Can Landlords Refuse to Rent to International Students in Nunavut?

Searching for housing as an international student in Nunavut comes with unique questions. Many wonder whether landlords can refuse to rent to them based on their status as a foreign or international student. This guide explains the law in Nunavut, fair housing protections, and what steps to take if you believe you’ve been denied housing unfairly.

Understanding Discrimination and Tenant Rights in Nunavut

In Nunavut, landlords must comply with both territorial tenancy law and human rights protections. Rejecting a tenant because they are an international student may raise questions about discrimination, but the law is specific about what counts as unlawful discrimination.

• Protected grounds: The Nunavut Human Rights Act protects against discrimination based on national or ethnic origin, race, religion, age, sex, disability, and other grounds. It does not specifically list immigration or student status as a protected ground.
• Rental application process: Landlords are allowed to request enough information to decide if a tenant will pay rent and take care of the premises. This can include references, proof of ability to pay, or student status.
• International students: Being an international student is generally not a protected ground. However, if refusal to rent is based on a reason like your country of origin, race, or religion, it may violate Nunavut’s human rights law.

If you believe a landlord’s refusal is based on a protected ground (for example, your national origin or race), you may have a claim under the Nunavut Human Rights Act¹.

What Can (and Can’t) Landlords Ask?

Landlords can ask questions that help them make informed decisions, but there are clear limits. For example, it is usually acceptable to ask:

• For references from previous landlords
• Proof of your ability to pay rent, such as a job letter or student funding
• Confirmation of your student registration (if the housing is student-specific)

However, landlords are not allowed to ask for information beyond what is reasonable, or to use information about your national or ethnic origin against you.

The Tenancy Tribunal and Relevant Legislation

In Nunavut, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rules for landlords and tenants. The Nunavut Rental Office handles disputes between landlords and tenants, including claims of unfair treatment or discrimination.

The legislation covers:

• How rental applications should be handled
• What information landlords can request
• How to resolve disputes over refusals or denials

Tenants, including international students, should always keep records of any communication with landlords in case you need to dispute a decision.

What to Do If You Are Refused Housing

• Ask for a reason: It’s your right to politely ask the landlord why your application was denied. Document the response.
• Keep a record: Save all emails, texts, and notes from meetings or calls.
• Review discrimination laws: If you suspect you were refused for a reason on a protected ground, you can file a complaint through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
• Dispute process: You can resolve some issues with the landlord directly, or use the Nunavut Rental Office's process for disputes.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to the Rental Office (Rental Office Application Form): Used to raise tenancy disputes, including claims about unfair refusals. For example, if a landlord denies your application and gives a discriminatory reason, you can complete this form with details and submit to the Rental Office.
• Human Rights Complaint Form (Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form): If you believe you’ve been denied housing due to discrimination (such as race or national origin), file this form. Attach supporting documents and submit it to the Tribunal. They will review your case and may request more information.

Both forms can be found on their respective official websites, with clear instructions for each step of submission.

Related Tenant Protections and Resources

If you encounter problems beyond discrimination—such as disputes after the lease is signed, landlord obligations, or questions on tenant rights—see our guide Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for full details. For practical help with deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know. For general housing search support, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme for more options across Nunavut and other regions.

FAQ About Renting to International Students in Nunavut

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I am an international student?
   Landlords may lawfully refuse based on factors like credit, income, or references, but cannot legally deny you housing based on protected grounds such as race or national origin.
2. What if I think I was refused based on my national origin?
   You can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. Provide any evidence you have of discriminatory comments or actions during your application.
3. Which government body handles rental disputes in Nunavut?
   Tenancy disputes are managed by the Nunavut Rental Office. They can provide information and process applications for complaints.
4. What documents should I keep if denied housing?
   Keep copies of emails, application forms, responses from landlords, and any relevant notes or screenshots of communication. These are useful if you need to file a complaint.
5. Does Nunavut have any resources for tenants?
   Yes, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for local information about tenant protections.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nunavut can refuse to rent to international students, unless the refusal is due to a protected ground under human rights law.
• Disputes can be addressed with the landlord, the Nunavut Rental Office, or the Human Rights Tribunal depending on the issue.
• Always document your rental application process and keep your records safe in case you need to challenge a decision.

If you have concerns about discrimination, review the law carefully and seek advice or submit a complaint if you believe your rights were violated.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office – Tenant forms, complaints, and general information
• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – For discrimination complaints and advice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Detailed local tenant rights information
• Search for homes or apartments: Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, SNu 2003, c 12
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
3. Nunavut Rental Office
4. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Process

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