Tenants and renters in Nunavut have the right to live free from discrimination based on protected characteristics. This article explains how human rights law applies to housing, what behaviour may be unlawful discrimination, and practical steps a tenant or renter can take if they face exclusion, refusal to rent, different terms, or harassment. You will learn how to gather evidence, use local complaint processes, and what to expect from tribunals or courts handling tenancy and human rights issues in Nunavut. The guidance is intended for everyday renters — clear, practical, and focused on protecting housing security while pointing to official forms and local resources.
Legal protections in Nunavut
Nunavut protects people from discrimination in housing on grounds such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, family status, disability, and other protected characteristics. If a landlord refuses to rent, treats tenants differently, or imposes harsher rules because of one of these traits, that treatment can be unlawful. For territory-level human rights information and complaint processes, see the Government of Nunavut human rights resources.[1]
How discrimination intersects with tenancy and enforcement
Human rights complaints are separate from tenancy disputes about repairs, rent, or eviction. In Nunavut, many eviction and tenancy enforcement matters proceed through the Nunavut Court of Justice rather than a specialized landlord-tenant board, so you may face parallel processes: a human rights complaint and a court application related to tenancy actions.[2]
Practical steps if you suspect housing discrimination
- Record dates, times, messages, photos and witnesses for every discriminatory incident.
- Contact the landlord or property manager in writing to raise the issue and request a response.
- File a complaint form with the appropriate human rights office or tribunal if the landlord does not resolve the issue.
- Repairs: report habitability problems and document all requests to show you were treated differently on an unrelated ground.
- Hearing: prepare for hearings by organizing evidence, witness statements and copies of tenancy agreements.
Official forms you may need and how to use them
Human Rights Complaint Form (Nunavut or territorial intake) — Many territory human rights offices have an intake form or online process for housing discrimination complaints; use it to start a formal review when informal resolution fails. Example: if a landlord refuses to rent to someone because of disability, complete the intake form, attach your timeline and communications, and submit to the human rights office.[1]
Human Rights Complaint Form (Canadian Human Rights Commission) — Use the federal commission form when a complaint involves federally regulated housing or when the territorial process refers you. Example: a tenant in federally regulated housing who faces discrimination can use this form to begin a federal review.[3]
Court application for eviction or possession (Nunavut Court of Justice) — For eviction or possession orders, landlords typically apply to the Nunavut Court of Justice. Tenants should read the court guidance, prepare a written response, and bring evidence of discrimination if they believe the eviction is retaliatory or discriminatory.[2]
How human rights outcomes relate to tenancy outcomes
Human rights remedies can include orders to stop discriminatory behaviour, monetary compensation, or specific accommodations, while court orders in tenancy cases may grant possession or rent judgments. You can pursue both routes where appropriate, but timelines, forms, and decision-makers differ.
When to get help
- Contact a local legal clinic or tenant advisory service for immediate guidance.
- Call the territorial human rights office to check intake procedures before filing.
- Seek help from community organizations if language, mobility or accessibility needs make it hard to file forms.
FAQ
- Can I file a human rights complaint and a tenancy court response at the same time?
- Yes. You can pursue a human rights complaint while responding to a tenancy court application; keep both processes informed and bring the same evidence to each proceeding.
- What types of behaviour count as housing discrimination?
- Refusing to rent, applying different rules or rent, evicting, or harassing someone because of protected characteristics are common examples of discriminatory behaviour.
- How long do I have to file a human rights complaint in Nunavut?
- Timelines vary by office; start by contacting the territory human rights office as soon as possible and check their explicit time limits on intake.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No. Many people file complaints without a lawyer, but legal advice can help in complex cases or at hearings.
How-To
- Document the incident: record dates, copy messages, take photos and note witnesses.
- Notify the landlord in writing, request an explanation, and keep that message as evidence.
- Find and complete the correct complaint intake form for the territorial human rights office or the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Submit any tenancy-related evidence like repair requests or notices to show pattern or context.
- Prepare for a hearing by organizing evidence, witnesses and a short written statement of events.
- Follow any interim directions from the tribunal or court and seek temporary remedies if safety or urgency is a concern.
Help and Support / Resources
- Government of Nunavut: Human Rights and related services
- Nunavut Court of Justice guidance on civil and tenancy matters
- Nunavut Housing Corporation resources and tenant information
