Top 50 Questions: Discrimination & Accessibility for Alberta Tenants

Discrimination & Accessibility Alberta published June 26, 2025 Flag of Alberta
What laws protect tenants from discrimination in Alberta?
The Alberta Human Rights Act protects tenants from discrimination by landlords based on protected grounds.
Who enforces tenant discrimination complaints in Alberta?
The Alberta Human Rights Commission (albertahumanrights.ab.ca) handles discrimination complaints.
What rental housing rights do people with disabilities have in Alberta?
Landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities up to undue hardship under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
What counts as discrimination by a landlord?
Refusing to rent, evicting, or treating a tenant unfairly because of a protected ground, like race, disability, or family status.
Which personal characteristics are protected from discrimination in housing?
Protected grounds include race, colour, ancestry, religion, gender, disability, age, marital status, family status, source of income, and sexual orientation.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to families with children?
No, that is discrimination based on family status and prohibited under Alberta law.
How do I make an official discrimination complaint about my landlord?
Use the Complaint Form on the Alberta Human Rights Commission site (Complaint Form), explaining your situation.
Can my landlord evict me if I need a wheelchair or mobility device?
No, evicting someone for needing accommodation is discrimination against disability.
What does "reasonable accommodation" mean in rental housing?
The landlord must adjust rules or physical features to meet disability needs unless it’s very difficult or costly (undue hardship).
Does my landlord have to allow service animals?
Yes, tenants with disabilities requiring service animals are entitled to accommodation even if pets aren’t normally allowed.
Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?
Yes, but only enough information to understand your accommodation needs; they cannot ask for your diagnosis.
What if my landlord refuses to make my unit accessible?
You can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission if your landlord doesn’t accommodate your needs.
Are there time limits for making a discrimination complaint?
Yes, you must file with the Commission within one year of the discriminatory event.
What forms do I need to request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
There is no official form, but make written requests and keep copies for your records.
Where can I get help filling out a human rights complaint?
The Alberta Human Rights Commission provides support: Contact info.
Can landlords ask about my religion before renting?
No, landlords must not refuse to rent or treat you differently because of your religion.
Can a landlord post rental ads that exclude certain groups?
No, ads must not specify or exclude based on protected grounds (e.g., “no children” is illegal).
Does the Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service handle discrimination claims?
No, discrimination claims go to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, not the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
Is my landlord allowed to reject me based on my source of income (e.g., social assistance)?
No, source of income is a protected ground under Alberta’s Human Rights Act.
Am I protected if I am pregnant or adoptive parent?
Yes, family status—which includes pregnancy and adoption—is protected from discrimination.
Does a landlord have to install grab bars or ramps if requested?
Yes, if it’s a reasonable accommodation and doesn’t cause undue hardship for the landlord.
Is age discrimination allowed in Alberta rentals?
No, age is a protected ground except in senior-only residences which may have legal age minimums.
What is "undue hardship" for a landlord?
Undue hardship means significant difficulty or expense that makes accommodation unreasonable; it's evaluated by the Human Rights Commission.
Can a landlord increase rent due to an accommodation request?
No, landlords cannot charge extra rent because you need a disability accommodation.
If I face harassment from other tenants based on my race or disability, what should I do?
Inform your landlord and make a complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Commission if it’s not resolved.
Can landlords set rules that impact only people with children?
No, this is discrimination based on family status and is illegal in Alberta.
Is sexual harassment from a landlord considered discrimination?
Yes, sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on gender under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Can landlords set occupancy limits based on race or ethnicity?
No, discrimination based on race or ethnicity is not permitted in rental housing.
Are “adults-only” rental policies legal in Alberta?
No, unless specifically exempted (like seniors’ housing), adults-only policies discriminate based on family status and age.
How long does a human rights investigation take?
It varies, but the Alberta Human Rights Commission will keep you updated throughout the process.
Are landlords responsible for snow removal as an accessibility accommodation?
Yes, if it’s a reasonable accommodation needed for disability access and doesn't cause the landlord undue hardship.
Can my landlord evict me for requesting a religious accommodation?
No, it is illegal to evict someone for requesting accommodation based on religion.
Can a landlord deny me because I am a newcomer or refugee?
No, discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, or ancestry is prohibited.
Is there a fee for filing a human rights complaint about rental discrimination?
No, filing a human rights complaint with the Commission is free.
What if my landlord retaliates because I complained?
Retaliation for filing a human rights complaint is not permitted and can be an additional violation under the Act.
Do landlords have to communicate in my language?
No, there is no requirement for landlords to communicate in a specific language, but discrimination based on ethnic origin is illegal.
Can a landlord ask about my citizenship or immigration status?
Landlords can ask for identification to confirm your identity, but cannot refuse to rent based on your citizenship status.
Who pays for necessary accessibility changes to my rental?
Usually, landlords pay unless the accommodation imposes undue hardship.
Can a landlord deny me because I am LGBTQ+?
No, sexual orientation is a protected ground under Alberta’s Human Rights Act.
Can I be refused rent based on my accent or how I speak English?
No, language or accent-based discrimination is not allowed under the protected grounds of race or ancestry.
What can I expect after filing a complaint with Alberta Human Rights Commission?
They review, may investigate or mediate, and will let you know the outcome or next steps.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act cover discrimination issues?
No, discrimination is covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act, not the Residential Tenancies Act.
What if my housing provider is a cooperative or non-profit?
The Human Rights Act applies to all types of housing providers, including co-ops and non-profits.
Can a building have a “no children allowed” policy?
No, except for seniors’ residences, this would be discrimination based on family status.
If my disability changes, can I request new accommodations?
Yes, you are entitled to updated accommodation if your needs change.
Can I be forced out if my child has a disability?
No, discrimination based on your child’s disability is not allowed under the law.
What if a landlord refuses to rent to me because I have a pet for emotional support?
If the animal is needed for disability accommodation, you are protected under human rights law.
Are temporary accommodations required for accessibility renovations?
Landlords should minimize disruption and may need to arrange temporary solutions if accommodations are lengthy.
Is discrimination based on gender identity protected?
Yes, gender identity and expression are protected under gender discrimination.
Does mental health count as a protected disability?
Yes, mental health disabilities are protected and covered for accommodation by Alberta law.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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