Discrimination & Accessibility: A Guide for Alberta Tenants

If you're a new tenant in Alberta, understanding your rights around discrimination and accessibility can help you feel confident and protected in your new home. Alberta's tenancy laws and human rights protections make it unlawful for landlords to deny you housing or treat you unfairly because of characteristics like race, religion, gender, disability, family status, or age. This guide covers your core rights, how landlords must accommodate disability, and how to act if you experience discrimination in your rental journey.

Discrimination and Your Right to Fair Housing in Alberta

Alberta protects tenants from discrimination in renting under the Alberta Human Rights Act^[1]. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, evict you, or treat you differently because of legally protected personal characteristics, which include:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
• Religious beliefs
• Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Marital or family status (including having children)
• Age
• Physical or mental disability
• Source of income (such as government assistance)

This means landlords cannot ask questions or make rental decisions based on these factors. If you’re unsure about what questions are appropriate, keep detailed notes of your interactions with landlords.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities. This could include installing ramps, grab bars, or allowing service animals, even in no-pet buildings. While landlords must consider your accommodation request, they can only refuse if it would cause them undue hardship (such as significant cost or major changes to the property).

Tip: If you need modifications in your rental, make your request in writing and explain why it’s needed for your disability. Attach a note from a healthcare provider if possible.

Examples of Accessibility Requests

• Wheelchair-accessible entryways
• Braille signage for common areas
• Permission for a support animal
• Minor alterations such as shower bars

Landlords are responsible for considering all accommodation requests seriously. If you disagree about what is "reasonable," the Alberta Human Rights Commission can help resolve disputes.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Alberta

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly due to a protected ground, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission^[2]. Here’s how the process works:

• Keep records: Save emails, documents, and notes about your interactions.
• Act quickly: Complaints usually must be filed within one year of the incident.
• Complete the form: Use the “Human Rights Complaint Form” from the Commission.

Official Discrimination Complaint Form

• Name: Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you or failed to provide needed accommodations.
• Where to find: Download the official complaint form here

Example: Grace, a tenant with a visual impairment, is denied permission to install tactile door markers for safety. She files a complaint using this form, outlining the need and including supporting documents from her health provider.

Tenancy Laws and Where to Get Help

General landlord and tenant relationships in Alberta are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act^[3]. All tenants have the right to live in safe, healthy, and accessible homes without harassment or discrimination.

To understand all your rights and duties, you can visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta, which covers core protections, responsibilities, and dispute resolution for Alberta renters.

Disability and Maintenance

Landlords must carry out basic maintenance for health and safety reasons. If your accessibility needs impact repairs or require modifications, make an agreement in writing. For more on tenant and landlord responsibilities for repairs, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Forms of Discrimination and Resolution

• Denying a rental because of children or family status
• Refusing support animals despite medical need
• Imposing extra fees for accessible units
• Offering different lease terms due to race or income

If these issues arise or the landlord won’t accommodate, contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission promptly.

Need help finding a new, accessible home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for inclusive, up-to-date listings nationwide.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility for Alberta Tenants

1. Can a landlord refuse pets if I need a service animal for my disability?
   No, landlords must permit service or support animals even if there’s a "no pets" policy, as required by the Alberta Human Rights Act.
2. How soon do landlords need to respond to accessibility requests?
   Landlords should reply promptly and work with tenants in good faith. If they ignore you or refuse, you can contact the Human Rights Commission for help.
3. Are there limits to what landlords must provide for accessibility?
   Landlords can refuse accommodations that cause undue hardship, such as very high costs or extensive renovations. Most routine changes must be considered.
4. Who do I contact for tenancy issues beyond discrimination?
   General rental issues (like deposits, notices, or repairs) are handled by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). For legal advice, local tenant support agencies may help.
5. Does discrimination protection apply to all rental situations?
   It covers nearly all rental housing, except sometimes where the landlord shares living space (such as in a duplex with the landlord).

How To: Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Alberta

1. How do I make an accessibility request?
   Write to your landlord describing your need and suggested solution. Attach a doctor’s note if relevant. Keep a record of your request.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   Download and complete the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form, attach evidence, and submit it online, by mail, or in person within one year of the issue.
3. What if the landlord ignores my request?
   Send a written reminder. If still no response, contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission for advice and next steps.

Key Takeaways for New Tenants

• Alberta law protects you from discrimination and requires landlords to accommodate most accessibility needs.
• Make accommodation requests in writing and act quickly if you feel your rights are ignored.
• Contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission for formal complaints and guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: File a discrimination or accessibility complaint, get information and support.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Resolve other rental disputes like repairs, evictions, and security deposits.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta: Core information about all tenant and landlord legal obligations.

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1. [1] Alberta Human Rights Act
2. [2] Alberta Human Rights Commission
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)

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