Family Size Discrimination in Nunavut Rentals: Legal Guide

As a tenant in Nunavut, concerns about discrimination—especially over family size—can feel overwhelming. Understanding your legal rights and the process for getting help is vital if you believe a landlord has treated you unfairly because of the number of people in your household.

Is Family Size Protected in Nunavut Rental Housing?

In Nunavut, the Nunavut Human Rights Act protects tenants against discrimination based on family status. While it doesn't list "family size" specifically, discrimination because of who lives in your family—such as being refused rental for having children or a larger household—often falls under "family status." Landlords generally cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you unfairly because of children or a growing family.

Examples of Family Size Discrimination

• Landlord refusing your application because you have children
• Advertising "adults only" apartments when not justified by law
• Setting different rental terms or higher rent because of your family's size

When Family Size Restrictions May Be Allowed

Some exceptions exist—like local building or fire codes that set maximum occupancy for safety reasons. A landlord may refuse if your household surpasses these rules, but cannot set their own arbitrary limits.

Your Rights and Landlord Obligations Under Nunavut Law

Tenants and landlords in Nunavut are guided by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). This law covers your right to rental accommodation, rules about notices, maintenance, and how to resolve disputes.

Learn more about essential tenant and landlord obligations on the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

For full details, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut where you’ll find province-specific facts about your tenancy rights and responsibilities.

What If You Experience Discrimination?

If you believe a landlord is refusing to rent to you or is treating you unfairly because of your family size, you can take action through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Nunavut

The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal handles complaints about discrimination in housing. This body is separate from the agency that deals with regular rental disputes (the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office).

Steps to File a Complaint

• Obtain the official complaint form: Nunavut Human Rights Application Form (Form 1)
• Complete the form: Include all details and any documents or evidence that support your situation, like emails, text messages, or rental ads.
• Submit the form: Mail or deliver the completed application to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, following the instructions on their official guidelines.
• The Tribunal will contact you: They may ask for more information or arrange a hearing to look into your complaint.

You do not need a lawyer, but support from local tenant advocacy groups can help. Filing a complaint is free.

What Happens After Filing?

The Tribunal will investigate your complaint, may try to mediate a settlement, or set up a hearing. Remedies can include changes in rental policy, compensation, or an order for the landlord to offer you the rental accommodation.

Connecting Your Rental Experience

Discrimination disputes are different from everyday rental issues like repairs or paying rent. For information about general rental challenges, see our page on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. Seeking housing in a market with limited supply? Canada's best rental listings platform offers options across Nunavut and beyond.

FAQ: Dealing with Family Size Discrimination in Rentals

1. Can a landlord set a maximum number of tenants in Nunavut? Only if the number of occupants would violate local building or safety codes. Otherwise, setting arbitrary limits is not allowed.
2. Is "no children allowed" legal in Nunavut rentals? No, except for senior-specific residences or where legal age restrictions are permitted by law. In most cases, this violates Nunavut’s Human Rights Act.
3. What should I do if I’m told the unit is “not suitable” for my family size? Ask the landlord for the specific reason. If there is no safety or code justification, you may have grounds for complaint to the Tribunal.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint? No. The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal can help you through the process at no cost.
5. Can a landlord raise my rent because I have more children? No. Any rent increase must follow the process set under Nunavut laws and not be based on family size.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Discrimination based on family size is usually illegal under Nunavut’s human rights legislation.
• Landlords must follow the law; exceptions apply only for occupancy codes.
• The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal is your main avenue for complaints.

Knowing your rights allows you to confidently seek fair and equal treatment when renting in Nunavut.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – File or get help with discrimination complaints
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Inquiries about general rental disputes
• Nunavut Legal Services Board – Legal aid for eligible tenants
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act: Read the Nunavut Human Rights Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut): Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
3. Human Rights Complaints Process: Steps to file a housing discrimination complaint

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