Nunavut Tenant Rights: Protections Against Mental Health Discrimination

If you’re a tenant in Nunavut experiencing mental health challenges, it’s important to know that the law protects you from discrimination. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take is essential—whether you’re worried about unfair treatment, accommodation requests, or navigating a conflict with your landlord.

Legal Protections for Tenants with Mental Illness in Nunavut

Nunavut’s laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants because of a mental health diagnosis. This protection covers the search for housing, signing a lease, and all aspects of your tenancy.

• Discrimination means treating someone unfairly or denying them housing opportunities due to a protected characteristic, such as mental illness.
• Harassment and negative comments, threats of eviction, or refusal to make reasonable accommodations based on mental health are also forms of discrimination.

These protections are found in the Nunavut Human Rights Act and the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. Landlords must treat all tenants equally and consider reasonable accommodation when a tenant’s mental health is affected.

Your Rights as a Tenant with Mental Illness

• The right to apply for and live in rental housing free from discrimination
• The right to request reasonable accommodations, such as changes in communication methods or assistance for support animals
• Protection from eviction, rent increases, or other negative actions based solely on mental health status

For a broader overview of tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request Reasonable Accommodation

If your mental illness means you need changes to your living situation (for example, permission for an assistance animal or a different way to communicate with your landlord), you can make a formal request for accommodation. Landlords must consider such requests unless they can show it causes undue hardship.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

It’s important to act if you feel your landlord is treating you unfairly because of your mental health:

• Document all communications, including emails or texts, that mention your mental health or requests for accommodation
• Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord
• If unresolved, consider filing a formal complaint with the appropriate body

Where to File a Complaint

If informal steps do not work, you may file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal—the body that handles discrimination issues in housing. For issues specifically relating to your tenancy (such as eviction or rent increases), you can also contact the Residential Tenancies Office of Nunavut (RTO).

For more details about all aspects of renting in this territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this form to begin a discrimination complaint about housing based on mental illness.
  Example: If your landlord refuses your request for a support animal, complete the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form. Submit the completed form by mail or email as instructed on the official website.
• Residential Tenancies Application (RTO): For tenancy-specific issues (such as wrongful eviction notice), tenants can use the Residential Tenancies Application Form found under 'Information for Tenants'. Clearly outline your situation and submit as directed.

Remember: Deadlines may apply, so act promptly if you wish to file a complaint or dispute.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodation

Landlords are generally expected to make "reasonable accommodations" if your mental health condition affects your tenancy. Examples include:

• Allowing a support or service animal, even in a no-pet building
• Adjusting communication style (e.g., written rather than verbal notices)
• Being flexible on repair schedules if the tenant is unwell

A landlord can only refuse if accommodating you would cause severe undue hardship (such as very high cost or safety risks).

Your Rights After the Rental Agreement Is Complete

Even after moving in, Nunavut law continues to protect your rights as a tenant. This includes issues involving maintenance requests, communication, and privacy in your home. For practical advice, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me because of my mental illness?
   No, Nunavut law forbids landlords from evicting tenants solely due to mental illness. Eviction must be based on legal reasons, not health status.
2. How do I ask for a support animal in my rental?
   Make a written request to your landlord explaining your need, and provide a note from a regulated health professional if possible. Landlords generally must allow support animals as a reasonable accommodation.
3. What if my landlord refuses to address my request for accommodation?
   If your landlord ignores or rejects your request without valid grounds, document all communications and consider filing a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
4. Does my landlord have to keep my mental health information private?
   Yes, your personal health information must be kept confidential unless you consent to its disclosure or as required by law.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Nunavut

• It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants with mental illness in Nunavut.
• Reasonable accommodations are your right—don’t hesitate to request them when needed.
• If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal or seek advice from the Residential Tenancies Office.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – File discrimination complaints and access information on your rights
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Support for general tenancy issues, applications, and resources
• Legal Aid Nunavut – For low-cost or free legal advice: 1-866-606-9400
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Comprehensive provincial tenant-law summary

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1. Relevant Acts: Nunavut Human Rights Act, Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
2. Tribunal information: Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal; Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office

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