Discrimination in rental housing—including shared and roommate situations—remains a serious concern for many Alberta tenants. Whether you rent a room, apartment, or share a house, you have legal rights that protect you from unfair treatment. Understanding these rights helps ensure you can seek a safe, fair, and welcoming place to live.
What Is Tenant Discrimination in Alberta?
Tenant discrimination occurs when a landlord or potential roommate treats someone unfairly based on characteristics protected by Alberta’s human rights laws. This includes areas such as race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, family status, and more.
- Denying a rental application because of ethnicity, religion, or a physical disability
- Refusing certain accommodations for tenants with children or due to marital status
- Advertising a rental (including shared housing) with exclusionary language
Alberta tenants, including those in roommate and shared housing situations, are protected by both the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act. These laws prohibit discrimination throughout the rental process—application, tenancy, and even termination.
Who Enforces Tenant Discrimination Protections?
The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) hears most rental disputes, while the Alberta Human Rights Commission addresses complaints of discrimination. Both offer guidance and, in certain cases, formal dispute resolution.
Examples of Discrimination in Roommate & Shared Housing
Roommate scenarios can blur the lines between personal preference and protected rights. However, if a live-in landlord or main tenant excludes someone from renting a room based on a protected ground, this could be illegal. Common illegal practices may include:
- Rejecting applicants because of their race or religion
- Denying accessible housing to someone with a disability
- Posting ads restricting housing to certain genders, ages, or backgrounds, unless an exemption applies (e.g., shared accommodation where exemption requirements are met)
Legal Exemptions
There are exceptions that sometimes apply in "shared accommodation" (where the landlord or their family also lives in the unit), but discrimination based on race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation is never permitted. For details and possible exceptions, check the Alberta Human Rights Commission or the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Alberta
As a tenant, you are entitled to equal treatment in all rental situations covered by the law. Shared housing, room rentals, and traditional tenancies all carry these basic protections.
- Fair screening during the application process
- No discrimination during the tenancy (rent increases, eviction, repairs, etc. must not be applied differently because of a protected ground)
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities as long as they do not cause undue hardship for the landlord or other occupants
Proving Discrimination
Document everything—emails, texts, rental ads, and communication related to your rental. These records will help support your case if you need to make a formal complaint.
Official Forms and How to File a Complaint
If you wish to take formal action against discrimination, you may file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. The process is free for tenants. The main form is:
- Human Rights Complaint Form (No number): Download from official website
When to use: If you believe you have been denied housing, evicted, or otherwise mistreated due to a protected characteristic, submit this form.
How it's used: Complete and submit the form online or by mail to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Include as much supporting evidence as possible. For example, if a landlord rejects your application after learning your ethnic background, note the specific words and attach relevant messages.
Where to submit: Alberta Human Rights Commission complaint instructions and contact details.
After Submission: What Happens Next?
Once submitted, the Commission reviews your complaint. They may request further details or offer mediation to resolve the issue. If unresolved, your case may proceed to a hearing.
If the dispute is primarily about your tenancy rights (e.g., illegal eviction or harassment), the RTDRS can assist and help enforce your legal protections. To understand more about your responsibilities and rights as a tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.
Common Issues Related to Discrimination
- Being unfairly denied repairs or reasonable accommodations
- Receiving different treatment during rent increases
- Facing eviction threats for reasons not allowed by law
If you’re experiencing ongoing problems alongside discrimination—like difficulty with repairs—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for additional steps.
Summary: Protecting Yourself from Discrimination
Keep records, know your rights, and contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission promptly if you believe discrimination is taking place. For broader help in finding fair rental housing options, Browse apartments for rent in Canada.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Alberta Human Rights Commission: File complaints or get guidance at 1-780-427-7661.
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): For tenancy-related disputes.
- Alberta Government Residential Tenancies: Information on legislation, forms, and tenant rights.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.
- Alberta Human Rights Act: Full text of Alberta Human Rights Act
- Residential Tenancies Act: Residential Tenancies Act – Alberta Government
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official RTDRS website
- Alberta Human Rights Commission: Official site, forms, and complaint guidance
