Discrimination Rights for Tenants in Nunavut: Explained

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Nunavut is essential when facing discrimination or accessibility challenges. Nunavut housing law offers important protections to help ensure safe, fair, and inclusive living for everyone, regardless of background, disability, or identity.

What Is Discrimination in Nunavut Rental Housing?

Discrimination in rental housing happens when landlords treat tenants unfairly or deny them housing based on protected characteristics. These can include race, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, family status, and more. The Nunavut Human Rights Act applies to all rental situations in the territory.

• Refusing to rent to someone because of their background or family status
• Providing fewer services or failing to make repairs based on a tenant’s identity
• Asking questions unrelated to your ability to pay rent or care for the property

Landlords in Nunavut must follow both the Human Rights Act and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1] (the main tenancy law). These protect you from discrimination at every stage—before, during, and after signing a lease.

Accessibility Rights for Tenants in Nunavut

If you live with a disability, you are entitled to “reasonable accommodation.” This means your landlord must take appropriate steps to make your rental unit accessible unless it would cause undue hardship (such as major structural changes with serious cost or risk).

• Allowing service animals even if pets are not normally permitted
• Permitting minor alterations (like grab bars or ramps) for accessibility
• Responding promptly to accessibility-related repair requests

Always put accommodation requests in writing and be clear about what you need to live safely and comfortably. You should not be charged extra for accessibility-related modifications, as long as these are reasonable and do not cause major issues for the landlord.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination or Barriers to Accessibility

If you believe you have faced discrimination or if your requests for reasonable accommodation are ignored, you have the right to file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.^[2] Start by speaking with your landlord in writing and keeping copies of all communication.

Official Forms and Steps for Nunavut Tenants

• Complaint Form (Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal): Human Rights Complaint Form
  When to use it: If you feel you have experienced discrimination in housing. For example, if a landlord refuses to install an accessibility ramp or denies a rental application based on personal characteristics. Complete the form and submit it by mail, email, or in person as instructed on the Tribunal's complaint page.
• Tenant Application Form (Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office): Tenant application forms (see official resources)
  When to use it: If your discrimination issue also involves other tenancy disputes (e.g., unfair eviction), you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for assistance.

These steps can help protect your rights and document your experiences.

Key Tenant Responsibilities and Tips

While Nunavut law shields you from unfair treatment, tenants also have important duties:

• Abide by the rental agreement and take care of the property
• Communicate promptly about any issues, especially those affecting safety or health
• Make written requests for repairs or accessible features

For a full outline of your and your landlord's duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Useful Resources for Nunavut Tenants

• Read more about your territorial rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.
• Browse apartments for rent in Canada with a Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view on Houseme.

FAQ: Discrimination and Accessibility in Nunavut Rentals

1. What characteristics are protected under Nunavut's discrimination laws?
   Nunavut’s Human Rights Act protects against discrimination based on age, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, family status, marital status, ethnic origin, and source of income.
2. Can landlords refuse service animals in Nunavut?
   No. Landlords must allow service animals, even if the building has a no-pets policy, as part of reasonable accommodation for accessibility.
3. What is reasonable accommodation?
   This is when a landlord makes necessary adjustments to the rental unit or rules so a person with a disability can access and use the property, unless it causes undue hardship.
4. How do I file a complaint about discrimination in Nunavut?
   Fill out the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal’s complaint form and submit it as directed. Write down the details of the incident and keep any evidence.
5. Are landlords allowed to ask about my family status or religion?
   No. Asking these types of questions is often a sign of discrimination and is not permitted under Nunavut law.

How To: Protect Your Rights as a Nunavut Tenant

1. How to document discrimination or accessibility issues:
   Write down details, dates, and parties involved each time you encounter discrimination or a denied request for accommodation—even minor incidents may be important later.
2. How to request reasonable accommodation:
   Put your request in writing, explain your needs clearly, and send it to your landlord or property manager. Include any supporting information if available (like a doctor’s note for accessibility).
3. How to file a human rights complaint:
   Access and complete the official complaint form from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, provide evidence (emails, letters, photos), and submit the package by mail, email, or in person.
4. How to follow up on a complaint:
   Track all correspondence and respond promptly to any requests from the Tribunal or landlord.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• You have the right to live free from discrimination and to request accessibility accommodations in Nunavut rentals.
• Keep a written record and act early—using official forms and contacting the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal if needed.
• Find further help and resources before taking formal action, if possible.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Complaint Information & Forms
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office
• Legal Services Board of Nunavut
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

---

1. See the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (full text).
2. Find complaint instructions and forms on the official Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal website.

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