint should proceed, whether mediation is available, and what hearing timelines to expect. While you search for other housing options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and track application responses.
When you prepare the complaint, be concise: state the facts, attach copies of documents, and list witnesses. Keep originals safe and bring copies to any meeting or hearing. If you are unsure which form to use, contact the territorial office for guidance before filing. [3]
FAQ
- Can a landlord in the Northwest Territories refuse my rental application because of my marital status?
- No. Under territorial human rights protection, refusing an applicant because of marital status is discrimination and can form the basis of a complaint. [1]
- What evidence will help my complaint?
- Clear copies of the rental application, emails or texts with the landlord, notes about conversations, photos of application forms, and witness contact details help support your case.
- Where and how do I file a complaint?
- You can file with the territorial office responsible for tenancy and human rights using the official complaint form and the instructions on the government site. Contact the office first to confirm the correct form and submission process. [2]
How-To
- Gather your evidence: save applications, messages, photos, and dates of relevant events.
- Contact the landlord in writing asking for reasons for denial and keep a copy of your request.
- File the official complaint form with the territorial office and include copies of evidence and a clear statement of what happened. [3]
- Attend any meetings or hearings and bring original documents and witnesses where possible.
Key Takeaways
- Marital status is generally a protected ground; discrimination can be challenged.
- Keep organized records of applications, communications, and dates.
- Use official complaint forms and contact the territorial office for help.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Office (Northwest Territories)
- Contact the NWT Human Rights Office
- See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for local tenant information.
