Discrimination in rental housing can be a significant concern for tenants in Alberta, especially those in roommate or shared housing situations. Knowing your rights – and how to stand up for them – helps ensure a safe and fair living environment.

What is Rental Discrimination in Alberta?

Discrimination in rental housing occurs when a landlord, property manager, or even a roommate treats you unfairly or denies you housing based on a personal characteristic covered under Alberta’s laws. Protected grounds include race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, family status, and more.

• Landlords cannot refuse your application based on protected characteristics.
• They must not impose special rules or conditions that single you out because of these characteristics.
• Harassment or unfair treatment from other roommates can also count as discrimination if related to these protected grounds.

The Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is the body responsible for addressing discrimination in housing under the Alberta Human Rights Act¹.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Shared Housing

Even if you’re renting just a room or living with roommates, anti-discrimination laws still apply. However, private arrangements where the landlord also shares the kitchen or bathroom with you may not always be covered. It’s important to review your living situation carefully and know which protections apply.

• In shared housing, landlords cannot ask questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status during your application.
• Roommate ads cannot specify sex, age, or religion unless the arrangement falls under a specific exemption, such as a religious college residence.

For more on your general rights and obligations in Alberta, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

What to do if You Experience Discrimination

If you believe a landlord or roommate has discriminated against you, here are practical steps to take:

1. Document the Incident

• Write down what happened, when, and who was involved.
• Keep copies of any emails, text messages, or rental ads that may show discriminatory behaviour.

2. Address the Issue If You Feel Safe

• If comfortable, talk to the landlord or roommate. Sometimes, misunderstandings can be resolved directly.
• Bring someone with you for support if needed.

3. Contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission

• If the issue remains, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Consider reviewing Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for additional strategies on handling conflict in rentals.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint in Alberta

The process to file a complaint is straightforward and free. The Human Rights Complaint Form is available through the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

• Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form
• Where to Get It: AHRC Official Forms Page
• How It's Used: You fill out this form to explain what happened, who was responsible, and what you’re seeking. For example, if your rental application was denied because of your religion, you would provide these details and any supporting evidence.
• Where to Submit: Submit the form online or by mail to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Once your complaint is received, the Commission will review it, possibly ask for more information, and help both sides resolve the issue if appropriate. Serious cases may go to a tribunal hearing.

Protecting Your Rights in Everyday Rental Situations

Being familiar with your rights is the first step. Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act² sets out the basics of tenant and landlord relationships, but discrimination issues are handled under the Human Rights Act. For more details about what happens after you rent, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Summary: If you believe that you’ve experienced discrimination, collect evidence, try to resolve the issue, and then contact the AHRC if things aren’t resolved. Familiarize yourself with your rights and know where to get support if needed.

Roommate Discrimination: What’s Different?

Roommate arrangements can sometimes fall outside human rights law if the owner lives in the same unit and shares a kitchen or bathroom. In those cases, protections may not apply, but respectful and non-discriminatory treatment is always encouraged.

To avoid misunderstandings, everyone in a shared rental should discuss expectations and put agreements in writing at the start.

Searching for Safe and Inclusive Rentals

To minimize the risk of discrimination, look for clear and inclusive language in rental ads. If you want a broader range of rental choices, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings — their tools help you find suitable homes while applying your preferences for lifestyle and location.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Discrimination

1. What is considered discrimination when renting in Alberta?
   Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, or disability when it comes to renting or living in housing.
2. Does the law apply to all roommate or shared housing situations?
   Not always. If the owner lives in the same unit and shares kitchen or bathroom facilities with you, human rights laws may not cover the arrangement.
3. What can I do if my landlord or roommate discriminates against me?
   Document what happened, try to address it, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission using their official form.
4. Is discrimination ever allowed in roommate ads?
   Generally, no. However, some private living arrangements with the owner may be exempt. Otherwise, ads should not specify age, gender, religion, or other protected grounds.
5. Where can I get help with discrimination complaints?
   Contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission or local tenant support organizations for guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Alberta law protects tenants from discrimination in most rental situations, including shared housing, except in specific exemptions.
• Documenting events and using the official complaint form are essential steps if you face discrimination.
• Know your rights and where to turn for support to ensure a fair and respectful renting experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: Official complaints and information
• Residential Tenancies Act: Offers the full text of Alberta’s tenancy legislation
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) - Landlord and Tenant: Free information and resources
• For broad info on your rights and regulations, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. See: Alberta Human Rights Act
2. See: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act

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