5 Key Facts About Discrimination & Accessibility for BC Tenants

Discrimination and accessibility are important topics for every renter in British Columbia. As a tenant, you have the right to equal treatment, safety, and reasonable accommodation, regardless of your background or any disabilities you may have. This guide highlights the top five things BC tenants should understand about their rights, resources, and what to do if issues arise.

1. Discrimination Is Illegal When Renting a Home

Under the BC Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancy Act^[1], landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you unfairly based on your race, religion, family status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, or other protected characteristics. This applies from the start of your rental search and throughout your tenancy.

• Examples of illegal discrimination include: refusing to rent to families with children, declining an application because of a tenant’s disability, or creating barriers for wheelchair users.
• If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

2. Your Right to Reasonable Accommodation

Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants with disabilities. This could involve allowing service animals, providing accessible parking, or making minor physical changes to a rental unit. However, accommodations should not cause undue hardship for the landlord or other tenants.

• For example, if you rely on a guide dog, your landlord cannot deny you housing because of a "no pets" policy.
• A doctor’s note may be required to support an accommodation request. Keep documentation in writing.

3. What Forms and Steps to Use if You Face Discrimination

If you experience discrimination or accessibility issues, you can file a formal complaint:

• BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form: Used to report discrimination in tenancy. Visit the official complaint instructions to download the form and for details on the process. Example: A tenant files this form after being denied a rental because of a physical disability.
• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) - Dispute Resolution Application (RTB-12): If you have tenancy-related disputes involving repairs, accessibility, or breaches of the Residential Tenancy Act^[1], use this application. Download the RTB forms, and submit them as guided. Example: If a landlord fails to install a required accessibility feature despite your request, you may apply for dispute resolution.

Always keep copies of your submissions and any supporting evidence.

4. Accessibility in Your Rental: Maintenance and Health Issues

Landlords in BC are required to maintain rental properties in a condition that is safe and suitable for tenants, including those with disabilities. This means ensuring smoke detectors, elevators, and entryways are accessible and operating. For more details, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

• Report maintenance concerns or barriers as soon as possible in writing.
• If urgent repairs or hazards are ignored, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch.

5. Where to Find More Information and Support

Whether you’re searching for a new rental or experiencing discrimination, several resources can help. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities by visiting Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

• The Residential Tenancy Branch offers information, dispute resolution, and tenant guides.
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and access accessible listings tailored to your needs.

Being aware of these five important facts can give you more confidence as a tenant. Know your rights, keep records, and reach out for help if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a service animal?
   No. Under BC law, a service animal is considered a reasonable accommodation, and landlords must permit them, even with a "no pets" policy.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my accessibility modification request?
   Put your request in writing. If nothing changes, apply for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch or file a human rights complaint.
3. How can I report discrimination during the rental application process?
   Submit a complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Record all details and keep copies of your communications and applications.
4. Is my landlord responsible for making my unit wheelchair accessible?
   Landlords must reasonably accommodate accessibility needs unless it causes undue hardship. Typical modifications (like grab bars) are often required; larger changes vary case by case.
5. Where can I learn more about BC tenant rights and support services?
   Visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia for a comprehensive overview and links to official resources.

How To Address Discrimination or Accessibility Issues in Your BC Rental

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint as a BC tenant?
   Collect all records and evidence, download the BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form, fill it out with details of your experience, and submit it online or by mail as per the instructions.
2. How can I apply for dispute resolution if my landlord refuses accommodation?
   Download the RTB-12 form, complete it, attach supporting evidence, and submit to the Residential Tenancy Branch. Attend your scheduled hearing for a decision.
3. How should I communicate an accessibility request?
   Make your request in writing (email or letter), include any supporting documentation (e.g. doctor’s note), and keep copies for your records.

Key Takeaways for BC Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination in housing under the BC Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancy Act.
• Landlords must reasonably accommodate disabilities—document all requests and issues in writing.
• Make use of provincial forms and resources if you experience problems with discrimination or accessibility.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: File or get help with discrimination complaints
• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): File disputes, access official forms, and get tenancy guidance
• BC Human Rights—Know Your Rights (Housing)
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. See Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia.

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