Discrimination & Accessibility: 5 Things Alberta Tenants Must Know

Renting in Alberta comes with specific protections against discrimination and obligations to ensure accessibility in your home. Understanding your rights as a tenant can help prevent unfair treatment and empower you to take action if needed. This article explains the essentials of Alberta law and what every renter should know to protect themselves in situations involving discrimination or accessibility barriers.

1. Your Rights Are Protected by Law in Alberta

Both the Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and the Alberta Human Rights Act^[2] safeguard tenants from discrimination in housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, evict you, or treat you unfairly due to:

• Race, ethnic background, religion, or nationality
• Gender/sex or sexual orientation
• Disability or source of income
• Family status, marital status, or age

Landlords must also accommodate tenants with disabilities up to the point of 'undue hardship', such as allowing service animals or providing wheelchair access where it’s reasonable to do so.

2. Recognizing Discrimination in Rental Housing

Discrimination can sometimes be obvious, like being denied an apartment because you use a wheelchair. Other times, it might be more subtle, such as being told a unit "isn’t suitable for children" or being treated unfairly after requesting an accessibility modification.

• Common forms include refusing applications, higher deposits, or different rules based on a protected ground
• A landlord can only refuse a rental on reasonable, non-discriminatory grounds (for example, a bad credit check or not meeting tenancy obligations)

If you believe you’ve faced discrimination, document all interactions—including emails, texts, and written notes from conversations—with the landlord or property manager.

3. Requesting Accommodation for Accessibility

If you have a disability, you’re entitled to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. This may include:

• Installation of grab bars or ramps
• Permission for a service animal
• Accessible parking or mailbox access

Landlords must consider your request unless it causes major costs or significant difficulties ("undue hardship"). If your landlord denies your request, ask for their reasons in writing. You can use this evidence if you need to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Official Forms for Accommodation Requests

• "Human Rights Complaint Form" (no number): File this form with the Alberta Human Rights Commission if you believe your rights have been violated. Example: A landlord refuses to permit your medically required service animal. The form is submitted online or by mail.
• "Tenant Application for Remedies" (RTDRS Form): If your accommodation dispute affects your tenancy agreement, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Example: Your landlord refuses a modest accessibility change that does not cause undue hardship.

4. Taking Action: How to File a Discrimination Complaint

Tenants who believe they've been discriminated against should:

• Talk to your landlord and try to resolve the issue directly
• Collect evidence: emails, rejected applications, letters, etc.
• Submit a Human Rights Complaint Form to the Alberta Human Rights Commission

If your housing or health is affected, you should also review your Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand next steps and obligations.

If informal solutions don’t work, submitting a formal complaint is your right. The Commission provides free support, though the process can take several months.

5. Accessibility and Safety in Your Rental

Accessibility not only means modifications but also that housing must be generally safe and livable. For tenants facing unsafe conditions due to barriers, it’s important to also know your rights. Alberta’s housing standards require landlords to provide safe living spaces—tenants can learn more from Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Want to browse accessible rental listings across Alberta and Canada? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord responsibilities in Alberta, visit our page on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

1. What is considered discrimination by a landlord in Alberta?
   Any unfavourable treatment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, family status, or source of income is considered discrimination and is illegal under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
2. Can my landlord stop me from having a service animal?
   No. If you require a service animal due to a disability, your landlord must accommodate you unless they can prove it causes undue hardship for the property.
3. How do I request accessibility changes to my rental?
   You can make a written request to your landlord, explaining your needs. If they deny your request, you may file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
4. What should I do if I've experienced discrimination?
   Document all interactions, try to resolve with your landlord, and, if needed, submit a formal Human Rights Complaint Form to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
5. Where do I get help with discrimination or accessibility problems?
   Contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission for advice, or apply to the RTDRS if the dispute affects your tenancy agreement.

1. How do I file a human rights complaint in Alberta if I’m a tenant?
   
   • Step 1: Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form online or download it for mail submission.
   • Step 2: Attach supporting documents, such as emails, letters, or rejection notices.
   • Step 3: Submit your form and wait for the Commission's response (they may request more information).
2. How can I ask my landlord for reasonable accessibility accommodations?
   
   • Step 1: Write a specific, polite request to your landlord describing your needs and medical documentation if required.
   • Step 2: Wait for their written response. If denied, request a written reason.
   • Step 3: If not resolved, contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
3. How do I appeal if my complaint is dismissed?
   Ask for a review with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Provide additional information or clarification, if needed.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Discrimination in rental housing is illegal under Alberta’s laws.
• Reasonable accessibility accommodations are a right, not a privilege.
• Document concerns and use official complaint processes when informal steps don’t resolve issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: Formal complaints, guidance, and resources
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Tenancy-related applications and dispute resolution
• Service Alberta – Consumer Services: Housing & Property Rights

---

1. [1] Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Government of Alberta
2. [2] Alberta Human Rights Act (R.S.A. 2000, c. A-25.5)
3. [3] Alberta Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy