Being turned down for a rental can feel frustrating, but Alberta tenants have important rights when it comes to application rejection. This guide explains your protections under Alberta law, what landlords can consider, and how to respond if you suspect discrimination.
Can a Landlord Reject My Application in Alberta?
Landlords in Alberta have the right to choose tenants based on legal criteria such as credit, references, and ability to pay rent. However, decisions must not violate anti-discrimination laws. The Alberta Human Rights Act protects rental applicants from discrimination based on factors like race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, gender, marital or family status, disability, or source of income.[1]
Reasons a Landlord CAN Legally Refuse an Application
- Poor credit or insufficient income
- Lack of positive references from previous landlords
- Past evictions or negative tenancy history
- Application incomplete or false information provided
Reasons a Landlord CANNOT Use to Refuse an Application
- Race, ethnicity, or place of origin
- Disability (including mental or physical disabilities)
- Family status (e.g., single parents, number of children)
- Religious beliefs or sexual orientation
- Source of lawful income (including government assistance)
If you believe that any of these protected grounds played a role in the decision, you may have the right to file a human rights complaint.
What Should You Do If Your Application Is Rejected?
First, politely ask the landlord for a reason—it's not required by law, but some will provide details. If the reason appears related to a protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act, you have options:
- Document all communications with the landlord
- Gather any evidence that supports your suspicion (e.g., written communication or ads with exclusionary language)
- Consider filing a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission
Making a Human Rights Complaint: Step-by-Step
Filing a complaint can help ensure fair treatment and prevent unlawful discrimination for future applicants. The Alberta Human Rights Commission handles these complaints.
Key Steps to File a Complaint
- Download and complete the Complaint Form (Form TP-1) from the official Alberta Human Rights Commission.
- Include all relevant details: contact information, the reason for complaint, and supporting evidence.
- File within 1 year of the alleged discrimination.
- Submit by mail, email, fax, or in person following the instructions on the Commission's website.
After submitting, the Commission may mediate between parties or investigate the claim. For details about tenants' and landlords' obligations after move-in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What Laws Protect Tenants from Discrimination?
In Alberta, the Alberta Human Rights Act is the primary law protecting rental applicants from discrimination. If your rights are breached, you can seek remedies through the Alberta Human Rights Commission.[2] The Residential Tenancies Act also governs rental relationships but does not directly address discrimination at the application stage.[3]
Where to Get More Legal Info on Renting in Alberta
Alberta's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) can assist with tenancy disputes (once you have a lease). For an overview on both tenant and landlord rights in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.
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- Can a landlord ask why I need income assistance or disability supports?
Landlords can ask about income to assess ability to pay rent, but cannot reject you based on lawful income source (like government supports) or disability. They cannot pry into medical details. - Can a landlord refuse to rent to a family with children?
No, rejecting a family because of children (family status) is discrimination and not legal in Alberta under the Alberta Human Rights Act. - What should I do if I suspect discrimination, but the landlord won't admit it?
Gather any supporting evidence (communication, ads), and file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, who will review and investigate if necessary. - How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint after a rejection?
You must file a human rights complaint within one year of the date the alleged discrimination happened. - What if my rental deposit was not returned after rejection?
If you paid a deposit and your application was rejected, you are entitled to a full refund. If it is not returned, you may pursue a claim through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
Summary: If your rental application is rejected in Alberta, you have the right to ask for reasons, protection from discrimination, and a full refund of your deposit. Stand up for your rights and get official help if needed.
- Discrimination based on protected grounds is never legal—know your rights
- If you experience unfair rejection, document it and consider filing a complaint
- Always seek your deposit back if your application is denied
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Alberta Human Rights Commission – Learn about protected rights and file complaints (How to file a complaint)
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – For tenancy deposit or lease issues
- Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Official legislation
- Service Alberta: Landlords & Tenants – General guidance
- For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
- Alberta Human Rights Act. Read the legislation
- Alberta Human Rights Commission. Official website
- Alberta Residential Tenancies Act. View the Act
