Illegal Rental Application Questions in Nunavut: Tenant Guide

Searching for a place to rent in Nunavut can be challenging, but it's important to know your rights during the application process. Landlords are not allowed to ask certain questions that could lead to discrimination. Understanding what’s off-limits helps protect your privacy, ensures fair treatment, and gives you confidence as a tenant.

What Landlords Cannot Ask on Rental Applications in Nunavut

Fair housing laws in Nunavut protect applicants from discrimination based on protected grounds. These rules are based on the Nunavut Human Rights Act and are enforced by the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal^[1].

Illegal Topics Landlords Cannot Ask About

• Race, ethnicity, or place of origin
• Religion or faith
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Age (except for age-restricted housing exemptions)
• Marital or family status (including whether you have children)
• Disability or health conditions
• Citizenship status, except to verify ability to enter a contract
• Questions about plans to have children
• Income source (if asked in a way that reveals social assistance receipt only)

Landlords do have the right to ask for information that is relevant to your ability to pay rent and maintain the property. For example, they can ask for references, employment details, and previous rental history, as long as these questions don’t cross into protected categories.

Examples of Illegal Questions

• "Are you Inuit or non-Inuit?"
• "What religion do you practice?"
• "Are you married or do you have children?"
• "Are you disabled?"

If you encounter these questions, you have the right to refuse to answer and may file a complaint.

How Nunavut Protects Tenants from Discrimination

Nunavut’s laws forbid discrimination in housing. This means landlords cannot deny you a rental home or treat you unfairly because of the reasons listed above. You are also protected after you’ve moved in—if you face unfair rules or treatment, support is available.

If you're unsure about your rights at any stage of your tenancy, review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a comprehensive overview.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Complaint Form – Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal
  • When to use: If you believe you have faced illegal discrimination from a landlord, use this form to file a human rights complaint.
  • How to use: Download the form from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal's website. Follow the step-by-step instructions about gathering evidence and submitting your complaint.

If You’re Asked an Illegal Question: What to Do

If a landlord asks about anything on the forbidden list, you do not have to answer. You can politely redirect the conversation or simply state, "I prefer not to disclose that information." Record-keeping is helpful: note the date, what was asked, and how you responded.

If you feel your application was rejected for a discriminatory reason, collect any related emails or texts and consider making a formal complaint to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. They have authority to investigate and order remedies if discrimination occurred.

Your Rights Beyond the Application

Your rights as a tenant continue once you’ve moved in. You’re entitled to privacy, safe housing, and protection from discrimination through the length of your tenancy. For more on your obligations and duties after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Tips for Tenants: Protecting Yourself

• Don’t feel pressured to answer personal questions
• Ask for all application forms in writing
• Keep copies of any correspondence
• Reach out for support if you face discrimination

Still looking for a place? Browse apartments for rent in Canada with interactive tools to narrow your search, or Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know if you're preparing to put money down on a new rental.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Application Discrimination in Nunavut

1. Can a landlord ask for my SIN or credit score in Nunavut?
   Landlords may request your SIN for identification but you are not required to provide it. For credit checks, you can often provide alternatives such as recent pay stubs or reference letters.
2. What should I do if I’m asked an illegal question on a rental application?
   You have the right to decline to answer. Note the question, keep any evidence, and consider filing a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal if you believe you’ve been discriminated against.
3. Are landlords allowed to ask about my immigration status?
   Landlords can ask if you have legal capacity to sign a lease (e.g., are an adult and legally entitled to enter into contracts), but they cannot require details that reveal protected characteristics.
4. What if I think I was refused a rental because of discrimination?
   Gather proof (emails, texts, notes from conversations) and contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal to discuss next steps, including making a formal complaint.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nunavut cannot ask about your race, religion, gender, family status, or disability on rental applications.
• You do not have to answer illegal questions; support and formal complaints are available.
• Familiarize yourself with Nunavut’s tenant rights for fair housing and non-discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Handles discrimination complaints and provides guidance.
• Nunavut Legal Registries: Information on tenancy regulations and housing support.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut: Comprehensive guide for tenants and landlords.
• Local housing authorities: Offer tenant support and information on safe rental practices.

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act: See details at Nunavut Human Rights Act official legislation.
2. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: official website.

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