Step-by-Step Guide to Discrimination & Accessibility Issues in Nunavut

Discrimination and accessibility challenges can seriously impact a tenant’s housing experience. Whether you’re facing barriers due to disability, race, religion, gender, or family status, Nunavut law protects your rights. This guide offers clear, practical steps for tenants in Nunavut dealing with discrimination or accessibility problems in their rental housing.

Understanding Your Rights: Discrimination and Accessibility in Nunavut Rentals

In Nunavut, it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate when renting or managing housing. The Nunavut Human Rights Act protects tenants from unfair treatment based on characteristics such as disability, race, religion, sex, age, family status, sexual orientation, and more.¹ Landlords also have a duty to accommodate disabilities, meaning they may need to make reasonable changes so tenants with disabilities can enjoy their home just like anyone else.

Examples of Discrimination in Housing

• Refusing to rent to families with children
• Refusing an accessible unit or denying a service animal
• Harassment or differential treatment based on your background
• Not addressing accessibility issues when you’ve asked for help

For more on general tenant and landlord obligations in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Step-by-Step: What to Do if You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

Here’s a simplified guide to help you resolve discrimination or accessibility problems as a Nunavut tenant:

1. Document the Problem: Write down what happened, when, and who was involved. Keep emails, texts, letters, and notes.
2. Communicate in Writing: Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord. Email or write a letter clearly describing what happened and what you’re requesting as a solution (for example, repairs or accommodations).
3. Request Reasonable Accommodation: If you need an accessibility change (like a ramp, grab bars, or allowing a service animal), send a written request to your landlord. Your landlord must consider your request and respond appropriately unless it causes undue hardship.
4. Seek Legal Advice or Mediation: If communication doesn’t fix the issue, you can contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, which handles discrimination complaints related to housing. Mediation may be offered before a formal hearing.
5. File an Official Complaint: If the problem isn’t resolved, you may file a formal complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their Complaint Form.

Many discrimination or accessibility problems overlap with other common rental issues. See Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for tips on related challenges.

How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint: Nunavut

If your landlord refuses to address discrimination or make accessibility accommodations, you can file a complaint under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.²

Official Form: Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form

• Form Name: Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form
• Where to find it: Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaints Page
• When to use: Use this form if you believe your landlord or another party has discriminated against you or failed to accommodate your accessibility needs as required by Nunavut law.
• How to Use: Download and complete the form with details about your experience, attach supporting evidence, and email, fax, or mail it to the Tribunal. The Tribunal will review your complaint, possibly contact you for more information, and may set up mediation or a hearing.

Other Official Channels for Resolving Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

Depending on the nature of your issue, you might also:

• Contact the Nunavut Legal Aid office for free legal advice
• Reach out to local tenant or community advocacy groups
• If your matter overlaps with repairs or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting

If you need a new, accessible home, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for options suited to your needs.

Summary: Your Protections Under Nunavut Law

• Discrimination is prohibited by law in housing
• Landlords must reasonably accommodate disabilities unless it causes hardship
• If problems aren’t fixed, you can seek resolution through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal

1. What counts as discrimination in Nunavut rental housing?
   Discrimination in Nunavut rental housing includes being treated unfairly because of your religion, race, disability, gender, age, family status, or other protected characteristics. Examples include refusing to rent to a family with children, refusing a service animal, or making racist comments.
2. Can my landlord refuse to make my unit accessible?
   No. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities unless doing so would cause serious difficulty ("undue hardship"). This might include installing ramps, allowing service animals, or providing other accessibility modifications.
3. Where do I file a discrimination complaint?
   You file discrimination or accessibility complaints with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, either online or by mailing/faxing the official Complaint Form.
4. How long does it take for a discrimination complaint to be resolved?
   It depends on the complexity of your case, but many complaints first go to mediation. It may take several months for a final decision if a full hearing is needed.
5. What if my landlord tries to evict me for making a complaint?
   It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against you because you made a complaint. If you feel you’re being evicted for this reason, contact the Tribunal or Legal Aid for help.

1. How do I file a Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form?
   Download the official Complaint Form from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal website, fill it in with details about your case, attach your evidence, and send by email, fax, or mail. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How can I support my discrimination complaint?
   Collect and save all written communications, dates, and details. Include emails, texts, voicemails, and photos showing the problem. Having clear records can help your case.
3. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Write to your landlord explaining what change you need (for example, a grab bar or permission for a support animal). Give details about why you need it and, if possible, provide medical documentation. The landlord must respond within a reasonable time.
4. How can I get legal help with a discrimination case in Nunavut?
   Contact Nunavut Legal Aid or ask the Human Rights Tribunal staff for information. Legal Aid may offer advice or representation if you qualify.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – File a complaint or get information
• Nunavut Legal Aid – Free legal help
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
• For accessible rental listings, Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, see the official legislation
2. Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, file a complaint and learn about the process
3. Nunavut Legal Aid, legal help for tenants: Nunavut Legal Aid Services

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