Tenant Action Guide: Facing Housing Discrimination in Nunavut

Discrimination in housing is illegal under Nunavut law. If you're a tenant facing unfair treatment or denial of housing because of your background, beliefs, family status, or other protected reasons, it's important to know your rights and how to take action. This guide will help Nunavut tenants understand the process, key resources, and official steps to address discrimination in rentals and shared housing situations.

Recognizing Housing Discrimination in Nunavut

Housing discrimination can occur during apartment searches, rental applications, living with roommates, or even after you've moved in. In Nunavut, it is illegal for landlords or other tenants to treat you unfairly because of reasons protected under the Nunavut Human Rights Act—including race, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, or source of income.^[1]

• Refusing to rent to you because of your background or family
• Requiring a higher deposit because of your ethnicity or income source
• Imposing different rules on you than other tenants
• Evicting you or making living conditions difficult due to prejudice

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

The Landlord and Tenant Act (Nunavut) sets out the legal relationship between tenants and landlords, including your right to a discrimination-free rental environment.^[2]

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities to treat each other fairly and lawfully. For a detailed breakdown of these legal obligations, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Respond to Housing Discrimination

If you believe you've experienced discrimination, you can:

• Speak with the landlord or roommate to discuss your concerns. Sometimes, sharing your experience leads to understanding or a quick resolution.
• Seek support from a local tenant advocacy group or legal help for guidance.
• File a formal complaint if issues persist.

Where and How to File a Discrimination Complaint

In Nunavut, discrimination complaints are handled by the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. You don't have to be an expert; you can file even if you're unsure whether your situation counts as discrimination. The Tribunal offers free forms, information, and support to guide you.

• Form to Use: Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form
• When to Use: Use this form if you believe your rights under the Nunavut Human Rights Act were violated in a housing context—such as being denied a rental, evicted without cause linked to a protected ground, or harassed because of your identity.
• How to Submit: Fill out the form with details of what happened. Submit it by mail, fax, or in person to the Tribunal (contact details are on the form). If you need help, they can guide you by phone or email.

After your complaint is received, the Tribunal will review your situation and may try mediation before a formal hearing. For further background on potential tenancy challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Your Rights During Tenancy

Even after securing a rental, your right to fair and non-discriminatory treatment continues. Document any ongoing issues and be aware of how to escalate your concerns if necessary. Familiarize yourself with your broader rights in Nunavut by reading Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Additional Resources

• Tenancy advice and legal information are available through the Government of Nunavut’s Landlord and Tenant information page.
• For a full selection of Nunavut rental listings and to compare options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Housing discrimination harms communities, but tenants in Nunavut are legally protected. Support and fair solutions are available if you know where to turn. If you’re unsure about your case, it’s always better to reach out for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered housing discrimination in Nunavut?
   Discrimination means treating someone unfairly in housing because of race, origin, age, family status, disability, religion, sex, or other protected grounds under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
2. Where do I file a complaint about housing discrimination?
   You should file with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal using their official complaint form. They will guide you through the process and can help resolve your case.
3. Can I be evicted for making a discrimination complaint?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord or roommate to retaliate against you for exercising your rights, including making a human rights complaint.
4. What if my discrimination issue also involves repairs or lease problems?
   If other tenancy issues are involved, you may also need to contact the rental authority or seek additional advice. Resources like Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them can help explain next steps.
5. Can I get help with filling out forms or understanding the process?
   Yes. Contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for help, or reach out to tenant services in your community who offer support without charge.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Discrimination in housing is illegal in Nunavut—your rights are protected by the Human Rights Act.
• Document everything, communicate early, and file a formal complaint if problems persist.
• Reach out to the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for help—they provide free forms and assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: File discrimination complaints and get resources
• Nunavut Department of Justice – Landlord and Tenant Information: Rights, rules, and housing laws
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut: Easy-to-understand guide to tenancy rights
• Need rental choices or want to relocate? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act, View full legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Act (Nunavut), View current law

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