Can a landlord legally refuse to rent to someone with children in Nunavut?

No, Nunavut landlords cannot reject applicants solely because they have children. This is prohibited under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.

What should I do if I think a landlord is discriminating against me because my family includes children?

Keep all communications and file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their official complaint form.

Are there exceptions to the ban on 'no children' rental policies?

Shared accommodation with an on-site owner may have limited exceptions, but generally, 'no children' policies are not lawful.

Can Landlords Refuse Tenants With Children in Nunavut?

Roommates & Shared Housing Nunavut published: June 13, 2025

If you’re searching for a rental in Nunavut and have children, you might be concerned about whether a landlord can legally refuse to rent to you. Understanding your rights is crucial for securing a safe, fair housing situation for your family. This guide explains what Nunavut law says about discrimination based on family status, the protections available, and practical steps you can take if a landlord denies you because you have children.

Family Status and Discrimination in Nunavut Tenancies

In Nunavut, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you have children. This is covered under the Nunavut Human Rights Act, which lists "family status" as a protected ground. Discrimination based on family status—such as denying a rental application to parents with children—is prohibited by law^[1].

What "Family Status" Means

"Family status" includes being a parent or having dependent children living with you.
It also covers guardians and other caregivers with children in their household.
It applies to all forms of rental housing in Nunavut.

This means landlords must assess your application on the same criteria they use for all applicants (such as income, references, and credit)—not on whether you have children.

What Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Law Says

Nunavut rental agreements and landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (S.Nu. 2008, c.05)^[2]. While tenancy laws set out general rules for renting, human rights protection takes priority. If a landlord's practices conflict with the Human Rights Act, the anti-discrimination rules apply first.

If you are interested in Nunavut's full landscape of tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a practical overview.

When Can a Landlord Reject an Application?

Landlords are allowed to choose tenants based on neutral criteria—for example:

Ability to pay rent
References from previous landlords
Number of people relative to the size of the rental (as long as this doesn’t violate human rights laws)

They cannot reject you for having children, your marital status, race, age, or disability.

Tip: If a landlord refuses your application and suspects it’s due to your children, ask for the reason in writing. This can support your claim if you decide to file a human rights complaint.

Forms and How to Take Action if You Are Refused Housing

If you believe a landlord denied your application because you have children, you can:

File a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal
Keep records of your communications and any evidence of discrimination

Relevant Form: Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form

Name: Human Rights Complaint Form (No formal number)
When to use: If you want the Tribunal to investigate a landlord's discriminatory behaviour.
How to file: Complete the form following the instructions at How to Make a Complaint (Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal). Attach any written communications or evidence.

Example: A landlord emails you saying "adults only" or that "kids are not allowed"—this is likely discrimination and should be reported.

What Happens After a Complaint

The Tribunal will review your complaint, investigate, and may call for mediation or a hearing. If discrimination is found, they can order the landlord to rent the unit to you or pay compensation.

Living With Roommates or Shared Housing Situations

In shared housing, legal protections still apply. If you rent a private room or share a dwelling, a landlord cannot set "no children" policies unless sharing with a live-in owner (in which case human rights laws sometimes allow small exceptions).

For more on your responsibilities and what to expect once you move in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. Starting your tenancy on the right foot can help prevent misunderstandings with your landlord or roommates.

Other Common Rental Issues

Concerns beyond discrimination—such as rent increases, repairs, or moving out—are covered under Nunavut’s tenancy laws. It’s useful to familiarize yourself with these topics. For a broader look, check out Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

To discover available family- and child-friendly homes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and see listings across Nunavut and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord legally refuse to rent to someone with children in Nunavut?
No, it is illegal for a landlord to reject your application solely because you have children. This is considered discrimination under Nunavut’s Human Rights Act.
What should I do if I suspect discrimination because of my family status?
Keep all communications and consider filing a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their official complaint form.
Are there any exceptions where "no children" policies are allowed?
Very few. Shared accommodation where the owner lives on-site may have some exceptions, but in almost all tenancies, blanket "no children" rules are not allowed.
Can a landlord set occupancy limits that effectively exclude families?
Landlords may set reasonable limits based on size and health codes, but these cannot be used as a disguise for discrimination.
Where can I learn more about my rights as a Nunavut tenant?
Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page for a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Landlords in Nunavut cannot refuse to rent to you just because you have children—this is protected by law.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
Understanding your rights can help you secure fair, family-friendly housing.