Top 5 Things Nunavut Tenants Must Know About Discrimination & Accessibility

Living as a tenant in Nunavut comes with unique challenges, especially around discrimination and accessibility in rental housing. Understanding your rights can ensure you have equal access to safe, fair, and comfortable homes across the territory. This guide highlights what every tenant in Nunavut should know to protect themselves and act if their rights are violated under current territorial laws and standards.

Key Protections Against Discrimination in Nunavut Rentals

In Nunavut, tenants are protected from discrimination through both territorial laws and the Nunavut Human Rights Act^[1]. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone or treat tenants differently based on reasons such as:

• Race, ethnicity, or Indigenous identity
• Age or family status
• Gender, sexual orientation, or religion
• Disability or physical/mental condition

This means rental ads, lease decisions, and tenant treatment must comply with anti-discrimination protections. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for help filing a complaint.

Accessibility: Your Right to Barrier-Free Housing

Accessibility is a core right under Nunavut law, covering both physical building barriers and landlord responsibilities. Tenants with disabilities can ask their landlord for reasonable accommodations, such as:

• Installing ramps or grab bars
• Allowing a service animal in a "no pets" building
• Making minor adjustments to meet accessibility needs

Landlords should not refuse your request for reasonable accommodations unless it would cause serious financial hardship or fundamentally alter the property. If denied, tenants may apply to the Human Rights Tribunal.

Your Rights Under Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act

The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[2] sets out the rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. This includes protections against unfair eviction, standards for repairs, and the legal procedures for addressing housing disputes. For a clear overview, consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for details on both parties’ main obligations to avoid discriminatory acts.

How to File a Complaint or Apply for Help

If you experience discrimination or accessibility barriers in your rental:

• Keep detailed notes including dates, times, and what was said/done
• Write to your landlord to request a solution in clear, calm language
• If the issue isn’t resolved, you have the right to submit a formal complaint

Primary Form:
Name: Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form
How to Use: Use this form to start a human rights complaint if you’ve been treated unfairly on protected grounds. Example: A tenant with a service animal is denied a rental despite medical needs.
Where to find: Nunavut Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF)

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities for Fairness

Both landlords and tenants share responsibility for fair and respectful housing. Landlords must:

• Provide accommodation where possible
• Respect tenant privacy and treat all tenants equally
• Keep rental units safe and meet maintenance standards

Tenants are obligated to follow lease terms, report needed repairs in writing, and cooperate on accessibility solutions. For more on how each side’s duties work in practice, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Complaints are reviewed by the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal. They may try to resolve conflicts through mediation or move to a hearing if necessary. Remedies can include compensation or requiring the landlord to provide access or accommodations. Learn more about the process on the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal site.

For convenient access to rental homes where your rights are respected, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses needed accessibility changes?
   You can request accommodations in writing. If refused without good reason, you can file a Human Rights Complaint Form with the Tribunal.
2. Is it legal for landlords to ask about disability or family status when I apply?
   No. It is against Nunavut Human Rights Act protections to make decisions based on these factors.
3. Are service animals allowed in "no pet" rentals in Nunavut?
   Yes. Service animals are a protected accommodation under Nunavut law—even in buildings that otherwise prohibit pets.
4. Where can I learn more about my legal responsibilities as a tenant?
   Check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for practical information.

How to Protect Yourself if Facing Discrimination

1. Document every incident and keep safe records.
2. Communicate requests for accommodation or fairness in writing.
3. Use the Human Rights Complaint Form when informal steps fail.
4. Contact tenant resources or advocacy groups for support if unsure.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Tenants are protected from discrimination and are entitled to accessible housing adjustments.
• Landlords must respond to accommodation requests unless unreasonable hardship is proven.
• Disputes can be resolved through the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal, with forms and support available.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal – Filing complaints, procedures, and advice
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act – Read the full legal text
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Province-specific overview of key rights and obligations

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1. Nunavut Human Rights Act: Full text of the Nunavut Human Rights Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act

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