Nunavut Tenant Discrimination & Accessibility Rights Guide

If you’re renting a home in Nunavut, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to discrimination and accessibility. The territory’s laws are designed to protect you from unfair practices, ensure equal access for persons with disabilities, and provide clear steps if your rights are not respected. Whether you’re just moving in, seeking changes for accessibility, or addressing a complaint, being informed helps create a positive rental experience.

Understanding Discrimination in Nunavut Rentals

Landlords in Nunavut are legally prohibited from discriminating against tenants or applicants based on race, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, or a conviction for which a pardon has been granted. These protections come from both the Nunavut Human Rights Act^[1] and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[2].

• Rental applications: Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on a protected ground.
• During tenancy: Harassment or differential treatment (such as refusing reasonable repairs because of a disability) is also prohibited.

To see more on broad tenant protections in Nunavut, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Accessibility: Your Rights and Reasonable Accommodations

Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, provided the accommodation does not cause undue hardship (financial or safety burdens). Examples include allowing service animals even in “no pets” buildings or making minor modifications to the unit (like grab bars in the bathroom).

Requesting an Accommodation

• Put your request in writing to your landlord, explaining your needs and any supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s note).
• Your landlord can ask for documentation but not for invasive or unrelated details about your condition.
• If your landlord refuses without valid reason, contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal to file a complaint.

Tenants deserve homes that allow full participation in daily life. Accommodations are about ensuring everyone has equal opportunity in housing.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe your landlord has discriminated against you, you can:

• Keep records. Save copies of rental ads, messages, or notes about the incident.
• Contact the landlord in writing to address the issue. Remain polite but firm.
• If unresolved, submit a formal application to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

The Human Rights Tribunal investigates claims of discrimination and can order remedies such as compensation or specific actions from the landlord.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to start the formal complaint process at the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
  Download and file here
  Example: If a landlord refuses to accommodate a disability despite a doctor’s note, complete this form to explain the situation and why it violates your rights.
• Tenant Application under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (no official form number): Used if your landlord’s actions break tenancy rules separate from discrimination claims. Find forms and info here.
  Example: If you formally requested an accessibility change but received an eviction notice instead, you could use this application to dispute the eviction as bad-faith retaliation.

For general advice after moving in, you might find What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement helpful.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

While Nunavut law protects you from discrimination and supports accessibility needs, tenants also have responsibilities. You must:

• Respect the property and other tenants
• Follow the terms of your lease agreement
• Communicate requests or complaints in writing, when possible

Understanding your obligations helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps communication open with your landlord. To dig deeper into duties for both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Where to Get Legal Help in Nunavut

If you’re unsure about your situation or need confidential advice, tenants can access:

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – Handles discrimination and accessibility complaints.
• Government of Nunavut: Landlord and Tenant Information – Covers tenancy law, forms, and dispute resolution.
• Legal Aid Nunavut – Provides legal services to low-income residents. Learn more.

FAQ: Discrimination and Accessibility for Nunavut Tenants

1. What are my rights if a landlord rejects me because of my family status?
   If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children, this is discrimination based on family status and may be a violation of the Nunavut Human Rights Act. You can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
2. Can I request modifications for accessibility in my rental unit?
   Yes, you have the right to ask for reasonable modifications or accommodations to make a rental unit accessible. The landlord must approve these unless it would cause them “undue hardship,” such as major structural changes or excessive cost.
3. How do I file a discrimination complaint as a tenant?
   Collect any evidence or documentation, fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form, and submit it to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. You’ll be guided through next steps, including possible mediation or hearings.
4. Who handles rental disputes that are not about discrimination?
   The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT) oversees landlord-tenant matters that do not involve human rights, such as rent, repairs, or notices of eviction.
5. Where can I find good accessible rentals in Nunavut?
   You can start your housing search by using Canada’s best rental listings platform, which offers filters for accessibility and other needs.

How To: File an Accessibility-Related Complaint in Nunavut

1. How do I request an accommodation for my disability?
   Write a detailed request to your landlord, including any required documents like a doctor’s note. If the accommodation is denied, keep all correspondence.
2. What do I do if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?
   Attempt to resolve the issue directly, but if unsuccessful, complete the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
3. How can I follow up on my complaint?
   Keep in contact with the Tribunal for status updates, and prepare for possible mediation or a hearing where you may need to present your case and evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Nunavut protects tenants from discrimination and requires reasonable accommodation for disabilities.
• You have both rights and responsibilities—communicate in writing and keep thorough records if problems arise.
• Use official complaint forms and access tenant resources for support if you face discrimination or accessibility issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – File complaints or get information on discrimination and accessibility.
• Nunavut Department of Economic Development and Transportation – Landlord and tenant info, tenancy laws, forms, and dispute procedures.
• Legal Aid Nunavut – Free legal advice for eligible tenants.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Territorial facts, available rights, and further resources for tenants and landlords.
• Canada's best rental listings platform – Search accessible and affordable homes for rent across Canada.

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1. ^[1] Nunavut Human Rights Act
2. ^[2] Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

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