What laws protect Nunavut tenants from discrimination?
The Residential Tenancies Act and the Nunavut Human Rights Act protect tenants from discrimination.
Gather key documents and notes: keep your lease, notices, emails or texts, and a simple timeline of what happened. Then contact the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for advice and to start a complaint if you want to challenge discrimination.
Who handles discrimination complaints for tenants in Nunavut?
The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal handles discrimination complaints.
The NHRT Complaint Form is the official starting point for discrimination complaints; you’ll provide details of the incident and any supporting evidence.
Can my landlord refuse to rent to me due to my race, gender, religion, or disability?
No, this is prohibited under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
What should I do if I face discrimination by a landlord?
File a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
Even small accommodations must be considered reasonably; if a landlord claims undue hardship, ask for a written explanation and suggest feasible alternatives.
Does my landlord have to accommodate my disability?
Yes, landlords must reasonably accommodate disabilities unless it causes undue hardship.
What is an example of accommodation for a disability?
Installing a ramp or permitting a service animal are common accommodations.
What is 'undue hardship'?
When an accommodation is too difficult or expensive for the landlord to reasonably provide.
Who decides if a landlord is facing 'undue hardship'?
The Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal reviews evidence and considers each case.
Is it discrimination if my landlord won’t let me have a service animal?
Yes, unless the landlord can prove undue hardship, this may be discrimination.
How do I file a human rights complaint in Nunavut?
Use the NHRT Complaint Form and follow instructions on the Tribunal site.
What topics can I file a complaint about?
Discrimination due to race, religion, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted.
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
You must file within two years of the incident.
What outcomes can the Human Rights Tribunal order?
They may order compensation, an apology, or require the landlord to change practices.
Can my landlord ask about my family size or status?
No, it is discriminatory to refuse on family status.
I think I faced discrimination during an apartment viewing. What do I do?
Document what happened and file a complaint with the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.
Does Nunavut law protect gender identity and sexual orientation?
Yes, both are protected under the Nunavut Human Rights Act.
What if my landlord retaliates after I file a complaint?
Retaliation is prohibited. You can add this to your complaint with the Tribunal.
Can my landlord refuse tenants who have children?
No, refusing because you have children is discrimination based on family status.
Am I protected from discrimination if I receive social assistance?
Yes. Discriminating due to source of income is not allowed.
Can a landlord evict a tenant for making an accessibility request?
No, eviction for seeking accommodation is prohibited.
May a landlord advertise units as "adults only"?
No, this is considered discrimination based on family status.
Can I request accessible modifications like grab bars or ramps?
Yes, you can request modifications to accommodate a disability.
Must I pay for accessibility modifications yourself?
The landlord is generally responsible, unless it causes undue hardship.
Can my landlord refuse my reasonable request for a parking spot close to building entrance due to disability?
No, unless it would cause undue hardship for the landlord.
Is mental health covered by human rights protections?
Yes, "disability" includes mental health disabilities.
If I'm discriminated against, can I stay in my home during a complaint process?
Yes, you have the right to remain in your home while your complaint is processed.
Do I need a lawyer to file a human rights complaint?
No, you can make a complaint on your own, but legal advice is helpful in complex cases.
Can a prospective landlord ask about my religion or ethnicity?
No, these questions are not allowed under the Human Rights Act.
Am I protected if I have a non-visible disability?
Yes, non-visible disabilities are protected under Nunavut law.
Can a landlord set a "no pets" policy if I have a service animal?
Service animals must be permitted, even under a “no pets” rule, unless undue hardship applies.
Can discrimination affect who is chosen for a rental?
Yes, refusing a tenant based on protected grounds is illegal discrimination.
What if my rental agreement has discriminatory terms?
Discriminatory clauses are not enforceable and should be reported.
Can I get compensation if I prove discrimination?
Yes, the Tribunal may award compensation if your complaint is successful.
My landlord treats me unfairly because I'm an immigrant. Is this discrimination?
Yes, discrimination based on place of origin or citizenship is prohibited.
Can my landlord limit occupancy based on my relationship status?
No, discrimination on marital status is illegal.
Where can I find the rules about residential tenancies in Nunavut?
Check the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office and the Residential Tenancies Act.
What official forms do I use for a discrimination complaint?
Use the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form (no number assigned).
How do I document discrimination by a landlord?
Keep notes, gather evidence (emails, texts), and write a detailed description for your complaint.
Can a landlord ask about my criminal record?
Landlords may not discriminate if a pardon has been granted for the offence.
Do accessible rental units have special legal protections?
Yes, harassment or refusal to provide accessibility features is prohibited.
Can the Human Rights Tribunal help with urgent accommodation needs?
In urgent cases, you may request an expedited hearing.
What if I face discrimination from other tenants?
Report it to your landlord; the landlord must address harassment and discrimination between tenants.
Can I be denied an apartment for wearing cultural or traditional dress?
No; refusal due to cultural or religious dress is discrimination.
Is language or accent grounds for discrimination?
Discrimination based on ethnic origin or language is not allowed.
Who do I contact for tenancy issues unrelated to discrimination?
Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.
Is age discrimination allowed if I am a young tenant?
No, refusing to rent because of age is discriminatory unless the housing is designated for seniors.
What if my landlord asks me to sign a waiver to give up my rights?
Such a waiver is not legally valid under Nunavut law.
If English is not my first language, can I get help with complaint forms?
Yes, the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal can offer support.
