Tenant Rights When a Rental Application Is Rejected in Northwest Territories

Facing a rental application rejection in the Northwest Territories can feel discouraging, especially if you're unsure why you were denied or whether your rights as a potential tenant have been violated. Understanding your rights and the protections in place against discrimination can help you know how to respond—and what steps you can take if you believe you've been treated unfairly.

Rental Application Rejection in Northwest Territories: Key Facts

Landlords in the Northwest Territories (NWT) can choose among applicants, but their decision-making is subject to territorial laws. Under the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate on specific protected grounds.

• Protected Grounds: Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, sex (gender), sexual orientation, gender identity, family/marital status, disability, age, religious belief, and more.
• Legitimate Grounds for Rejection: Incomplete application, lack of references, insufficient income, negative rental history, or inability to pay rent.
• Discrimination Complaints: You can file a complaint if you suspect your application was rejected for a discriminatory reason.

For more information about your rights as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

What Counts as Discrimination in Tenant Applications?

Landlords may not refuse a rental application based on any ground protected by the NWT Human Rights Act. Examples include:

• Denying a unit to an applicant because they have children
• Refusing a tenant due to their race, religion, or country of origin
• Denying a renter with a physical or mental disability

If you encounter a rejection for reasons like these, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.

Your Rights and What to Expect

Landlords are not required by law to provide a reason for rejecting a rental application in most cases; however, they also cannot ask illegal questions or use protected grounds as a basis for rejection.

If your application involved a deposit or holding fee and you were rejected, you usually have the right to a full refund unless a non-refundable application fee was stated up-front (which are uncommon and may not be legal in all cases).

Action Steps: What to Do If You Believe Your Application Was Unfairly Rejected

If you suspect discrimination or have concerns about the rental process, consider taking these steps:

• Request clarification from the landlord on why your application was denied (though they are not required to provide a reason).
• Collect evidence—such as written correspondence, application forms, or notes from conversations.
• Contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission for guidance and complaints.
• Submit a formal complaint using their Complaint Form.

Related Legislation & Tribunal

In the NWT, residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (NWT) (RTA) ^[1]. Disputes are handled by the Rental Office (Rent Officer).

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FAQ: Rental Application Rejection in Northwest Territories

1. Can a landlord reject my application for any reason in NWT?
   Landlords may reject applications, but not for reasons based on protected characteristics under the Human Rights Act. Legitimate reasons include lack of references or insufficient income.
2. Is a landlord required to explain why I was rejected?
   No, landlords are not legally required to provide a reason, but you can always ask. If discrimination is suspected, you may contact the Human Rights Commission.
3. What if I paid a deposit with my application and was rejected?
   You are normally entitled to get your deposit back if your application is not successful.
4. How do I file a discrimination complaint about a rental application?
   Complete the official Complaint Form, submit it to the Human Rights Commission, and include any supporting documents.
5. Where can I learn more about ongoing tenant rights in the Northwest Territories?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for more details.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords cannot reject your application for discriminatory reasons under NWT law.
• If you suspect discrimination, you can file a human rights complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
• Always ask for clarification and keep records during your application process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• NWT Human Rights Commission: Information and complaint process
• NWT Rental Office (Rent Officer): Info and dispute resolution for residential tenancies
• NWT Tenants Association (where available): Support and guidance
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories (provincial fact guide)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NWT)
2. Northwest Territories Human Rights Act

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