If you rent in a shared house or have roommates in Alberta, knowing your rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act is essential. This article explains how these protections apply to tenants, especially when renting with others or sharing accommodations. We cover discrimination, landlord rules, and what steps you can take if your rights are violated. Whether you're facing policies about guests, age limits, or accessibility challenges, the law covers you in Alberta.

Understanding Alberta's Human Rights Code in Rental Housing

In Alberta, the Alberta Human Rights Act applies to rental accommodations, including apartments, duplexes, and shared housing situations. The law protects tenants from discrimination based on several grounds:

• Race, colour, ancestry or place of origin
• Religion or beliefs
• Gender, gender identity, gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Marital and family status
• Disability
• Source of income (including government assistance)

These protections mean landlords cannot refuse to rent, set different rules, or evict you because of any of these protected characteristicsTenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta. This includes both individual units and shared accommodation situations, unless the landlord is also living in the home and sharing kitchens or bathrooms (some exceptions may apply).

Roommates, Shared Housing, and Human Rights

Many tenants in Alberta live with roommates or rent a room in a house. In these cases, human rights protections still apply. Landlords (and sometimes even other tenants, if they act on behalf of the landlord) cannot:

• Deny your application because of race, religion, or other protected grounds
• Impose different or stricter rules on you than other tenants based on personal characteristics
• Evict or harass you because of a disability, gender identity, or other protected characteristic

However, there are exceptions. If you share the landlord’s kitchen or bathroom as a roommate, the law may not apply in the same way. Always check your situation with the Alberta Human Rights Commission for specific advice.

Dealing with Discrimination: Filing a Complaint

If you believe your human rights have been violated in a rental situation, you can file a complaint through the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Here’s how the process works for tenants:

• Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord if safe to do so
• Gather any evidence (emails, texts, letters, lease agreements)
• Submit the Complaint Form (also known as AHRC Complaint Form) to the Alberta Human Rights Commission
• Clearly explain what happened, when, and how you feel your rights were violated
• Wait for the Commission’s response and further directions

Form to Use: Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form (No specific number). This form is used by tenants who believe they have experienced discrimination in rental housing. Fill it out with detailed information about the incident and send it to the Commission following their instructions.

For concerns specifically about rental law (e.g., maintenance, eviction), Alberta tenants should use the mechanisms provided by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or the Courts, depending on the dispute type. The RTDRS can help with disputes over rent, evictions, and repairs, but they do not handle human rights complaints.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Shared Rentals

As a tenant or roommate, you share responsibility with other occupants. All tenants must:

• Respect the rights of roommates to peaceful enjoyment of the premises
• Follow agreed-upon house rules that are not discriminatory
• Pay rent on time and keep shared spaces clean

Landlords must provide accessible, safe housing and respect your right to reasonable privacy. For specific duties and obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re unsure about your legal options, or if you have concerns about deposits, maintenance, or landlord entry, government and advocacy organizations can help.

For tips on finding pet-friendly or accessible rentals, or for a wide range of homes available, Canada's best rental listings platform offers up-to-date listings from across Alberta and other provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I’m on government assistance?
   No, landlords in Alberta cannot discriminate based on source of income, as long as you have the means to pay the rent.
2. Do human rights protections apply if I’m just renting a room in someone’s house?
   Yes, they usually apply, unless you’re sharing the kitchen or bathroom with the owner, in which case exceptions may exist.
3. How do I make a human rights complaint in Alberta?
   Complete the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, providing evidence of discrimination.
4. What if my roommate discriminates against me?
   If the roommate is acting as an agent of the landlord (for example, managing the property), human rights rules apply. Otherwise, speak with your landlord or seek mediation.
5. Where do I go for rental-related disputes that aren’t about discrimination?
   Use Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for rent, eviction, or maintenance issues.

Conclusion

• The Alberta Human Rights Act protects most tenants in shared rentals from discrimination.
• Clear steps exist for filing complaints; seek help from the Alberta Human Rights Commission for discrimination or the RTDRS for tenancy issues.
• Staying informed about your rights helps ensure a fair, respectful rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – For all human rights concerns, complaints, and information
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Handles most tenancy disputes
• Service Alberta – Landlords & Tenants – Official guides, forms, and contacts for tenancy issues
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta – Overview of legal protections and duties

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act: Read the Act here
2. Alberta Human Rights Commission: Official commission website
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official RTDRS overview
4. Service Alberta Landlord and Tenant Information: View Alberta tenancy guide

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