Nunavut Tenant Rights: Denied Rental for Having a Pet?

Facing housing discrimination over pet ownership can be stressful, especially when searching for rentals in Nunavut. For many tenants, pets are beloved companions and, in some cases, essential support animals. It is important for Nunavut tenants to understand the legal landscape, what rights may apply, and what steps to take if you believe you were unfairly denied housing because of your pet or service animal.

Pet Ownership and Rental Housing in Nunavut: What the Law Says

Unlike some provinces, Nunavut does not have specific legislation that prohibits landlords from refusing tenants solely because they own pets. Most private rentals can have "no pets" policies written into the rental agreement. However, there are important exceptions when pets are needed for accessibility reasons, such as service animals for tenants with disabilities.

Service Animals and Accessibility Rights

If your pet is a certified service animal needed to help with a visible or invisible disability, you have protections under the Nunavut Human Rights Act. Denying a tenant housing because they require a service animal may be considered discrimination based on disability.

• Landlords may not refuse to rent or evict you for needing a service animal.
• Landlords may request documentation stating the animal is a service animal, but cannot ask for detailed medical records.

If a landlord will not accommodate your certified service animal, you can file a human rights complaint (details below).

Denied Housing Due to Pets: Is It Discrimination?

Most "no pets" policies are legal in Nunavut unless they conflict with your disability rights. Ordinary pets (cats, dogs, etc.) are not typically protected by human rights law. Only service animals are protected under discrimination and accessibility laws. If you were denied a rental only because you have a pet, the denial is usually legal unless the pet is an assistance animal for a documented disability.

• Differentiating between emotional support animals and certified service animals is important; laws in Nunavut specifically protect the latter.

For more information about broader tenant protections and dispute processes in the territory, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

If You Believe You Were Discriminated Against

If you have been refused housing due to a service animal, you can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. Here’s how the process works:

• Document everything: Keep records of your communications with the landlord, including emails, texts, or voicemails mentioning pets or your service animal.
• Gather documentation: If you have a service animal, obtain a letter from your healthcare provider confirming your need for the animal (you do not have to disclose your diagnosis).
• File a complaint: Download and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

The Tribunal will investigate your claim to decide if discrimination has occurred. If your complaint is valid, remedies might include ordering the landlord to rent to you or award compensation for damages. For additional details about rental issues, refer to Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

After Signing a Rental Agreement: What About Pet Rules?

If your landlord tries to enforce a "no pets" rule after you have already signed a lease (and no such rule was agreed to at signing), you may have grounds for dispute. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for more about your rights regarding changes to rental terms.

It's also helpful to Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to make your search faster and easier.

FAQ: Pets, Service Animals, and Tenant Rights in Nunavut

1. Can a landlord in Nunavut refuse to rent to me because I own a pet? Usually yes, unless your pet is a certified service animal needed due to a disability.
2. Are emotional support animals protected the same way as service animals? No. The law only recognizes certified service animals for disability accommodation, not emotional support animals.
3. What official form do I use to file a discrimination complaint? Use the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal's official site.
4. What should I do if a "no pets" rule is added after I've signed my tenancy agreement? Check your agreement and contact local tenant resources if the rule wasn't originally agreed upon.
5. Where can I get more detailed information on Nunavut tenant rights? Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for an overview of local laws.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Nunavut can generally refuse tenants with pets, except in cases involving service animals needed due to disability.
• Service animal rights are protected under the Nunavut Human Rights Act. File a complaint if denied housing for this reason.
• Always keep documentation and understand your lease terms regarding pets before signing.

In summary, know your rights, keep accurate records, and seek help if you feel your case qualifies as discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: File discrimination complaints and get forms.
• Government of Nunavut – Housing: Information about housing programs and services.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut: Overview of tenant protections, dispute resolution, and helpful contacts.

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, Full Legislation Text
2. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal official forms, Complaint Form Access
3. For additional tenant issues in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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