Many Albertans rely on government or social assistance to afford their homes. If you’ve ever worried that assistance might stop you from renting, it’s important to understand your rights as a tenant in Alberta and what landlords are—and aren’t—allowed to consider under the law.

Discrimination and Rental Applications in Alberta

In Alberta, landlords cannot reject rental applications for discriminatory reasons protected under provincial law. However, there are specific rules and limitations around income sources and tenant screening.

What Assistance Means in Rental Housing

"Assistance" can include government income supports, disability benefits (AISH), affordable housing programs, or rent supplements. Many Albertans use these supports for part or all of their rent.

Is It Legal to Deny Tenants for Receiving Assistance?

According to the Alberta Human Rights Act, discrimination in housing is prohibited based on protected grounds like race, ancestry, age, family status, and disability. However, "source of income" – such as whether rent is paid by social assistance, AISH, or another program – is not a protected ground under Alberta’s human rights law as of 2024. This means landlords in Alberta can legally reject applicants based solely on their source of income, unless other protected grounds (such as disability or family status) are involved.^[1]

What Landlords Are Allowed to Ask or Request

• Proof of income (pay stubs, award letters, proof of assistance)
• References from previous landlords
• Credit checks

Landlords must treat all applicants fairly and not make decisions based on assumptions about tenants receiving assistance. Learn more about landlord and tenant obligations by reading Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Applying for Rentals with Assistance in Alberta

Although landlords can factor in your income source, you still have rights. Landlords must:

• Follow all tenancy laws and not discriminate on protected grounds
• Process rental applications consistently
• Provide written reasons for denial if they claim it’s for reasons like credit or references

When applying to rent:

• Be prepared to show documentation of your assistance (e.g., AISH award letter, benefit statement)
• Consider including a letter of good standing from previous landlords or housing workers
• Make sure the rental listing process is fair. If you are unsure, ask the landlord for their tenant selection criteria in writing.

If You Believe You Were Denied for Discriminatory Reasons

If a landlord denied you in a way that targets a protected ground (e.g., disability, family status), you can take action with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, which handles discrimination complaints related to rental housing.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

• Step 1: Collect evidence: Save any written communications, notes about what happened, and your rental application.
• Step 2: Download and complete the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form. This form is used to start a discrimination complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission if you believe you were denied housing because of a protected ground (such as disability or family status). Follow the instructions provided on the form.
• Step 3: Submit your completed form with supporting evidence via the instructions listed on the Alberta Human Rights Commission’s website. Your form may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

See the full details and submit your complaint here.

Remember: In Alberta, source of income discrimination is legal unless tied to another protected ground. If that’s the case, you have the right to file a complaint.

Protections for Tenants After Signing the Lease

Once you’ve entered into a lease agreement, you have a range of rights regarding rent, privacy, maintenance, and more. Learn about these in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For a detailed look at Alberta’s specific tenant laws, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Where to Learn More About Your Rights

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) hears rental disputes in Alberta. For more information, visit the RTDRS website or call 1-780-644-3000.

For access to rentals open to tenants with assistance, Browse apartments for rent in Canada with various filtering options, including affordable and accessible listings.

FAQ: Tenant Assistance and Discrimination in Alberta

1. Can a landlord reject my application because I receive social assistance in Alberta?
   Yes. Alberta law does not protect "source of income" as a ground for discrimination. Landlords can legally consider the source of your rent payment when making rental decisions, unless another protected ground, such as disability, is involved.
2. Is receiving AISH or a rent supplement considered a disability?
   Receiving AISH or similar benefits is not by itself recognized as a disability. However, if you are denied because of a disability, you have protection under the Alberta Human Rights Act and can file a complaint.
3. Where can I file a discrimination complaint if I believe the decision was based on a protected ground?
   You can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission using their official complaint form.
4. Are there forms to help me apply or defend my rights as a tenant in Alberta?
   The most relevant form for discrimination is the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form. For rental disputes unrelated to discrimination, see the RTDRS application.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Alberta

• Landlords in Alberta can legally refuse to rent based on your source of income, including government assistance, unless another protected ground applies.
• Discriminating based on disability, race, family status, or other protected grounds is not permitted. If this happens, you can take action.
• After you’ve signed a lease, you have additional rights and responsibilities as a tenant—make sure you understand them to protect yourself.

Being aware of your rights helps you advocate for fair treatment and access to housing in Alberta.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints and access information on protected grounds
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Handle tenancy disputes online or by phone at 1-780-644-3000
• Alberta Government – Information for Tenants
• Find more about your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
• Looking for affordable rentals? Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act - human rights in rental
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
3. Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form (Official Government Source)

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