Proving Rental Discrimination: Tenant Guide for Northwest Territories

Facing discrimination in your rental housing can feel overwhelming, but tenants in the Northwest Territories have specific rights and protections. If you believe a landlord treated you unfairly because of race, disability, family status, or another protected ground, it's essential to understand how to gather evidence and take the correct steps. This guide explains the process clearly so you can stand up for your rights in rental situations across the Northwest Territories.

What Is Rental Discrimination?

Rental discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you differently or denies you housing based on characteristics that are protected under the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act. This includes:

• Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, or nationality
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Family or marital status
• Age, disability, or social condition

Discrimination can be obvious—such as a landlord saying, "I don't rent to families with children"—or more subtle, such as setting different rental terms for certain groups.

Legal Protections for Tenants

Tenants in the Northwest Territories are protected by the Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) ^[1][2]. These laws prohibit landlords from refusing to rent, evicting, or treating tenants unfairly due to a protected characteristic.

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission is the official board that investigates and resolves discrimination complaints.

How to Prove Discrimination: Gathering Strong Evidence

To pursue a discrimination case successfully, you must provide clear evidence. The goal is to document what happened and show a link between the landlord's actions and a protected ground (such as race or disability).

• Keep Written Records: Save text messages, emails, or letters with the landlord.
• Note Dates and Times: Write down when the discrimination happened and who witnessed it.
• Document Phone Calls: After calls, jot down key points and the time.
• Witness Statements: If someone else witnessed the behaviour, ask them to write a statement.
• Retain Application Materials: Keep copies of rental ads, your application, and responses you received.

Common Evidence Examples

• Text from a rental ad or email stating "adults only," "no children," or "no one on income assistance"
• Written communication using discriminatory language
• A pattern—if, for example, multiple applicants of the same background are rejected

Filing a Discrimination Complaint: Step-by-Step

If you've gathered evidence and want to make a formal complaint, follow these steps:

1. Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. They will explain whether your complaint falls under the Act.
2. Fill out the official Human Rights Complaint Form.
3. Provide supporting documents (communications, photos, statements, etc.).
4. The Commission reviews your case and may try to resolve it informally. If not, they may investigate and arrange a hearing.

Sample scenario: Sam applied for an apartment and was told "we don't rent to people on disability income." Sam saved the email, printed the rental ad, and submitted both with the complaint.

If the issue relates to a violation of rental rules—like illegal eviction or changes to your lease—review your rights in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

Required Forms & Official Process

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to start a complaint about discrimination in rental housing. Access directly on the Commission’s official site.

When you fill out your complaint, clearly describe what happened, who was involved, and which part of the Human Rights Act you believe was violated. If uncertain, reach out to the Commission for support.

What Happens After Filing?

After you submit a complaint, the Commission will review the information and may ask for more evidence or clarification. They often attempt to settle cases through informal resolution. If this isn’t successful, a formal investigation takes place, potentially leading to a hearing.

Throughout the process, you have rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Learn more in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Preventing and Addressing Discrimination Before It Escalates

It is best to address discrimination as soon as you suspect it. Raising your concerns with the landlord directly may resolve some situations. If not, keep detailed documentation from the first sign of a problem. Understanding your rights is key—find additional tips in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

In all cases, if you need to find alternative housing after experiencing discrimination, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and ensure your next search is on your terms.

FAQ: Proving Discrimination in Northwest Territories Rentals

1. What actions are considered rental discrimination?
   Any refusal to rent, application rejection, unfair rules, or harassment based on a ground protected in the Human Rights Act—such as race, gender, family status, or disability—may be considered discrimination.
2. How much evidence do I need to file a complaint?
   You need enough information to explain what happened and why you believe it was discrimination. Written or witnessed evidence is most helpful, but even a timeline of events has value.
3. Who decides if I've experienced rental discrimination?
   The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission will investigate the complaint, review the evidence, and decide if there’s a violation under the Human Rights Act.
4. What if my landlord retaliates after I file a complaint?
   The law prohibits retaliation. Document any new negative actions and report them to the Commission—they can investigate further.
5. Where can I learn about my broader rental rights?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for a full overview of protections under local tenancy laws.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Discrimination in renting is prohibited by the Human Rights Act—always keep records and document incidents.
• Filing a complaint involves gathering evidence, completing the correct form, and following up with the Human Rights Commission when needed.
• Support is available; reach out early if you have questions or need help asserting your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission: Official body to file discrimination complaints, get forms, or seek information
• NWT Rental Officer: Guidance for general tenancy issues and disputes
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories: Learn your full rights as a renter
• Local tenant advocacy and legal clinics: Check with your community government or local settlement offices for support options

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1. Northwest Territories Human Rights Act. Full text of the Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT). Official legislation
3. Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. Official board and complaint forms

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