Living with a disability can bring unique challenges when renting a home in Alberta. Fortunately, provincial laws and human rights protections ensure that tenants with disabilities have the right to accessible, safe, and supportive housing. This article explains how these legal rights apply to roommates and shared housing, what landlords must provide, and practical steps for requesting accessibility accommodations.

Your Right to Accessible and Non-Discriminatory Housing in Alberta

In Alberta, tenants with disabilities are protected by both the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1] and the Alberta Human Rights Act^[2]. These laws state that landlords cannot discriminate against you because of a disability and must take reasonable steps to accommodate your needs unless it would cause undue hardship.

• Physical Accessibility: Rental units should be reasonably accessible. This may involve allowing ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Landlords must consider requests for modifications or service animals, even in buildings that usually don’t allow pets.
• Equal Treatment: You have the right to participate fully in community life and use common areas like shared kitchens or lounges.

For a broad overview of your rights as a tenant in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Common Accessibility Requests and What Landlords Must Do

Most requests fall under two categories: changes to the physical space, or exceptions to building rules. Some examples include:

• Installing a wheelchair-accessible ramp
• Permitting a support animal in a pet-free building
• Installing visual fire alarms or doorbells for deaf tenants
• Relocating parking spaces closer to entrances

Landlords must respond to your accommodation request promptly and in good faith, unless it causes major cost or structural issues (called "undue hardship"). If a simple modification can be made without significant expense, they are expected to cooperate.

How to Ask for an Accommodation

You should make your request in writing, including:

• Description of your disability-related need (no specific diagnosis required)
• The accommodation you are requesting
• Any medical note or supporting document (if available)

Landlords may ask you for reasonable documentation but cannot demand full medical records or details unrelated to your needs.

If the landlord refuses your reasonable request or does not respond, you have options for complaint or dispute resolution.

What to Do if Your Accessibility Rights Are Denied

If a landlord refuses to accommodate your needs or discriminates against you because of a disability, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or seek resolution through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).^[3]

• Alberta Human Rights Act Complaint Form: Use this form to report discrimination on the basis of disability. Download the Complaint Form.
  • When to use: If you believe your landlord has discriminated against you or refused an accommodation.
  • Example: Landlord refuses reasonable request for a support animal in a no-pet apartment.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service Application: Use this service to resolve landlord-tenant issues outside of court. File an application online.
  • When to use: For tenancy disputes such as maintenance, entry, rent, or discrimination connected to your tenancy agreement.
  • Example: Landlord fails to make a rental unit accessible after multiple requests, affecting your ability to live there safely.

In a shared house or roommate situation, each tenant’s rights are protected. The accommodation must not unreasonably impact other tenants, but your landlord must consider your request seriously.

Obligations of Tenants and Landlords

Both you and your landlord have duties in maintaining accessible and safe housing. Learn more about these responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the modifications in good order and informing your landlord of any issues that arise.

Health and Safety Requirements

Your landlord is required to keep the rental unit in good repair and ensure a healthy, hazard-free space. If accessibility equipment (such as handrails or alarms) is necessary for your safety, these may be considered a required repair. Review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more about your rights in these situations.

Accessibility modifications should be coordinated to keep living arrangements comfortable for everyone living in shared housing.

Roommates, Shared Housing, and Accessibility

In shared accommodations, all tenants have rights to a safe and accessible home. Landlords must balance everyone’s interests, but cannot refuse your request solely because of the inconvenience to others unless it is significant. Communication is key: engage both your landlord and roommates, and consider mediation or formal complaint pathways if disputes cannot be resolved directly.

For a simple way to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, including accessible properties, many platforms now support accessibility filters during your rental search.

FAQs for Tenants with Disabilities in Alberta

1. Does my landlord have to install a wheelchair ramp?
   If the ramp is a reasonable modification and does not cause major problems or expense, your landlord must either approve its installation or come to an agreement with you. However, landlords are not required to pay for very costly or difficult structural changes if it causes them undue hardship.
2. Can I have a service or support animal even if pets are not allowed?
   Yes. Alberta law requires landlords to accommodate certified service animals and, in many cases, support animals if needed because of a disability. Your landlord can ask for documentation but cannot automatically refuse you.
3. What can I do if my landlord denies my request for accessibility changes?
   You can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, or seek dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Provide clear evidence of your need and any prior communication.
4. Does my landlord have to pay for accessibility modifications?
   It depends on the modification. Minor changes (like grab bars) may be the landlord's responsibility, but for major renovations, the cost may need to be shared or negotiated depending on the situation.
5. Are roommates in shared housing also responsible for honouring accommodations?
   Roommates have a right to a comfortable home, but cannot veto required accessibility changes unless those changes cause a significant and unreasonable impact. Open communication is encouraged for shared living arrangements.

Summary: What Tenants Should Remember

• Alberta law protects your right to accessible, non-discriminatory housing.
• Reasonable accommodations must be considered by your landlord if you request them because of a disability.
• Clear written requests and communication are essential; unresolved disputes can be addressed through human rights complaints or tenancy dispute services.

If you need accommodations, act early and keep records to help ensure your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: File complaints about discrimination or denied accommodation.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Handle disputes about repairs, modifications, and tenancy rights.
• Alberta Residential Tenancies Advisory Committee: Offers guidance to tenants and landlords.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
• Government of Canada Accessible Rental Programs: Information on federal accessibility funding.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Alberta Human Rights Act
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

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