Alberta Tenant Rights: Discrimination & Accessibility Guide

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers as a renter in Alberta can be stressful. Understanding your rights and options helps protect your access to safe, fair housing. This guide breaks down the laws, steps to respond if you experience discrimination, and resources to support tenants with disabilities—all in plain language.

What Is Discrimination in Alberta Rental Housing?

Discrimination in rental housing means treating someone unfairly or refusing them equal treatment based on certain personal characteristics (called “protected grounds”). In Alberta, the Alberta Human Rights Act^[1] protects you against discrimination when renting or applying for a place to live. Landlords cannot legally deny you a place to rent, refuse repairs, or treat you differently based on:

• Race, color, ancestry or place of origin
• Religion or gender identity
• Age (18 or older)
• Marital or family status
• Physical or mental disability
• Sexual orientation
• Source of income (e.g., relying on social assistance)

Whether you are searching for housing, applying, or already renting, these protections apply. Landlords also can’t retaliate against tenants who file discrimination complaints.

What Does Accessibility Mean for Alberta Tenants?

Accessibility ensures people with disabilities have equal opportunity to rent and fully enjoy their living space. This may require landlords to make reasonable accommodations—like permitting service animals, installing ramps, or altering rules—unless that causes undue hardship.

Your Rights: Protections Under Alberta Law

The core laws affecting discrimination and accessibility in Alberta rentals are:

• Alberta Human Rights Act^[1]
• Residential Tenancies Act^[2]

Together, they mean you have:

• The right to be free from unfair treatment when seeking or living in rented housing
• The right to ask for reasonable accommodations for a disability
• Clear avenues to make a complaint if you’re discriminated against

Both tenants and landlords have rights and responsibilities. To learn more about what you and your landlord are obligated to do under Alberta law, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Examples of Rental Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone using a wheelchair because of accessibility needs
• A landlord saying “no families with children” in apartment ads
• Charging higher rent to tenants who are Indigenous or recent immigrants
• Not allowing a service animal, despite a disability-related need

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle. If you’re not sure, seek advice before taking action.

How to Take Action: Filing a Discrimination Complaint

If you experience discrimination or your landlord refuses a reasonable accessibility accommodation, Alberta has formal processes to help.

Step 1: Keep Records

Document what happened: dates, what was said or done, witnesses, and any written communication. These records help if you file a claim.

Step 2: Communicate in Writing

Write to your landlord explaining your situation, your rights, and your requested accommodation or complaint. Clear written records protect you.

Step 3: File a Complaint

Alberta Human Rights Commission handles discrimination claims. Use the official form:

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Used by tenants to file a housing discrimination allegation. Download form. Complete, sign, and submit via email or mail. Include supporting documentation, such as correspondence with your landlord.

If your main issue is about repairs, rent increases, or your landlord’s obligations (rather than discrimination), Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) can help. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for more on how the rental process works.

What Happens Next?

After filing a discrimination complaint, the Commission may help resolve the matter through mediation or a formal investigation. If your human rights were violated, the Commission may order the landlord to make changes or pay compensation.

Accessibility Requests: What Is Reasonable?

Tenants can request "reasonable accommodations" for disabilities. Landlords aren’t required to make every change, but must consider needs seriously. Common examples:

• Permitting a service animal in “no pets” housing
• Allowing special parking space near a building entrance
• Approving minor modifications (door levers, grab bars)

For major renovations or changes that would be very expensive or difficult, your landlord may not be obligated. Discuss your needs openly for the best chance at a positive solution.

Important Forms for Accessibility

• Medical Information Form (Voluntary): Some landlords may provide a standard letter for your healthcare provider to explain your needs (no standardized government form exists)—never disclose more health info than required.

Not sure what’s reasonable? Seek guidance from the Alberta Human Rights Commission or a tenant advocacy group.

Maintaining Your Rights Throughout Tenancy

Even after you’ve moved in, human rights continue to apply. If you need to make requests or face challenges like repairs, rent changes, or other disputes, understanding the obligations for both tenants and landlords is key. Common concerns such as Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting are important to address promptly—especially if they impact disability needs or safety.

Finding Accessible Rentals in Alberta

Accessible and inclusive housing is still limited in many markets. For expanded options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, including accessible units and listings in Alberta cities.

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my disability?
   No. Landlords can’t deny rental housing or treat you differently based on disability. They must also consider reasonable accommodations unless it causes them serious difficulty or expense.
2. What is a reasonable accommodation in rental housing?
   An adjustment or rule change so a person with a disability can access or enjoy their home fully, such as permitting a service animal or installing grab bars.
3. Can my landlord ask for medical details if I request accommodation?
   Landlords can request basic information to understand your needs but cannot ask for your full medical history or diagnosis. Only information necessary for the accommodation should be provided.
4. Where do I file a complaint if I experience discrimination?
   Housing discrimination complaints go to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Other tenancy issues may go to the RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service).

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation in my rental?
   Provide your landlord with a written request describing your need and, if requested, a supporting letter from a healthcare provider. Keep copies for your records.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission?
   Complete and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form with details of what happened, dates, and any supporting documents. The Commission investigates and may offer mediation.
3. If my landlord refuses my request, what should I do?
   Respond in writing and outline your rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act. If needed, escalate your complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Alberta law protects you from discrimination on many grounds—including disability, race, religion, and family status—at every stage of your rental journey.
• Ask for accessibility accommodations in writing; landlords must seriously consider requests unless unreasonable.
• If you face discrimination, keep records and use the Alberta Human Rights complaint process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: File a housing discrimination complaint
• Service Alberta: Rental and tenancy information and tip sheets
• RTDRS – Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: Dispute applications for rental issues
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act
2. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act

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