Alberta Tenant Rights: Discrimination and Accessibility Explained

Living in a rental property in Alberta means you have legal protections against discrimination and a right to accessible housing. It's vital to understand how Alberta’s laws protect you, what counts as discrimination, and what steps you can take if your rights are not respected. This article explains these important topics in plain language, so you feel empowered as a tenant in Alberta.

What Is Discrimination in Alberta Rental Housing?

Discrimination in rental housing means being treated unfairly by a landlord or property manager because of protected personal characteristics. Under Alberta’s Human Rights Act, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, evict you, or treat you differently because of your:

• Race, colour, or ancestry
• Religion or belief system
• Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Marital or family status (such as being pregnant or having children)
• Age or source of income
• Physical or mental disability

If you feel you have been denied housing or treated differently due to any of these reasons, that could be discrimination.

Accessibility: Your Right to Accommodation

Tenants with disabilities have a legal right to equal access to rental housing in Alberta. Landlords must make “reasonable accommodations.” This means adjusting rules, policies, or even the physical environment so you have equal opportunity to use and enjoy your home. For tenants with mobility challenges, this could mean installing a ramp or allowing a service animal.

Note that landlords are not required to make changes that would cause “undue hardship,” such as excessive cost or health and safety risks, but they must show real evidence if claiming hardship.

Related Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants have obligations when it comes to treating others fairly and maintaining the rental unit. To better understand your general rights and responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For broader Alberta tenancy rights, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

When experiencing discrimination or an accessibility issue in your rental, you can file a human rights complaint through the official Alberta Human Rights Commission.

• Time Limit: You must file your complaint within 1 year of the incident.
• What You’ll Need: Details of what happened, names of people involved, and any supporting documents (emails, messages, photos).
• Form to Use: Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form

How to File:

• Download and fill out the official Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form.
• Be clear and specific—describe dates, actions, and why you believe it was discriminatory.
• File by email, mail, or fax as directed on the form page.

For legal disputes strictly about landlord and tenant matters (rent, repairs, deposits), you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which handles most residential tenancy applications in Alberta.

Key Alberta Rental Legislation

• Residential Tenancies Act (regulates landlord and tenant relationships)
• Human Rights Act (prohibits discrimination, ensures accessibility)

Review your lease and any “house rules.” If they appear to restrict you based on a protected ground (for example, “No children allowed”), this could violate your rights.

Preventing and Addressing Discrimination: Practical Tips

• Keep written records of all communications with your landlord.
• If denied a rental or a request for accommodation, ask for the reason in writing.
• If discrimination continues, submit a complaint to the Human Rights Commission and seek advice from a local tenant advocacy group.
• Need a new place to live? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find accessible and inclusive rental options.

Recognizing discrimination and knowing the steps to address it can help you protect your rights and well-being as a tenant.

Health and Safety in Accessible Units

Landlords must ensure that all rentals, including those with accessibility features, are safe and properly maintained. For more, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Rights & Discrimination

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses my accessibility request?
   Submit your accommodation request in writing. If refused, ask for the reasons in writing, then file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission if you believe the refusal is discriminatory.
2. Can my landlord evict me for having a guide dog or service animal?
   No. Landlords cannot evict or refuse to rent to you for needing a service animal, as this is protected under human rights law.
3. Is age discrimination allowed in Alberta rentals?
   Generally, age discrimination is not allowed except in the case of designated seniors-only buildings.
4. Who enforces tenant discrimination rights in Alberta?
   The Alberta Human Rights Commission handles these complaints and can order remedies or mediation between parties.
5. What if my landlord threatens me after I file a complaint?
   Retaliation is not allowed; if this occurs, note everything in writing and include evidence in your complaint.

How To: Protect Your Rights as a Tenant Facing Discrimination

1. How do I ask for a disability accommodation from my landlord?
   Write a clear letter or email describing your disability-related need and the specific change requested. Attach any medical notes or documents if needed.
2. How do I submit an Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form?
   Download the form from the Alberta Human Rights Commission, complete all details, and send it by email, mail, or fax.
3. How can I document discrimination or harassment?
   Keep a diary or log of incidents, save emails & texts, and, if possible, gather statements from witnesses.
4. How to appeal if my request for accommodation is denied?
   Request the reasons for denial in writing and include them in your human rights complaint submission.
5. How do I get additional tenant support?
   Contact local tenant advocacy organizations or legal clinics for free advice and resources.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and accessibility rights for tenants are protected under Alberta’s Human Rights Act.
• File complaints with the Alberta Human Rights Commission within one year if you experience discrimination.
• Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for disabilities unless it creates undue hardship.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – file complaints and get education on your rights
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – resolve landlord/tenant disputes
• For more about your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
• Local legal clinics and advocacy organizations can provide confidential support

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1. See Human Rights Act (Alberta) for anti-discrimination and accommodation laws.
2. See Residential Tenancies Act for rules governing all Alberta renter and landlord relationships.
3. Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form available at file-a-complaint page.
4. Alberta Human Rights Commission: albertahumanrights.ab.ca
5. RTDRS (dispute resolution): alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service.aspx

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