Finding a new home to rent in Alberta can be stressful, and it’s important to know your rights before, during, and after a landlord screens your application. Rental screening is legal, but landlords must obey human rights and tenancy laws that protect you from illegal or discriminatory practices. This article helps Alberta tenants understand what’s allowed during rental screening, what’s considered illegal, and the steps you can take if you think your rights have been violated.

What Is Rental Screening?

Rental screening is how landlords decide who can rent their property. It often includes reviewing rental applications, checking references, and sometimes running credit checks. While screening is legal, certain practices are prohibited by law to ensure everyone has a fair chance at housing in Alberta.

When Rental Screening Becomes Illegal in Alberta

Alberta landlords must comply with the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) when screening tenants. It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate based on certain protected grounds, including:

• Race, colour, or ancestry
• Religion or creed
• Gender identity or gender expression
• Physical or mental disability
• Age (with some exceptions)
• Marital or family status (such as having children)
• Source of income (including government benefits)^[1]
• Sexual orientation

Examples of illegal rental screening:

• Refusing to rent to someone because they have children or are on social assistance
• Rejecting an application for reasons connected to disability or religion
• Requesting information about citizenship or immigration status that isn’t necessary for a lawful reason

Permitted Screening Practices

Landlords are allowed to:

• Request references and employment details
• Perform a credit check (with your consent)
• Check rental history with past landlords
• Confirm ability to pay rent

However, information collected must be used in a fair and consistent way. Landlords must not apply different standards to different applicants based on any protected characteristic.

Your Rights and What to Watch For

If you notice any of the following, the landlord’s actions may be illegal:

• Application forms ask for information about race, sexual orientation, religion, or family status
• Interview questions focus on personal characteristics irrelevant to your ability to pay rent or care for the home
• Being told housing isn’t available because you’re on government assistance

After a rental agreement is signed, you have additional rights and responsibilities. Learn more in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Official Forms: Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination in rental screening, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The process is as follows:

• Form Name: Complaint Form
• Where to find: Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF)
• How to use: Fill out this form to describe what happened, attach any supporting documents or evidence, and submit it to the AHRC. For example, if a landlord rejects your application because you have children, you can outline the experience and provide emails or texts as proof.
• Submission: The completed form can be submitted by email, mail, or fax—details are provided on the form itself.

Tribunal: The Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) also handles certain tenancy disputes: Alberta RTDRS.

What the Law Says

For more on your legal rights, the following documents apply:

• Alberta Human Rights Act
• Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

These laws protect you from discrimination and set out protections for renters and landlords throughout Alberta.
For a fuller overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Action Steps: If You Face Illegal Screening or Discrimination

• Keep records of any interactions with landlords, including emails, texts, and application forms
• If you suspect discrimination, consider talking directly with the landlord to clarify their decision (but you do not have to)
• Complete the Alberta Human Rights Commission’s Complaint Form with details
• Submit your complaint form as soon as possible—deadlines apply (usually within 12 months of the incident)
• Reach out for help from tenant support services or legal clinics if you need guidance

For information about handling general rental issues, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Looking for Rentals Without Discrimination?

It's important to choose a rental platform that values fairness. Canada's best rental listings platform connects tenants and landlords across Alberta and beyond, supporting equal housing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illegal Rental Screening in Alberta

1. What questions are landlords not allowed to ask during screening?
   Landlords cannot ask you about your race, religion, family status (such as "Do you have children?"), disability, or sexual orientation. These questions are prohibited under Alberta law.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I am on social assistance?
   No. Refusing to rent based on your source of income—including social assistance or disability benefits—is illegal in Alberta.
3. Do I have to agree to a credit check?
   You must give your consent before a landlord can run a credit check. However, if you refuse, your application may not be considered.
4. How do I file a human rights complaint if I believe a landlord discriminated against me?
   Complete the Alberta Human Rights Commission Complaint Form and submit it to the Commission within 12 months of the incident. Keep any supporting documentation.
5. Will my complaint be kept confidential?
   Yes. The Alberta Human Rights Commission will keep your complaint confidential during the investigation process, sharing information only as needed to resolve your case.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Landlords in Alberta must follow strict rules when screening rental applicants to avoid discrimination.
• You are protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act.
• If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, act quickly—keep records and submit a complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Understanding your rights can make the rental process less stressful and help ensure fair housing for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – file a complaint, learn your rights
• Service Alberta – Landlords and Tenants
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. Alberta Human Rights Act: official legislation PDF
2. Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): Alberta government site
3. Alberta Human Rights Commission Complaint Form: official document
4. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): government page

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