Discrimination by a landlord can affect your ability to rent, feel safe at home, or access services. If you are a tenant or renter in the Northwest Territories, you have rights under both tenancy rules and human rights law that protect you from unfair treatment based on race, family status, disability, gender, or other protected grounds. This article explains the types of discrimination commonly reported, the penalties landlords may face, and the practical steps tenants can take to document problems and file complaints. It also outlines the forms and tribunals involved, realistic outcomes you can expect, and where to get free or low-cost legal help so you can enforce your rights without delay.
What counts as discrimination in tenancy
Discrimination happens when a landlord treats a prospective or current tenant differently because of a protected ground, such as race, disability, family status, sex, religion, age, or marital status. Examples include refusing to rent to someone because they have children, charging different rent based on a protected trait, or denying a reasonable accommodation for a disability. If you think you experienced discrimination, start documenting what happened: dates, conversations, messages, photos and any witnesses.
Penalties and remedies landlords may face
Penalties vary depending on whether a complaint is handled by the Human Rights Commission or a tenancy tribunal. Common remedies ordered against landlords include monetary compensation, formal orders to stop discriminatory practices, and sometimes administrative fines or costs.
- Compensation for loss or injury to dignity, feelings or self-respect, including monetary awards to the tenant.
- Orders to stop the discriminatory practice and to adopt non-discriminatory policies or accommodations.
- Enforcement actions or follow-up by a tribunal or commission that can include public orders or publication of decisions.
- Possible costs or administrative penalties against the landlord if the commission or tribunal’s rules allow.
How to file a complaint and the forms involved
Start by collecting evidence: written messages, photos, dated notes of conversations, and witness names. If the issue is discrimination under human rights law, tenants commonly file a Human Rights complaint form with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. For tenancy-specific remedies (like orders related to a lease), tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office. Each process uses a different form and may lead to different remedies — you can pursue both avenues if both apply.[1][2]
Common official forms and when to use them
- Human Rights complaint form (Human Rights Commission): used when you believe treatment is based on a protected ground; for example, if a landlord refused to rent after learning you use a mobility aid. This form starts the human-rights intake and investigation process.[1]
- Residential Tenancies application/form (Residential Tenancies Office): used for tenancy disputes such as wrongful eviction, failure to accommodate, or requests for orders about lease terms; for example, if a landlord changes a tenancy rule that targets a protected group. This form asks for evidence and a clear request for remedy.[2]
- Reference to the Residential Tenancies Act (territory legislation): explains the legal standards and procedures that tribunals use when ruling on tenancy issues and penalties.[3]
How hearings and outcomes typically work
If a complaint proceeds to a hearing or investigation, expect an exchange of written evidence and a scheduled hearing date. Hearings can be informal or formal depending on the forum. Outcomes are based on the evidence presented: clear documentation improves your chances of a favorable result.
FAQ
- What is the first step if I think my landlord discriminated against me?
- Document the incident, collect messages and witnesses, and then consider contacting the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Office to learn which form to file.[1][2]
- Can I file both a human rights complaint and a tenancy application?
- Yes. Human rights complaints address discrimination on protected grounds, while tenancy applications handle lease and eviction issues. Filing both may be appropriate if the conduct violates human rights and tenancy rules.
- What remedies might I receive if the landlord is found to have discriminated?
- Remedies can include monetary compensation, orders to stop discriminatory practices, required accommodation, and tribunal costs or fines where authorized.
How-To
- Gather evidence: save messages, take dated photos, and write a clear timeline of events.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request a remedy and keep a copy of your communication.
- File a Human Rights complaint using the official complaint form if the incident involves a protected ground.[1]
- File an application with the Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy-specific orders or remedies where applicable.[2]
- Prepare for the hearing: organize documents, prepare a short statement, and bring any witnesses who can confirm facts.
Key Takeaways
- Keep dated records and copies of all communication as your primary evidence.
- Act quickly: there are deadlines to file complaints and applications.
- Seek advice from tenant help services or legal clinics to understand your options.
Help and Support / Resources
- Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission
- Government of the Northwest Territories — Residential Tenancies Office
- Government of the Northwest Territories — Department of Justice (legislation and forms)
