Legal Support for Discrimination & Accessibility Disputes in Alberta

Discrimination or accessibility barriers can make it difficult for tenants to feel at home in their rental. If you are renting in Alberta and feel you are being treated unfairly based on a characteristic like race, religion, disability, or other protected grounds, you have strong legal protections and accessible options for getting legal support.

Understanding Discrimination & Accessibility in Alberta Rentals

In Alberta, the Alberta Human Rights Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, family status, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. The law also requires landlords to accommodate tenants with disabilities, such as allowing reasonable modifications for accessibility.

Common Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

• Being denied a rental because you have children or due to your ethnicity.
• Landlords refusing to allow service animals, mobility aids, or accessible renovations for tenants with disabilities.
• Eviction threats or harassment linked to protected characteristics.
• Inequitable treatment around repairs or tenancy terms.

Commenting on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them may help you recognize if what you’re experiencing is discrimination or another tenancy concern.

Where to Get Legal Support in Alberta

If you believe your rights have been violated, several avenues offer legal and practical support for tenants:

• Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC): Handles investigations and complaints about discrimination or lack of accommodation. Visit the AHRC website for guidance and complaint forms.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): A tribunal for tenancy-related disputes, including certain discrimination issues impacting your tenancy. Learn more at the official RTDRS site.
• Legal Clinics and Tenant Advocacy Groups: Alberta offers local legal clinics and support groups that can provide advice or legal representation, often at no cost for low-income renters.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

Complaints about discrimination in rental housing are usually made to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. The process is designed to be accessible and is free for tenants. The key form to start this process is:

• AHRC Complaint Form: Use this form to describe what happened, who was involved, and the impact of the discrimination or accessibility barrier. You can access and submit the form online at the official AHRC complaint page. For example, if your landlord refuses to install a basic accessibility feature you need, you can file this form.

If the dispute affects tenancy rights, such as if you received an eviction notice after asking for accommodation, you may also make an application to the RTDRS using the RTDRS Application Form (RTDRS-1). Review its uses and submission process at the RTDRS application page.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords in Alberta must follow the Residential Tenancies Act and the Alberta Human Rights Act. These laws set out rights around safe housing, non-discrimination, and the duty to accommodate. For an overview of the rights and duties for tenants and landlords, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Understanding your obligations may also help when dealing with your landlord. For example, landlords must consider requests for accessibility accommodations and cannot retaliate against tenants for asserting protected rights. If a broader issue is at play, such as repairs or health hazards, consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

After you submit a discrimination or accessibility complaint:

• The AHRC reviews your complaint for relevance and completeness.
• If accepted, the landlord is notified and has a chance to respond.
• The Commission may arrange mediation or proceed with a formal investigation.
• Possible outcomes include conciliation, settlement, or a formal hearing with remedies.

These processes are confidential and designed to protect tenants from retaliation.

FAQ: Legal Support for Discrimination and Accessibility in Alberta

1. What types of discrimination are illegal in Alberta rental housing?
   Landlords cannot deny, terminate, or treat tenants unfairly based on characteristics protected by the Alberta Human Rights Act, such as race, religion, gender, family status, disability, and more.
2. Who do I contact if my landlord refuses an accessibility request?
   You should contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission and can also seek help from tenant advocacy groups or apply to the RTDRS if the refusal affects your tenancy.
3. Is there a deadline for filing a discrimination complaint?
   Yes. In Alberta, complaints must be submitted to the AHRC within 12 months of the last incident of discrimination or denial of accommodation.
4. Can I be evicted for filing a human rights complaint or requesting accessibility?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for asserting rights under human rights or tenancy law.
5. What support can I access during this process?
   Free and low-cost legal clinics, tenant organizations, and the AHRC all provide assistance to tenants during discrimination disputes.

How To: Take Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Issues in Alberta

1. How do I file an Alberta Human Rights Commission complaint?
   Complete the official AHRC Complaint Form and submit it online or by mail. Include all relevant details and supporting documents.
2. How can I ask my landlord for accessibility accommodations?
   Make your request in writing, explaining your need clearly. If denied, keep records and consider filing a complaint with AHRC.
3. How do I apply to the RTDRS if my issue also affects my tenancy?
   Download and complete the RTDRS-1 Application Form. File it with the RTDRS and serve a copy to your landlord.

Key Takeaways

• Alberta law protects tenants from discrimination and ensures the right to accessibility in rentals.
• Complaints can be filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or the RTDRS, depending on the situation.
• Support is available from government bodies, legal clinics, and tenant advocacy groups.
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re considering a new start.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: Official Website | Toll-free: 310-0000 then 780-427-7661
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: Official RTDRS
• Calgary Legal Guidance: Tenant Support
• More on your province: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. See: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
2. See: Alberta Human Rights Act
3. Official complaint info: Filing with the Alberta Human Rights Commission
4. RTDRS process: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service

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