Navigating a rental situation where you believe you've faced discrimination can feel overwhelming, especially in Alberta. This article explains how tenants can recognize, prove, and take action against discrimination in Alberta rental cases, using up-to-date laws, practical advice, and official links to forms and resources.

Understanding Discrimination in Alberta Rentals

Discrimination in housing means being treated unfairly because of protected characteristics, such as race, gender, disability, age, family status, religion, or source of income. In Alberta, these protections fall under the Alberta Human Rights Act and apply to all residential tenancies.

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent, renew a lease, or provide equal services based on these characteristics.
• Discrimination may happen at any stage—from advertising and application to eviction or repairs.

Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a broader picture of your rights in the province.

Common Discrimination Scenarios

Examples of discrimination issues Alberta tenants may face include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to a family with children
• Denial of a rental due to disability, ethnicity, or religion
• Not accommodating reasonable accessibility needs (e.g., refusing to allow a support animal)
• Adverse treatment or eviction due to the source of lawful income (such as government assistance)

Recognizing when a situation is discriminatory is the first step to taking action.

The Legal Process: Who Oversees Discrimination Claims?

In Alberta, discrimination complaints must be submitted to the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC), not the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). The AHRC is responsible for investigating these complaints and enforcing the Alberta Human Rights Act^[1].

The Remedy for rental-related discrimination is a human rights complaint, which may lead to mediation, settlement, or an official tribunal hearing.

How to Prove Discrimination: Steps for Tenants

To successfully make your case, you must show that:

• You have a characteristic protected by the Alberta Human Rights Act
• You experienced a negative impact in housing (refusal, eviction, etc.)
• Your protected characteristic was a factor in the negative treatment

What Evidence to Collect

The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case. Collect:

• Written communications (emails/texts with landlord or property managers)
• Copies of rental advertisements or application forms
• Dates and notes about verbal conversations (with details on what was said and by whom)
• Names and contact info for witnesses, if any
• Photos or correspondence showing differences in treatment
• Any document demonstrating patterns of denial or unequal service

Keep originals and organize copies for use in your complaint or hearing.

How to Make a Human Rights Complaint (Filing Steps & Forms)

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, here is how to formally start the process with the Alberta Human Rights Commission:

• Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form (no official number)
• When to Use: Use this form if you have experienced discrimination in your rental situation based on a protected ground.
• How It Is Used: Fill out the form with details about what happened, when, and include your evidence. The form and instructions can be found on the Alberta Human Rights Commission website. Complaints must be filed within one year of the last incident.

Practical Example: If you were denied an apartment because you use a wheelchair, include the advertisement, your communication with the landlord, and notes about the conversation or denial—then submit these with your complaint form.

What Happens After Filing?

• The AHRC reviews your form and may call to discuss your file
• Mediation may be offered to settle without a formal hearing
• If unresolved, your case goes to investigation and possibly a tribunal hearing

The process is free, and you do not need a lawyer (though you may seek one if you wish).

Useful Rights and Resources for Tenants

Knowing your rights and obligations as a tenant can help prevent misunderstandings or strengthen your case. For issues like rent increases, repairs, or rule changes, review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. For general obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

To explore more rental options or see available listings across Alberta and Canada, you can explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQs: Discrimination and Tenant Rights in Alberta

1. What types of rental discrimination are illegal in Alberta? Rental discrimination based on protected grounds such as race, religion, family status, disability, gender, and source of income is illegal under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
2. Where do I file a rental discrimination complaint? Rental discrimination complaints must be filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC), not the tenancy board.
3. What evidence should I collect if I believe I'm being discriminated against? Gather emails, text messages, notes about conversations, advertisements, and contact info for any witnesses.
4. Does it cost money to file a discrimination complaint? No. Filing a complaint with the AHRC is free for tenants.
5. Can I be evicted for making a discrimination complaint? Landlords cannot legally evict or retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights, including making discrimination complaints.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Know the protected grounds for discrimination and what evidence you need.
• Act quickly—complaints must be filed within one year of the incident.
• Support and legal help is available, and there is no fee to submit a formal complaint.

Understanding your rights helps you feel more confident and better protected as a tenant in Alberta.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission - File a Complaint
• Alberta Government - Residential Tenancies Information
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta – Discrimination Information
• Local tenant advocacy organizations and community legal clinics may also offer support and advice.

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1. Read the Alberta Human Rights Act (RSA 2000, c A-25.5)

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