If you're a tenant in Alberta and believe you've experienced discrimination in your rental housing—perhaps because of your race, gender, family status, disability, or another protected ground—knowing your rights and the steps to file a human rights complaint can make a big difference. This guide explains the process for filing a complaint, the protections under Alberta's laws, and where to find help if you need it.

Recognizing Discrimination in Alberta Rental Housing

Discrimination in rentals often happens when a landlord, roommate, or property manager treats you unfairly due to characteristics such as your age, religion, sexual orientation, or family situation. Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords and others involved in rental housing to discriminate against tenants or prospective tenants based on protected grounds.

Discrimination can appear in various forms, including:

• Refusing to rent to you because of your ethnicity, gender identity, or marital status
• Evicting you due to a physical or mental disability
• Imposing different rental rules only for certain groups
• Creating inaccessible housing or not providing reasonable accommodations

Filing a Human Rights Complaint: Step-by-Step

If you face discrimination or harassment in your rental, you can submit a complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. This body is separate from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which handles general tenant-landlord disputes. Instead, the Commission deals specifically with matters of discrimination and protected rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Complaint Form (Alberta Human Rights Commission)
• Where to Get It: Official PDF Download
• How It's Used: This form is used to start a complaint process when you believe you've experienced discrimination in your rental because of a protected ground. You'll need to provide specific details about what happened and when.

Practical Example: If your landlord turns down your application after learning you have young children, and you suspect this was the reason, you would fill out the Complaint Form, describe the interaction, and submit any supporting evidence.

Filing Timeline and What to Include

Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the incident. Be sure to include:

• Details of the incident (dates, what happened, who was involved)
• Any emails, messages, or documents supporting your claim
• Your rental address and information about the landlord or roommate

After You File: The Complaint Process

Once the Alberta Human Rights Commission receives your completed complaint form, they will review your case and may:

• Contact you and the other party for more information
• Attempt to resolve the issue through mediation
• Investigate further if necessary
• Schedule a hearing if no settlement is reached

Throughout this process, you have the right to a fair review and may access supports or legal advice. It's also helpful to know your Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta, especially if your situation involves multiple concerns such as repairs, eviction, or security deposits.

Your Rights in Shared Housing and With Roommates

Discrimination protections apply not only to tenancies with landlords, but also in roommate or shared housing arrangements. If you're being treated unfairly in a shared home due to a protected ground, you can still file a human rights complaint.

Additionally, if your issues involve other common rental topics like harassment, unsafe conditions, or lease obligations, review our guide on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further information.

Tips for Tenants: Protecting Yourself

• Document all interactions and keep written records of any incidents
• Act quickly; complaints must be filed within one year
• Reach out for support—you don't have to face discrimination alone
• If you're looking for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and use filters to suit your needs

FAQ: Human Rights Complaints in Alberta Rentals

1. What protections do I have against discrimination in Alberta rental housing?
   Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants or applicants based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, family status, religion, or disability.
2. Can I file a complaint if I'm discriminated against by a roommate?
   Yes, human rights protections apply to shared housing and roommate situations if discrimination is based on a protected ground.
3. How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?
   Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the discriminatory incident.
4. What happens after I submit my complaint?
   The Alberta Human Rights Commission will review, investigate, and may offer mediation or a hearing if required.
5. Where can I get support during the complaint process?
   You can contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission, tenant advocacy groups, or legal clinics for help navigating your complaint.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination in rentals by Alberta law
• Begin your complaint within one year using the official form
• Complainants can seek help from the Alberta Human Rights Commission and tenant advocates

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission - File a Complaint (official provincial agency for discrimination claims)
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (for non-human rights rental disputes)
• Service Alberta: Housing & Property Rights
• Review your Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for an overview of rental laws

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. A-25.5. Read the full Act
2. Alberta Human Rights Commission: How to File a Complaint
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): RTDRS Official Website

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