Alberta Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for Tenants

As a tenant in Alberta, ensuring your home is free from discrimination and accessible for all is not just a hope—it's your right. Understanding when discrimination occurs, what accessibility should look like, and how to take action helps you feel confident and empowered in your rental journey. This guide focuses on discrimination and accessibility protections under Alberta law, providing a practical checklist and clear action steps for tenants.

Understanding Your Rights: Discrimination and Accessibility in Alberta Rentals

Alberta's laws protect tenants from discrimination based on personal characteristics and require landlords to provide reasonable accessibility measures. Under the Alberta Human Rights Act^[1], landlords and property managers cannot refuse housing or treat someone unfairly based on:

• Race, color, ancestry, or place of origin
• Religious beliefs
• Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
• Physical or mental disability
• Age, marital status, or family status
• Sexual orientation
• Source of income

If you feel you've been targeted due to any of these areas, you may be experiencing discrimination—which is illegal in Alberta housing.

Accessibility: What Does 'Reasonable Accommodation' Mean?

Landlords must take reasonable steps to accommodate tenants' disabilities unless it causes "undue hardship." Examples include:

• Installing ramps or grab bars
• Allowing service animals in no-pet properties
• Permitting accessible parking spaces

However, accommodations are balanced with the landlord's ability to implement changes without excessive cost or risk.

Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for Alberta Tenants

• Did your landlord or agent ask about your race, religion, or family situation before approving your application?
• Has your landlord denied modifications that would help you or a family member with a disability?
• Are there rules selectively enforced against certain tenants?
• Does your building or unit lack basic accessibility features needed for your disability, and has your landlord refused reasonable requests?
• Have you or your guests been harassed due to a personal characteristic, and management has failed to intervene?

Your Legal Protections: Key Legislation

• Alberta Human Rights Act – protects against discrimination in tenancy
• Residential Tenancies Act – clarifies rental obligations and dispute resolution^[2]

For a broader look at rights across the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Action Steps: What to Do If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

• Document everything: Save emails, texts, letters, and make notes of phone conversations.
• Request accommodations in writing: Ask your landlord for accessibility changes or policy exceptions.
• File a complaint: If your landlord refuses, submit a formal complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
• Consider other remedies: You may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for disputes about accessibility and repairs. See Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Key Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form – Use to file a discrimination case with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
  • When: If you've experienced rental discrimination.
  • How: Complete the form online or by PDF with your supporting documents.
  • Access the Complaint Form here
• Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution (RTDRS Form 1) – File with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) when your dispute involves repairs, habitability, or accessibility.
  • When: Your landlord is not making reasonable accommodations or addressing health/safety issues.
  • Get the form (RTDRS Form 1) here

Who Handles Discrimination & Accessibility Cases in Alberta?

• The Alberta Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints in housing.
• The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) addresses tenancy disputes, including accessibility and repair disputes.

If discrimination affects your tenancy in other ways, understanding broader Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can also help you advocate for yourself.

Finding Accessible and Inclusive Rentals in Alberta

Looking for properties that meet your needs? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view and filter by accessibility features when available.

FAQ: Alberta Discrimination & Accessibility for Tenants

1. What is considered housing discrimination in Alberta? Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly based on protected characteristics, such as refusing to rent to you, evicting you, or denying you services.
2. Can my landlord refuse my request to make accessibility modifications? Landlords must consider reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship, such as excessive costs or safety risks.
3. How do I file a complaint if I am discriminated against? Complete the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it online or by mail to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
4. Does the law protect service animals in rental properties? Yes, landlords are required to allow service animals even in no-pet properties, as refusing is considered discrimination under disability.
5. Can I take my landlord to a tribunal for accessibility issues? Yes, the RTDRS can help resolve accessibility and accommodation disputes if the landlord is not complying with legal requirements.

How To: Taking Action on Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

1. How do I request an accommodation from my landlord? Put your request in writing, explain your needs clearly, and suggest practical solutions (like grab bars or ramps). Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I file a formal discrimination complaint in Alberta? Gather evidence, fill out the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form, and submit it through the commission's website or by mail.
3. What if my landlord refuses my accessibility request? Use your written records and apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for a legal decision.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and accessibility are protected by law in Alberta rentals.
• Requests for accommodation should be made in writing with clear details.
• The Alberta Human Rights Commission and RTDRS provide formal avenues for complaints and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – file discrimination complaints and access resources
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – tenant-landlord dispute resolution for accessibility and more
• Service Alberta – general tenancy info and resources
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act: Read the full Alberta Human Rights Act (PDF)
2. Residential Tenancies Act: View the Residential Tenancies Act

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