Being pregnant should not affect your ability to rent or stay in a safe home. If you are a renter in Alberta and suspect pregnancy-related discrimination—like refusal to rent, eviction threats, different treatment, or punitive rent increases—you have legal protections under provincial tenancy and human rights laws. This guide explains what actions are unlawful, how to document incidents, and the steps to get help without legal jargon. It covers when to contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or the Alberta Human Rights Commission, what forms you may need, and practical tips for communicating with your landlord while protecting your housing and health. Use this information to make informed, confident choices about your tenancy.
What pregnancy discrimination looks like
Pregnancy discrimination in housing can take many forms: a landlord refuses to rent after learning you are pregnant, they treat you differently than other tenants, increase your rent without reason, or try to end your tenancy because of pregnancy-related needs. These actions may violate the Alberta Human Rights Act and tenancy protections. If you notice differential treatment or threats tied to pregnancy, document the behaviour and consider early steps to protect your housing.
Your main legal options in Alberta
The two key official routes for resolving pregnancy-related housing discrimination in Alberta are the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for tenancy disputes and the Alberta Human Rights Commission for discrimination complaints. [1] [2]
When to use RTDRS
Use RTDRS if the issue affects your tenancy directly—eviction notices, illegal entry, wrongful termination of a lease, failure to accommodate reasonable medical needs tied to pregnancy, or retaliatory actions by a landlord. The RTDRS hears tenancy disputes and can order remedies for tenancy breaches. [1]
When to contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission
If discrimination is clearly linked to pregnancy or sex (for example, being denied a unit because you are pregnant), you may file a human rights complaint. The Commission handles discrimination claims and can investigate and seek remedies separate from tenancy disputes. [2]
Documenting discrimination and building your case
Good documentation improves outcomes. Collect what proves differential treatment or shows the landlord's intent.
- Keep copies of messages, emails, and texts from your landlord that reference pregnancy or treatment different from other tenants.
- Save dated photos or videos that show unsafe or reduced services tied to your unit.
- Record dates and summaries of verbal incidents, with witness names when possible.
- Keep rent receipts, payment records, and any notices you received about tenancy changes.
Official forms you may need
Two primary official forms are commonly used when pregnancy discrimination involves tenancy or human-rights issues.
- Application for Dispute Resolution (RTDRS) — no numbered form: used to start a tenancy dispute with RTDRS when your rental rights are affected (for example, you received a notice to end tenancy after telling your landlord about your pregnancy). You file online or by mail through the RTDRS portal and explain the outcome you seek, attach your evidence, and propose dates for a hearing. [1]
- Alberta Human Rights Commission Complaint Form — typically an online complaint submission: used when you allege discrimination based on pregnancy or sex (for example, being denied tenancy because you are pregnant). The form asks for incident details, witnesses, and desired remedies; submit it online per the Commission instructions. [2]
Practical steps to take now
Follow a clear sequence to protect your rights and housing stability.
- Document the incident and keep all communications and receipts.
- Talk calmly with the landlord to seek clarification and request reasonable accommodations in writing.
- File an RTDRS application if your tenancy is directly affected, or start a human rights complaint when discrimination is the main issue. [1]
- Get support from community legal clinics or tenant advocacy groups before hearings or submissions.
Communicating with your landlord
Try to resolve issues informally first: explain your needs, suggest reasonable accommodations (for example, adjustment of inspection times or minor repairs related to health), and confirm any agreement in writing. If informal communication fails, use formal notices and the RTDRS or Human Rights channels. If you must move, document reasons and timelines carefully.
If you need alternative housing search help while resolving a dispute, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to see listings and filter for accessible or family-friendly units.
FAQ
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am pregnant?
- No. Refusing tenancy because you are pregnant may be unlawful discrimination under Alberta human rights and can be grounds for a complaint.
- What if my landlord says they will evict me for pregnancy-related reasons?
- If a notice to end tenancy cites pregnancy or follows a request for accommodation, collect evidence and consider filing with RTDRS and the Human Rights Commission immediately.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No, many tenants file RTDRS applications or human rights complaints without a lawyer, but legal advice or tenant-assistance services can help prepare evidence and submissions.
How-To
- Collect clear documentation: messages, photos, receipts, and witness names.
- Try a written request to the landlord for accommodation or clarification of any notice.
- Submit an RTDRS application if your tenancy is affected, or start a Human Rights complaint if discrimination is the core issue. [1][2]
- Attend hearings or meetings with your materials organized and request interim protections if you fear eviction.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy-related housing discrimination is prohibited and you have clear paths to seek remedies.
- Document everything and act promptly to preserve evidence and deadlines.
- RTDRS and the Alberta Human Rights Commission are the main official channels for help.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
- Alberta Human Rights Commission
- Alberta Residential Tenancies information (Service Alberta)
