Discrimination in housing is unfortunately a reality many tenants in Alberta may face. Understanding your rights and the legal precedents can empower you to recognize and challenge discrimination, ensuring equal treatment and access to safe housing. This article reviews major Alberta cases, explains what counts as housing discrimination, and offers practical advice and official resources tailored for Alberta renters.

Understanding Discrimination in Rental Housing

In Alberta, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to someone, end a tenancy, or treat tenants unfairly because of characteristics protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act. These protected grounds include race, colour, religious beliefs, gender, age, marital status, family status, source of income, disability, sexual orientation, and more^[1].

• Direct discrimination: “No children” policies or denying applications due to a tenant’s background.
• Indirect (systemic) discrimination: Seemingly neutral rules that negatively impact certain groups (e.g., rules that ban cultural foods or holiday celebrations specific to a religion or ethnicity).

The Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) investigates housing discrimination complaints and enforces the law. Learn more about your basic legal protections on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Key Case Summaries: How Alberta Tribunals Have Ruled

Alberta’s courts and human rights tribunal have set important precedents outlining what does (and does not) constitute lawful discrimination in housing.

Case Example 1: Source of Income – Housing Subsidies

In O’Meara v. Edmonton (City), a tenant was denied a rental based on reliance on government assistance. The tribunal ruled that “source of income” protections apply to all forms of lawful income, including subsidies and social assistance, unless there is a genuine business reason entirely unrelated to the protected status^[2].

Case Example 2: Family Status and Children

"Adults only" or "no children" rental advertisements have repeatedly been found discriminatory in Alberta. In one notable decision, the AHRC determined that families with children are entitled to equal access to housing. Landlords may be required to adjust rules or facilities if they indirectly disadvantage families.

Case Example 3: Duty to Accommodate Disabilities

A landlord must make reasonable efforts (known as the "duty to accommodate") for tenants with disabilities, provided it does not cause undue hardship. For instance, requiring proof of a psychiatric support animal may be acceptable, but blanket bans or unreasonable restrictions have led to successful tenant claims in Alberta.

What Should Tenants Do If They Experience Discrimination?

If you believe you have been denied a rental or treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic, you can make a complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Here’s how:

• Document all interactions and keep copies of ads, messages, or statements by the landlord.
• Attempt to resolve the issue directly (if safe to do so) by communicating your concern in writing.
• If the issue is unresolved, file an official human rights complaint.

Tenants should familiarize themselves with general Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them, as discrimination often overlaps with other rental housing problems.

Official Forms for Alberta Tenants Facing Discrimination

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to start a complaint with the AHRC. Access and file online directly via the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Portal.
  Practical example: If a landlord tells you they "don't rent to families," fill out this form and submit evidence (emails, texts, ads).

Who Handles Housing Discrimination in Alberta?

The Alberta Human Rights Commission is the official body for discrimination claims. For tenancy disputes not involving discrimination (e.g., unpaid rent or repairs), contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).^[3]

Tenants have the right to housing free from discrimination. If you witness or experience unfair treatment, act promptly. Filing a complaint is confidential, and retaliation by landlords is prohibited.

Relevant Legislation for Alberta Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) – Governs landlord-tenant relationships outside of discrimination issues^[4].
• Alberta Human Rights Act – Sets out protection from discrimination in accommodation^[1].

If you’re beginning your rental journey or dealing with issues beyond discrimination, you may also want to review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for your next rental? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find fair, safe housing options fast!

FAQ: Alberta Housing Discrimination and Tenant Rights

1. What types of housing discrimination are illegal in Alberta?
   Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, age, gender, family status, source of income, and other protected characteristics listed in the Alberta Human Rights Act.
2. How do I file a complaint if I’m discriminated against?
   Gather evidence and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form through the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Complaints can be started online.
3. Can a landlord refuse pets for medical reasons?
   Service animals required due to a disability must be accommodated, provided documentation exists.
4. Does the Residential Tenancies Act cover discrimination?
   No, discrimination is covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act. The Residential Tenancies Act covers lease agreements, rent, and repairs.
5. Where else can I get support if I’m unsure about my rights?
   Contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission or local tenant support organizations. See below for resource links.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Discrimination based on protected grounds is unlawful in Alberta housing.
• Document incidents and act quickly by contacting the Alberta Human Rights Commission when needed.
• Understand both the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – Report discrimination or ask questions about protected rights in housing.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Handles disputes about rent, evictions, and deposits.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta – Fast facts on provincial tenant rights.
• Legal aid: Legal Aid Alberta for free or low-cost legal advice.

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act (section 4) – alberta.ca/human-rights-act
2. O’Meara v. Edmonton (City), 2013 AHRC 8
3. Alberta Human Rights Commission – albertahumanrights.ab.ca
4. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) – qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/A25P5.pdf

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