Nunavut Tenant Rights: Discrimination & Accessibility FAQ

If you’re renting a home in Nunavut, you have the right to enjoy your home free from discrimination and with access to necessary accommodations. This guide answers the most common questions about discrimination and accessibility for tenants in Nunavut, helping you understand your rights and what steps to take if there’s a problem.

Understanding Discrimination in Nunavut Rentals

Discrimination means treating someone unfairly based on characteristics such as race, age, disability, gender, religion, or family status. In Nunavut, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants when advertising, selecting tenants, or during your tenancy. This protection is set out in the Nunavut Human Rights Act and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.^[1][2]

What Are Examples of Discrimination?

• Refusing to rent to you because you have children
• Denying reasonable changes to improve accessibility if you have a disability
• Offering different tenancy terms because of your gender, ancestry, or other protected grounds

Landlords must consider accommodations for disabilities unless doing so would cause them undue hardship. This can include physical changes to the rental or changes to house rules.

Accessibility: Your Rights and What to Expect

Tenants in Nunavut have the right to a rental unit that is accessible and suitable for their needs, particularly if you have a disability or mobility challenges. You can ask for reasonable modifications such as ramps, grab bars, or permission to have a service animal. The landlord must allow these changes unless it’s very difficult or costly (undue hardship).

Requesting Accommodation

• Make your request in writing. Be specific about what you need and why.
• Be ready to provide some documentation, such as a letter from a healthcare provider.
• The landlord should respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Who Handles Rental Complaints and Disputes in Nunavut?

Complaints about discrimination or accessibility in rentals can be made to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, which investigates and decides on discrimination complaints.^[3] For tenancy issues not involving discrimination, the Nunavut Rental Office deals with matters under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.

Relevant Official Forms in Nunavut

• Tenant Application (Form 1): Use this to apply to the Rental Office if you believe your tenancy rights under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act have been violated. For example, if you’re evicted due to a disability, apply with this form. Official Form 1 (PDF)
• Human Rights Complaint Form: To file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal (for example, if your landlord denies your accommodation request), download the Complaint Form (PDF).

Be sure to submit completed forms directly to the respective body and keep a copy for your records.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

• Document every incident—write down dates, what happened, and who was involved
• Communicate your concerns in writing to your landlord, stating your needs clearly
• If there’s no solution, file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal or the Nunavut Rental Office

For more on practical landlord-tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Learn More About Nunavut Tenant Rights

Your general tenancy rights, including protections around discrimination and accessibility, are summarized on our dedicated page: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Need to find a more accessible home or relocate for better accommodations? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to explore your options nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What protections do Nunavut tenants have against discrimination?
   Both the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act and the Nunavut Human Rights Act protect tenants from being treated unfairly based on characteristics like disability, race, family status, or religion.
2. Can my landlord refuse to allow a service animal?
   No, landlords generally cannot refuse a legitimate service animal. Service animals are considered a necessary accommodation for people with disabilities, as protected by human rights law.
3. What do I do if my building is not accessible?
   Raise your need for accessibility modifications (like ramps or grab bars) directly with your landlord. If they refuse without good reason, you can contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
4. How can I formally complain if I’m discriminated against?
   You can file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their official form. Gather documentation and submit your complaint by mail or email as instructed on the form.
5. Where can I find more information about my tenancy rights?
   You can read a detailed overview on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

How to Protect Your Rights as a Tenant in Nunavut

1. How do I request a disability accommodation in my rental?
   Write to your landlord explaining your request and the reason for the accommodation. Attach a supporting note from a healthcare provider if possible.
2. How do I file a formal complaint about discrimination?
   Complete the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal’s complaint form and submit it as directed. Keep all related emails, letters, or records.
3. What’s the process if my landlord refuses a needed modification?
   Document the refusal, attempt to resolve it in writing, and if there is still no solution, file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal or contact the Nunavut Rental Office for help.

Key Takeaways

• Nunavut law protects tenants from discrimination and ensures access to reasonable accommodations.
• If your landlord refuses accessibility changes or discriminates, act promptly by documenting the issue and contacting the right authority.
• Official forms and tenancy dispute bodies are available to support and enforce your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – file a discrimination or accessibility complaint
• Nunavut Rental Office – tenancy disputes and information
• Nunavut Human Rights Act (legislation)
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (legislation)

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1. [1] Nunavut Human Rights Act, available at Nunavut Legislation – Human Rights Act.
2. [2] Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, available at Nunavut Legislation – Residential Tenancies Act.
3. [3] Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, www.nunavuthumanrights.ca.

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