Discrimination During Lease Renewal in Alberta

Many tenants in Alberta worry that their landlord may treat them differently when a fixed-term lease ends. Discrimination at lease renewal can take many forms: refusing to renew because of a protected characteristic, imposing different terms, or offering renewal only under unreasonable conditions. This guide explains what behaviours may be unlawful, outlines provincial remedies under Alberta tenancy rules and human rights law, and gives practical steps tenants can take — from documenting incidents and requesting written reasons to applying to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or the Alberta Human Rights Commission. It is written for renters who want clear, practical advice they can act on while preserving their rights and options.\n

What counts as discrimination at renewal?

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When a landlord makes renewal decisions based on a tenant's protected characteristic — such as family status, disability, race, gender identity, or creed — that can be discrimination. It can also be discriminatory to change terms only for some tenants, to refuse a reasonable accommodation request, or to threaten non-renewal after a tenant raised a habitability or repair issue. Tenants should watch for sudden changes in terms, differential treatment compared with other tenants, or requests that serve no clear business reason.

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Legal protections and where to complain

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In Alberta, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles many tenancy disputes, including issues around lease renewals and unfair terms^[1]. Discrimination may also be a matter for the Alberta Human Rights Commission if it relates to a protected ground under human rights law^[4]. The Residential Tenancies Act provides rules about tenancy agreements and grounds for ending or varying tenancies^[3].

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Steps to take if you suspect discrimination

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• Document every interaction: dates, times, names, what was said, and save text messages, emails, or photos.
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• Ask your landlord for written reasons for non-renewal or changed terms, and keep a copy of any response.
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• Seek help early from tenant advice services or legal clinics that can explain options and evidence needs.
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• Apply to the RTDRS for a tenancy hearing if informal steps fail and you want a binding decision^[2].
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• Consider filing a human-rights complaint when the conduct is based on a protected ground under human-rights law^[4].
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Official forms and how to use them

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The main form tenants use for tenancy disputes is the RTDRS Application to request a hearing. Use it to explain what happened, list the remedy you seek, and attach supporting documents. For example, a tenant who was told they cannot renew because of a disability would describe the incident, attach messages and a copy of the lease, and request that the RTDRS order a remedy or compensation^[2].

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• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — use the RTDRS application to start a tenancy hearing and attach evidence.^[2]
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• Residential Tenancies Act guidance — explains tenant and landlord rules and when a tenancy can be ended.^[3]
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• Alberta Human Rights Commission — file a complaint about discrimination^[4]
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What to expect at an RTDRS hearing

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Hearings are usually less formal than court. You will submit evidence in advance, may attend in person or by phone, and both parties can present testimony. The RTDRS issues a decision which can include orders for remedies or compensation. Be prepared: bring organized documents, copies for the other side, and a short chronology of events.

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Additional tenant resources

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If you want more detail on renewal rights and timelines, see our internal guides on lease renewals and local tenant rights.

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Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta explain common renewal scenarios and practical next steps.

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FAQ

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Can a landlord refuse to renew my lease without giving a reason?

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No. Landlords should not refuse renewal for reasons that are discriminatory; tenants can ask for written reasons and may apply to RTDRS or the Human Rights Commission.

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What evidence helps a discrimination claim?

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Copies of messages, dates and summaries of conversations, witness contacts, photos, and any pattern showing different treatment compared with others.

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How long does an RTDRS process usually take?

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Timelines vary, but applying early and providing clear evidence helps speed the process; get advice from tenant clinics if timing is urgent.

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How-To

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1. Gather and organize all evidence: messages, dates, photos, and witness details.
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2. Request written reasons from the landlord and keep their response.
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3. Complete and file the RTDRS application to start a hearing, attaching your evidence^[2].
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4. If the conduct relates to a protected ground, consider filing a human-rights complaint concurrently.
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5. Seek help from legal clinics or tenant advice services for representation or form help.
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Help and Support / Resources

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• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — apply for hearings and remedies
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• Alberta Government: Residential tenancy information, endings, and notice requirements
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• Alberta Human Rights Commission — file a discrimination complaint
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1. [1] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
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2. [2] RTDRS Application / forms
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3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
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4. [4] Alberta Human Rights Commission
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