If you’re a tenant in Alberta living with a disability or mental health condition, you have rights under provincial and federal law to request reasonable housing accommodations from your landlord. These accommodations can help support your wellbeing and allow you to access and enjoy your rental home on an equal basis with others. This article explains your rights, the process to request accommodations, and what to do if you encounter problems.

What Are Reasonable Housing Accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations are changes or adjustments to rules, policies, or physical structures in your rental home that enable you as a person with a disability or mental health condition to enjoy and use your home like any other tenant. Under Alberta law, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with disabilities and must accommodate your needs up to the point of “undue hardship.”

• Allowing emotional support animals despite a "no pets" policy
• Permitting small modifications (like grab bars or door levers)
• Providing alternative communication methods (e.g., written notices for hearing impairments)
• Allowing flexible rent payment dates due to disability income schedules

Reasonable accommodation means your request must be practical, not cause major difficulty or expense for the landlord, and be connected to your disability or condition. For more on your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Your Rights under Alberta Law

In Alberta, your protections come from:

• Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹
• Alberta Human Rights Act²
• The Accessible Canada Act (for federally regulated housing)³

Landlords cannot refuse reasonable requests related to disabilities, including mental health, unless doing so would create significant hardship for them. The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles disputes related to rental accommodations.

How to Request Reasonable Accommodation

Making a formal request can be straightforward if you follow a few important steps. Always document your communication and keep copies for your records.

Steps to Request an Accommodation

1. Prepare Your Request: Clearly state what accommodation you need and how it relates to your mental health condition.
2. Get Supporting Documentation: Ask your healthcare provider (doctor, therapist, etc.) for a simple note or letter confirming you have a disability or medical need and describing the type of accommodation recommended. The note does not need to give a diagnosis.
3. Submit Your Request in Writing: Send your landlord a letter or email with your request and attach the supporting documentation. State why you need the accommodation and how it helps you live safely and fully in your home.
4. Follow Up: If your landlord doesn’t respond within a reasonable time (typically 10–14 days), send a polite follow-up reminder.
5. Know What to Do If Refused: If your landlord denies your request or does not respond, you can file a human rights complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or apply to the RTDRS for dispute resolution.

For more on navigating these kinds of tenancy challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Official Forms and Procedures

While Alberta does not require a specific government form for housing accommodation requests, the following are commonly used in these cases:

• Accommodation Request Letter: There is no official provincial form, but you should draft a clear letter stating your request. Sample templates are available from the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
  Example: "I am requesting that you allow my emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation for my disability, and I have attached a doctor’s letter in support."
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) Application: If issues cannot be resolved, tenants can use Form 11: Application for Dispute Resolution to have the RTDRS review their case.
  When used: If your landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation and you need a legal decision, complete and submit this form through the RTDRS portal or in person. (View Form 11 application)
• Human Rights Complaint Form: If you believe you are facing discrimination, use the Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form to begin a case with the Human Rights Commission.
  When used: After efforts to communicate or resolve directly with your landlord have failed.

Tips for Successful Requests

• Be specific about what you need and why.
• Remain polite and professional in all communications.
• Keep detailed records (emails, notes from conversations, copies of requests).
• Ask your healthcare provider for clear, concise documentation.

Common Issues and What to Do

Landlords are required to act in good faith and respond to accommodation requests. Sometimes, however, challenges can arise, including:

• Delayed or no response
• Denial of request without clear reason
• Retaliation or negative treatment after making a request

If these happen, you may have the right to file a complaint with a housing tribunal or the human rights commission. Learn more about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand both sides’ duties.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accommodation Requests in Alberta

1. What types of accommodations can I request for a mental health condition?
   Accommodations may include allowing an emotional support animal, flexible rent payment dates, communication adjustments, installing assistive devices, or allowing a support person to visit.
2. Does my landlord need to know my exact medical diagnosis?
   No. You only need to provide enough information to show the need for an accommodation; your exact diagnosis remains confidential.
3. What if my landlord says the request is too difficult or expensive?
   Landlords can deny a request only if it would cause “undue hardship” due to major costs or practical challenges. Minor expenses or inconvenience usually do not qualify. If you believe the denial is unfair, you may file a complaint or seek dispute resolution.
4. How soon must my landlord respond to an accommodation request?
   Landlords should respond promptly, typically within 10–14 days. If you don’t hear back, send a reminder and keep a copy of all communications.
5. Can my tenancy be ended because I asked for an accommodation?
   No. It is illegal for your landlord to retaliate against you for requesting a reasonable accommodation.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• You have the right to request reasonable housing accommodations related to disabilities and mental health in Alberta.
• Requests should be made in writing with clear, relevant medical documentation.
• If trouble arises, resources like RTDRS and the Human Rights Commission are available to help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission: Housing Discrimination Resources (Helpline: 780-427-7661)
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): For tenancy disputes and enforcing rental rights
• Alberta Government—Information for Tenants
• Support and legal info: Alberta Mental Health Helpline or local tenant advocacy groups
• Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
2. Alberta Human Rights Act
3. Accessible Canada Act (federal)

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