Discrimination & Accessibility Rights for Nunavut Tenants

Understanding your rights regarding discrimination and accessibility is crucial for tenants in Nunavut. Whether you're searching for a new rental, already living in a unit, or facing challenges related to disability, family status, or other protected grounds, you have legal protections. This guide offers a comprehensive checklist for Nunavut tenants to help you identify, prevent, and act on discrimination or accessibility issues in your rental experience.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility Laws in Nunavut

Nunavut tenants are protected from discrimination by both territorial and federal laws. The Consolidation of the Human Rights Act (Nunavut) makes it illegal for landlords to treat you unfairly based on your race, age, sex, disability, family status, religion, or sexual orientation.^[1]

• Landlords must not refuse to rent, renew a lease, or evict you because of a protected characteristic.
• Reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities is required, unless it causes undue hardship to the landlord.

For an overview of broader tenant rights in your territory, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Your Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist

Before Renting

• Landlords should not ask questions about your disability, ethnicity, marital status, or similar protected characteristics during the application or viewing process, unless it relates directly to reasonable accommodation.
• If you require an accommodation (for example, allowing a support animal in a no-pet building), you may be asked for documentation, but you cannot be refused tenancy simply for making the request.
• If a landlord requires a deposit, be sure you understand your rights around this process. For details about deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

During Your Tenancy

• If your needs change (mobility, visual or hearing impairments), you can request modifications or accessible features. The landlord must consider these unless it would be a severe financial or practical burden.
• Your landlord cannot harass you, restrict your access, or otherwise treat you differently because of your protected status.
• Common accessibility requests include ramps, grab bars, or changes to building entry systems.

After Signing the Lease

• If you experience discrimination or barriers, document everything – keep copies of emails, letters, and a journal of incidents.
• Try first to resolve issues directly with your landlord. If unresolved, you may file a complaint ( see next section for forms and process).
• For general information on tenant responsibilities throughout your tenancy, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Forms and Complaint Process

If you experience discrimination or denial of accessibility in your rental housing, you have the right to file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. This independent body investigates and rules on matters related to discrimination in Nunavut.

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form — Use this form to start a discrimination or accessibility complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
  Access the form at the official tribunal: Submit a Complaint (NHRT).
  Example: If your landlord refuses to allow a reasonable accessibility modification (such as an accessible door handle), complete and submit this form with details and supporting evidence.

Action Steps:

1. Gather evidence: Save copies of all communications, take photos of barriers, and document conversations.
2. Fill out the complaint form and submit it to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
3. Wait for tribunal instructions. They may ask for more details, attempt mediation, or begin a hearing.

Tribunal website: Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal

The key legislation for tenant discrimination and accessibility protection is the Nunavut Human Rights Act.^[1]

Your Rights Regarding Rental Health, Safety, and Accessibility

Landlords in Nunavut must provide safe, accessible rentals that meet basic health and safety standards. This includes maintaining fire exits, providing adequate lighting, and ensuring entrances and shared spaces are accessible where required or agreed.

• Lack of accessibility may sometimes overlap with health or safety issues. For more on broader safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Report urgent hazards or unsafe conditions to your landlord, and escalate to local authorities or the NHRT if not resolved.

If you’re struggling to find an accessible home, remember you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme as an added option.

Tenants: Take action early if you feel your rights are not being respected. Documenting everything will help if you need to file a formal complaint or seek legal help.

FAQ: Nunavut Discrimination & Accessibility

1. What do I do if my landlord refuses to make a reasonable accessibility modification?
   If your landlord denies a reasonable accommodation, gather your documentation and submit a complaint to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or a disability?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to you or alter your tenancy based on family status, disability, or other protected grounds under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
3. Do I have to disclose my disability when renting?
   No. You do not need to disclose a disability unless you are requesting a specific accommodation that requires your landlord’s cooperation.
4. What evidence should I collect if I face discrimination?
   Keep all written communication, take notes on verbal discussions, obtain witness details, and take photos of any relevant barriers or notices.
5. Where can I find official forms to file a complaint?
   Complaint forms and instructions are available on the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal website.

How To Take Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Notify your landlord in writing describing your needs and, if possible, provide supporting documentation from a healthcare provider.
2. How do I report discrimination to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal?
   Download and complete the complaint form from the NHRT website, include evidence, and submit it as instructed.
3. How do I gather evidence to support my complaint?
   Keep a log of all incidents, preserve written communications, and collect documents or photos illustrating the issue.

Key Takeaways

• Nunavut tenants are protected against discrimination and have the right to reasonable accessibility accommodations in housing.
• If you experience discrimination, gather evidence and submit a complaint to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using the forms on their site.
• Tenants should be aware of their broader duties and landlord responsibilities by reviewing official Nunavut legislation and tenant resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal — file discrimination and accessibility complaints
• Nunavut Human Rights Act — full official legislation
• Nunavut Department of Justice: Landlords and Tenants — general tenant rights and rental information

---

1. Nunavut Human Rights Act (current legislation)
2. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal

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