Avoiding Discrimination and Accessibility Mistakes in Nunavut Rentals

If you’re a tenant in Nunavut, it’s crucial to know your rights around discrimination and accessibility. You deserve housing free from unfair treatment and barriers. This guide explains the most common errors tenants and landlords make regarding these important issues—and how to avoid them.

Understanding Discrimination in Nunavut Rentals

Discrimination in housing means being treated unfairly or unequally based on certain protected characteristics. In Nunavut, landlords cannot deny a rental, evict, or provide differential services to a tenant based on factors like:

• Race or ethnicity
• Age
• Gender or gender identity
• Disability or health condition
• Family status (including being pregnant or having children)
• Religious beliefs

The Nunavut Human Rights Act protects tenants from these forms of discrimination^[1].

Common Mistakes That Lead to Discrimination

• Landlords refusing to rent to someone because of their ethnicity or family status
• Applying different rental terms to tenants with children
• Asking questions about health conditions or disabilities during rental applications

Both intentional and unintentional actions can count as discrimination. For example, even advertising a unit as "adults only" is not permitted unless specifically exempted by law.

Your Right to Accessibility in Housing

All tenants in Nunavut have a right to accessible housing. This means landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an "undue hardship" (for example, financial hardship or structural impossibility).

• Reasonable accessibility accommodations might include installing ramps or permitting service animals
• Landlords can only refuse changes if they have a very strong, justifiable reason

If you need accommodations, you should make your request in writing and discuss possible solutions with your landlord. Keeping communication polite and focused on practical options often leads to a better outcome.

Relevant Legislation and Where to Seek Help

Nunavut’s residential tenancies are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[2]. The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office handles rental disputes and issues between landlords and tenants.

For a full overview of your rights and responsibilities in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Official Forms for Nunavut Tenants

• Application for Dispute Resolution
  If you believe you’ve been discriminated against or denied accessibility, you can file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Office.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to allow a wheelchair ramp, submit this form to request an official hearing.
• Human Rights Complaint Form
  Serious discrimination can also be reported to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal by completing their Complaint Form.
  Example: If you’re refused a rental because of your family status or disability, fill out and submit this form for independent investigation.

Preventing Mistakes: Tips for Tenants and Landlords

• Communicate requests for accommodation in writing—be clear about your needs
• Document all conversations with your landlord about discrimination or accessibility
• Stay familiar with your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and Human Rights Act
• If you suspect discrimination, gather evidence (emails, texts, notices) before filing a complaint

Accessible and equal housing is your legal right. If you ever feel uncertain, remember that there are official avenues for advice and action. And whether you’re moving into a new place or dealing with issues after moving in, see our guide on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more tips.

Need to move or searching for housing that meets your needs? Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily filter for accessible or pet-friendly rentals.

1. If I request a wheelchair ramp, can my landlord refuse?
   Your landlord is required to make reasonable accommodations unless it causes them "undue hardship." If you are refused without a good reason, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office or Human Rights Tribunal.
2. Can my landlord ask about my health or disability during the application?
   No. Asking such questions may violate Nunavut’s Human Rights Act, and you do not have to disclose private medical information unless you request an accommodation.
3. What should I do if I believe I’ve been discriminated against?
   Document the incident, keep all communications, and file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. For serious cases, also consider the Human Rights Tribunal.
4. Does the law in Nunavut protect me if I have children?
   Yes. Family status is a protected characteristic in Nunavut. Landlords cannot deny families with children unless there is an exemption in law.

1. How to file a discrimination complaint in Nunavut:
   1. Gather evidence and documentation.
   2. Complete the Application for Dispute Resolution form from the Residential Tenancies Office.
   3. Submit your form in person or by mail as instructed.
   4. If unresolved, consider also filing a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their official complaint form.
   5. Attend your scheduled mediation or hearing with all supporting information.
2. How to request an accessibility accommodation:
   1. Write a clear, polite letter/email to your landlord explaining your needs.
   2. Offer solutions or suggestions if possible (e.g., cost-sharing for a minor alteration).
   3. Keep a record of your request and any landlord response.
   4. If denied unfairly, file a formal complaint using the forms listed above.

• Document all requests and conversations about accommodations or discrimination
• Use official forms and resources for fast, legal resolution
• Protected grounds in Nunavut include disability, family status, ethnicity, and more—know your rights

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – file complaints, access forms, and get dispute help
• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – report housing discrimination, access official forms
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – full summary of your province-wide rental rights

---

1. [1] See Nunavut Human Rights Act
2. [2] See Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy