Dealing with Discrimination and Accessibility Issues as a Tenant in Alberta

Facing discrimination or accessibility problems as a renter can be stressful and isolating. In Alberta, tenants are protected by law from unfair treatment due to race, disability, family status, and other personal characteristics. This article provides practical, step-by-step help for Alberta tenants who encounter discrimination or accessibility challenges—a guide to your legal rights, complaint process, and available support.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Alberta

It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against a tenant or applicant based on protected grounds under Alberta’s Human Rights Act. This includes:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
• Gender, gender identity, or expression
• Family status or marital status
• Religious beliefs
• Physical or mental disability
• Age, sexual orientation, or source of income

If you believe you are being treated unfairly for any of these reasons—such as being denied a rental, facing early eviction, or your landlord refusing to make reasonable modifications for a disability—you have legal options. For a summary of tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Recognizing Discrimination and Accessibility Problems

Discrimination can be direct (being told you cannot rent due to your background) or indirect (policies that make access harder for certain people). Accessibility issues arise when a landlord fails to accommodate a disability—for example, by refusing to install grab bars or allow a service animal.

• Refusal to rent or renew because of a disability or ethnicity
• No accessible ramps or entrances
• Rules prohibiting service animals despite medical need
• Failure to provide interpreters for the hearing impaired if needed to interact with landlord

If you experience any of the above, documentation is essential. Keep emails, lease agreements, notices, and clear records of conversations.

First Steps: Communicate and Document Your Concerns

Before filing a formal complaint, consider:

• Writing to your landlord. Clearly describe the issue, what you need, and reference the Human Rights Act.
• Asking for reasonable accommodations, such as support animal permissions, accessibility upgrades, or flexible rent schedules if related to income laws.
• Recording all communications. Document dates and the details of calls, meetings, or written exchanges.

Filing a Formal Human Rights Complaint in Alberta

If your landlord refuses to address discrimination or accessibility issues, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. This independent tribunal investigates and resolves discrimination cases involving housing.

How to File:

• Download and complete the Human Rights Complaint Form (no formal number assigned).
• Attach all supporting documents (letters, emails, photos, lease agreements).
• Return by mail, email, or fax. Full details appear on the last page of the form.

Example: If your rental provider refuses to allow your licensed service dog, clearly state this refusal, describe the impact, provide proof of your need for accommodation, and attach every related conversation to your form submission.

After You Submit

The Alberta Human Rights Commission reviews your complaint and may offer mediation. If mediation is not successful, a tribunal hearing could be the next step. Possible outcomes include orders for your landlord to change their practices, install modifications, or sometimes monetary compensation.

Accessibility Modifications and Health and Safety

Your landlord must allow reasonable changes (like grab bars or ramps) that support a disability. Typically, you can be asked to cover the cost, but a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. Additionally, all rentals must meet basic health and safety standards under the Residential Tenancies Act and public health laws. Learn more about safe housing in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tip: If a modification is required by your medical provider, provide documentation when making your request.

When to Apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

Some accessibility or discrimination disputes may also involve the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Alberta’s official tribunal for rental issues. RTDRS handles disputes like illegal evictions or repairs but does not deal directly with human rights complaints.

For example, if a tenant faces eviction or retaliation after requesting a disability accommodation, RTDRS can hear the eviction dispute, while the Human Rights Commission addresses the discrimination component.

Relevant Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this when filing a discrimination or accessibility issue with the Commission. Download the official form
• Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution (RTDRS Form C): For other rental disputes, particularly if facing eviction after making a discrimination complaint. Find the official PDF (Form C)

Fill out the appropriate form, attach all supporting information, and file as instructed by the official source.

Summary: Key Steps

• Try to resolve issues with your landlord first—always in writing
• File a Human Rights Complaint if discrimination or accessibility concerns are not addressed
• Contact RTDRS if you face eviction or rental retaliation after a complaint
• Keep copies of all correspondence and forms

Want to explore more housing options or compare rental experiences? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

For more on local rental rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

FAQs: Alberta Tenant Discrimination and Accessibility

1. What are "reasonable accommodations"? Reasonable accommodations are changes to your rental or the landlord's rules to help you use and enjoy your home, such as installing a ramp or allowing a service support animal.
2. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because of a disability? No. In Alberta, refusing to rent or provide a reasonable accommodation because of a disability is prohibited under the Human Rights Act.[1]
3. What should I include when filing a Human Rights Complaint? Details of the problem, copies of communication with the landlord, proof of your need (like a doctor’s letter), and your signed complaint form.
4. Is there a deadline to submit a discrimination complaint? Yes, you generally have one year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.[2]
5. Can I get help if I am evicted after asking for an accommodation? Yes. Apply to the RTDRS to challenge retaliatory eviction and also submit a human rights complaint.[3]

How To: Steps to File a Human Rights Complaint for Tenants in Alberta

1. How do I start a discrimination complaint in Alberta? Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form, add relevant documentation, and submit to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
2. How do I get evidence to support my complaint? Save emails/texts, take written notes of conversations, ask for letters from witnesses or health professionals.
3. What should I do if I face eviction after filing a discrimination complaint? Apply to RTDRS using their application form and indicate your situation includes possible retaliation under the Human Rights Act.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint? No, but legal advice can help, especially for complex situations or if you don’t speak English fluently. Free tenant advocacy services can assist.

Key Takeaways

• Alberta tenants are protected from discrimination and have the right to accessibility accommodations
• Document issues and communicate with your landlord in writing
• File a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or apply to the RTDRS as appropriate

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: Guidance and complaints about discrimination in housing
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: For tenancy disputes, evictions, and enforcement of rental rights
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA): Free resources and information for Alberta tenants

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act, official legislation text
2. Complaint process and deadlines: Alberta Human Rights Commission guide
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: official site

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