NWT Tenant Rights: Your Guide to Discrimination & Accessibility

Discrimination & Accessibility Northwest Territories published July 01, 2025 Flag of Northwest Territories

Are you a tenant in the Northwest Territories wondering about your rights when it comes to discrimination and accessibility? In the NWT, every renter is protected by law from unfair treatment and has the right to an accessible home. This article breaks down what you need to know, what your landlord’s responsibilities are, and how to take action if you experience issues related to discrimination or accessibility in your rental housing.

Understanding Discrimination in NWT Rental Housing

Discrimination means being treated unfairly or denied housing based on certain personal characteristics, such as race, disability, gender, family status, or sexual orientation. In the Northwest Territories, the NWT Human Rights Act prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants or applicants for rental housing on protected grounds.[1]

  • Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone because of a disability, ethnicity, age, marital status, and more.
  • Advertising in ways that exclude protected groups is also illegal.
  • Tenants have the right to live in their homes free from harassment or unequal treatment.

If you believe discrimination has occurred, you can file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission.

What is Accessibility and How Does it Affect Tenants?

Accessibility means that rental housing must be usable by people of all abilities. This includes tenants with mobility impairments, visual or hearing disabilities, or chronic health conditions. Under the Human Rights Act, tenants can request accommodations, such as service animals, accessible entrances, or grab bars in bathrooms.

  • Landlords may need to make reasonable modifications, unless it would cause them undue hardship (significant difficulty or expense).
  • Tenants should make requests for accommodations in writing whenever possible.
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If a landlord refuses a reasonable accessibility request, you have the right to seek help from the Human Rights Commission or consult housing support agencies.

Landlord Obligations: Accessibility & Anti-Discrimination

Landlords must follow both the NWT Residential Tenancies Act[2] and the Human Rights Act. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Treating every tenant and applicant equally
  • Acting quickly if discrimination or harassment is reported
  • Responding reasonably to accessibility requests

While landlords are not required to remodel every unit for accessibility, they cannot refuse small, practical changes that help a tenant live safely. If you encounter resistance, knowing the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can help start these conversations.

Staying Safe and Healthy at Home

A safe and accessible environment is not just about ramps or elevators—it’s about overall wellbeing. Hazards such as mold, faulty wiring, or inaccessibility can sometimes overlap with discrimination, especially if repairs are denied to specific groups. For more on maintaining a safe living space, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tenants are protected even if their need for accommodation emerges after moving in. Always request accommodations in writing, and keep a record of communications with your landlord.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint in the NWT

If you face discrimination or are denied an accessibility request, the first step is often to contact your landlord in writing and give them a chance to address the issue. If the matter isn’t resolved, you can:

To file a human rights complaint:

  • Form Name: NWT Human Rights Complaint Form
  • How to use: Submit this form if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination or your accessibility needs have not been met. Complete details are found on the official website.

Relevant Legislation and Enforcement

Your landlord’s duties and your rights as a tenant come primarily from two laws in the Northwest Territories:

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) handles rental disputes, while the Human Rights Commission addresses discrimination and accessibility matters.

For further details on housing law and other tenant concerns in your region, explore Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

If you’re searching for accessible and inclusive rental listings, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to see a range of options nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with a disability in the NWT?
    No. The NWT Human Rights Act prevents landlords from refusing to rent to someone based on disability or other protected grounds. Landlords must also offer reasonable accommodations for accessibility.
  2. What should I do if my landlord denies my accessibility request?
    Start by making the request in writing and keep copies of all communications. If you are still denied, you can contact the NWT Human Rights Commission to file a complaint.
  3. Are service animals allowed in rental properties in the Northwest Territories?
    Yes. Tenants who require service animals due to a disability are allowed to have them, and landlords cannot prohibit this under the Human Rights Act.
  4. Who handles discrimination complaints about housing in the NWT?
    The NWT Human Rights Commission is responsible for investigating and resolving discrimination and accessibility-related complaints in rental housing.
  5. Does my health and safety fall under accessibility rights?
    While health and safety concerns are generally covered by rental laws, some hazards can be accessibility barriers. In these cases, your landlord must address both the hazard and your right to accommodation. For more on this, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How To Enforce Your Rights on Discrimination or Accessibility

  1. How do I request an accessibility modification in my rental?
    Write a detailed request to your landlord describing the change you need and how it relates to your disability. Keep a copy of your request for your records.
  2. How do I file a complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission?
    Fill out the official Complaint Form from the Commission’s website and submit it by mail, fax, or email. Provide all the details and copies of supporting documents. Visit the NWT Human Rights Commission Complaints for instructions and the form.
  3. How do I handle landlord retaliation after a complaint?
    If you believe you are facing retaliation for asserting your rights (such as threats of eviction or harassment), document all incidents and contact the Residential Tenancies Office or Human Rights Commission for help.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords cannot discriminate and must respond to reasonable accessibility requests in the NWT.
  • Tenants can file complaints with the NWT Human Rights Commission or seek support from the Residential Tenancies Office.
  • Accessible rental housing and fair treatment are protected rights under law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. NWT Human Rights Act, RSNWT 2002, c.18. Read the NWT Human Rights Act
  2. NWT Residential Tenancies Act, S.N.W.T. 2008, c.8. Read the NWT Residential Tenancies Act

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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