Human Rights and Rental Housing Rights for Tenants in Nunavut

Living with roommates or in shared housing in Nunavut means understanding your rights under the Human Rights Act, especially as they relate to renting and finding a safe, discrimination-free home. This guide explains how Nunavut's Human Rights Code affects rental housing, and what to do if you face discrimination.

Overview: Human Rights Protections in Nunavut Rental Housing

Tenants and prospective tenants in Nunavut are protected under the Nunavut Human Rights Act. This law makes it illegal for landlords or other tenants to discriminate in renting, lease renewals, or shared accommodation situations based on protected grounds. These protections are essential for those living in shared housing or with roommates.

• Protected grounds include race, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, family status, religion, and more.
• It is unlawful to deny a potential tenant (or roommate) a lease or renewal, or to evict, because of any of these grounds.

Learn about your obligations as a tenant and landlord in shared housing arrangements by reviewing the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Human Rights Law Applies to Roommates and Shared Rentals

Shared housing situations can create unique challenges. The Nunavut Human Rights Act applies whether you are:

• Renting a whole unit
• Renting a room or sharing accommodation with others

Your landlord and fellow tenants are prohibited from harassing or discriminating against you on any protected ground.

If you believe you have faced discrimination—such as being refused a lease renewal, facing eviction, or experiencing harassment based on your identity—you have the right to file a complaint.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination in Housing

• Document the incident(s) in writing as soon as possible.
• Seek clarification from your landlord or roommate, and if unresolved, consider taking further action.
• You can file a formal complaint through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint: Forms and Steps

The process to address discrimination or harassment in your rental situation involves a few key steps. Complaints are managed by the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

• Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 1): Use this form to start your complaint. Clearly describe what happened, who was involved, and include as much detail as possible.
  Access the Complaint Form
• How to Use It: Complete the form with accurate and honest details about your experience. For example, if you were denied a room because of your family status, state when, where, and any witnesses.
• Submit the Form: Submit by mail, fax, or in person. Always keep a copy for your records.

For additional tenant protections and broader legal context, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page.

Key Legislation Protecting Tenants

Tenants in Nunavut are covered by:

• Nunavut Human Rights Act – addresses discrimination and harassment in housing.
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) – governs rental agreements, eviction, repairs, and tenancy rights.

The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal is the official body for addressing complaints, and can help mediate or resolve discrimination issues in residential tenancies.
For tenants across Canada, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Common Examples: Discrimination in Rental Situations

• A landlord refuses to rent a room to someone because of race or religion.
• Tenants in shared housing set rules aimed at excluding people based on gender identity.
• Refusal to make reasonable accessibility accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

In these and similar cases, the Human Rights Act provides protection and a clear complaint process.

FAQs: Your Human Rights and Rental Housing in Nunavut

1. Can a landlord refuse me a rental unit because of my background or beliefs?
   No. Under Nunavut's Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate on grounds like race, age, religion, or gender identity.
2. What can I do if my roommate is harassing me on a protected ground?
   You can document the harassment and file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
3. Where do I turn if I face discrimination in a shared housing situation?
   The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal is the appropriate venue for filing human rights complaints related to housing.
4. Does the law apply to all rental arrangements?
   Yes. Whether you are renting a room or an entire unit, these protections apply in Nunavut.
5. What is the deadline for filing a Human Rights complaint?
   Complaints should be filed within one year of the incident, but sooner is better for strong evidence.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Nunavut

• Human rights protections in Nunavut apply to all rental and shared housing situations.
• Landlords and roommates cannot discriminate or harass based on protected grounds.
• If you experience discrimination, a formal complaint process through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal is available.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Official body for complaints and information.
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: For help with general rental disputes, eviction, and legal rights.
• Find helpful information on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, SNu 2003, c 12. Read the Human Rights Act
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, RSNWT 1988, c R-5 (as replicated in Nunavut). View the Residential Tenancies Act
3. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Tribunal Website

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