Assistance Income and Rental Discrimination in Nunavut

Many tenants in Nunavut rely on various forms of assistance, such as income support, social assistance, or disability benefits. Knowing your rights is crucial when seeking a place to live—especially if you worry a landlord might reject your application just because you receive assistance. This article explains what Nunavut law says, how discrimination is handled, and what steps you can take as a tenant.

Is It Legal to Refuse Tenants for Receiving Assistance?

If you receive social or financial assistance, you cannot be rejected by a landlord solely for that reason. The Nunavut Human Rights Act protects people from discrimination in housing based on source of income, which includes income assistance, disability benefits, and other government support.^[1]

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you are on EI, social assistance, or other public income support.
• Landlords must consider all legal forms of income when deciding on your rental application.

Other protected areas under the Human Rights Act include family status, disability, race, and gender. Landlords must also accommodate tenants with disabilities.

Nunavut Residential Tenancies and Discrimination

All tenancies in Nunavut are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut).^[2] Rental housing matters, including discrimination, fall under the oversight of the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. Complaints about discrimination can also be brought to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

• If you are denied a rental home because of how you receive your income, you have the legal right to file a complaint.
• A landlord can require that you prove your ability to pay rent (such as providing documents of assistance or benefits), but they cannot treat you differently because the money comes from a government source.

For a broader look at your rental rights, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page.

Common Issues: Deposits, References, and Rental Applications

While landlords may ask for references or rental deposits, they must apply the same requirements to all applicants, regardless of income source.

• Security deposits should not be higher or more difficult to pay for those on assistance.
• Application denials must not be based on lawful income source alone.

For details about deposits and your rights, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If you suspect you’ve been denied a rental because you receive assistance, keep a written record of all communications and ask the landlord for clarification in writing. This can help you file a complaint later.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Nunavut

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can:

• Contact the landlord and ask for the reason you were rejected in writing.
• Gather emails, applications, and any communication with the landlord.
• File a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal by submitting the official Human Rights Complaint Form (view and download here). This form requires details of what happened and why you believe it was discrimination based on income source.
• The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal will review the complaint and may investigate or schedule a hearing.

You can also reach out to the Nunavut Legal Aid Service for support. If your situation involves other tenancy issues—such as property condition or landlord obligations—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Summary: Filing a complaint quickly and gathering detailed records will improve your chances of resolving the issue fairly.

What Is Considered Proof of Discrimination?

To succeed in your complaint, you must show that:

• You were qualified for the rental (able to pay, acceptable references).
• The landlord was aware you received assistance.
• You were rejected or treated differently because of your income source.
• You have evidence—such as statements or emails—showing discrimination.

You do not have to prove the landlord intended to discriminate, just that their actions had a negative impact on you because of your income source.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Nunavut ask what kind of assistance I receive?
   Yes, landlords are allowed to request proof of ability to pay rent. This can include asking where your income comes from, as long as they do not deny you solely because it is from assistance.
2. What should I do if I think I was denied for being on assistance?
   Request a written explanation from the landlord, keep all documentation, and file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal if you believe discrimination occurred.
3. Are there exceptions to discrimination rules?
   Certain exceptions may exist for small, shared accommodations, but in general, landlords must not discriminate based on income source in Nunavut.
4. Are there support organizations that can help me in Nunavut?
   Yes, you can contact Nunavut Legal Aid, the Human Rights Tribunal, or local tenant organizations for advice and support navigating rental disputes.
5. Where can I search for accessible rental housing in Nunavut?
   Use resources such as Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for listings and support in finding accessible, suitable housing.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• It is illegal for landlords to reject you based solely on income assistance or benefits.
• Gather documentation and communicate in writing if you suspect discrimination.
• Use the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal to file formal complaints and seek remedies.

Overall, knowing your rights and keeping detailed records will empower you in facing—and overcoming—discriminatory rental practices.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – File a complaint, find forms, and access information on protected rights
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Guidance on tenancy laws, renting, and resolving disputes
• Nunavut Legal Aid – Free legal assistance for Nunavut residents facing housing or discrimination issues
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, SNu 2003, c 12, section 7 – Full text of the Nunavut Human Rights Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act, SNu 1998, c 10 – Read the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

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