How Nunavut Tenants Can File a Human Rights Complaint

If you're renting in Nunavut and facing discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment because of who you are, you have a right to a fair and safe living environment. Filing a human rights complaint can help protect those rights, especially in shared housing or roommate situations. This guide walks Nunavut tenants through the process, what to expect, and where to get help.

Who Can File a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant?

Any tenant in Nunavut—including those in shared housing arrangements or with roommates—can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal if they believe they have faced discrimination or harassment in housing, as covered by the Nunavut Human Rights Act^[1]. You are protected if you experience discrimination based on protected grounds such as:

• Race or ethnic origin
• Nationality
• Disability
• Religious beliefs
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Family status, marital status, and more

Common housing-related discrimination can include being refused housing, harassed by a landlord or roommate, or having your rental agreement unfairly terminated.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut

Nunavut tenants are protected under both the Nunavut Human Rights Act and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[2]. Both acts help ensure your right to safe and non-discriminatory housing.

• You should not be evicted, harassed, or denied housing due to your identity.
• If a roommate or landlord is creating an unwelcome or unsafe environment, you have the right to seek help.

For more details about tenant and landlord obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

How the Human Rights Complaint Process Works

The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal is the body responsible for receiving, investigating, and deciding on human rights complaints about housing.

Here’s a step-by-step summary of what to expect:

1. Prepare your complaint: Gather evidence, such as messages, emails, notes, witness statements, or any documents proving unfair treatment.
2. Complete the official complaint form: Use the Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form, available on the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaints page.
   • When to use it: If you believe a landlord, property manager, or another tenant has violated your human rights in a rental housing context.
   • How to use: Fill out your details, explain your experience, and attach supporting evidence. Submit via email, mail, or in-person as directed on the Tribunal’s site.
3. The Tribunal reviews your complaint: They may reach out for more information and will decide whether to accept the complaint for investigation. Some complaints are resolved through mediation.
4. Investigation and resolution: The process may involve further information gathering, reaching out to the other party, and a formal decision if needed.

Key Things to Remember When Filing

• You usually need to file your complaint within one year of the discriminatory incident.
• Even if you have a rental agreement, your human rights must be respected. For more practical guidance, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
• All parties have a chance to respond. The process is neutral and aims for fairness.

While the Tribunal focuses on protecting rights, the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office helps with rental disputes not covered by human rights—like maintenance or eviction issues.

What Evidence Should You Collect?

The more information you can provide, the stronger your case:

• Copies of rental agreements or related documents
• Written communication (texts, emails, letters)
• Photos or screenshots of relevant incidents
• Statements from witnesses, if possible

Your story matters. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—for advice, contact the Tribunal directly.

Filing a Complaint: Step-by-Step

Here’s a summary to help you navigate the process from start to finish.

• Download and read the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form: Official complaint page and form
• Fill in your personal details, describe the incident(s), and include all supporting documents
• Submit your form as directed: by email, mail, or deliver to the address listed on the form
• Wait for the Tribunal to confirm receipt and next steps

Living With Roommates: Special Considerations

Disagreements with roommates are common but become human rights matters only when they involve protected grounds (such as race, disability, religion, or gender). If a roommate or co-tenant discriminates against you in ways covered under the Human Rights Act, you may file a complaint even if the landlord isn’t directly involved.

• Reach out for confidential help if you're unsure how to proceed
• Try to address issues calmly with your roommate, but document all incidents
• If issues involve property maintenance or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting

If your complaint extends beyond human rights (like repair delays or lease questions), remember you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find better housing options or supportive landlords elsewhere.

FAQ: Human Rights Complaints in Nunavut Rentals

1. Who can file a human rights complaint in a shared housing setting?
   Any tenant, including those living with roommates or in rooming houses, can file if they've experienced discrimination covered under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
2. Can I file a complaint against another tenant or just my landlord?
   Both. Complaints can be made against landlords, property managers, or even other tenants if their actions amount to discrimination.
3. How long does the process take?
   Timelines vary, but the Tribunal will provide updates. Complex cases might take several months to resolve.
4. Is there a time limit for filing?
   Yes, you typically must submit your complaint within one year of the discriminatory event.
5. Can filing a human rights complaint affect my tenancy?
   It shouldn't. The process is confidential and it's illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for exercising your rights.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination in rental housing under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
• File your complaint within one year using the official form from the Human Rights Tribunal.
• Seek help from tenant resources or legal support if you’re not sure what to do next.

Acting quickly and gathering evidence helps protect your rights and improve your living situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – For forms, help, and legal information
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – For lease, deposit, and rent questions
• For comprehensive legal information, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
• For information on health and repairs in your rental, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act (current as of 2024).
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (current as of 2024).

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