BC Tenant Guide: Discrimination & Accessibility Rights

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers as a tenant in British Columbia can be stressful and confusing, especially if you're not sure of your rights or how to advocate for yourself. This guide provides clear, practical steps on what to do if you experience discrimination or need accommodations as a renter in BC, referencing the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and other official sources.

Recognizing Discrimination in Housing

Discrimination can occur at any stage of renting — from applying for an apartment to dealing with tenancy issues. In BC, the BC Human Rights Code protects renters from being treated unfairly based on

• Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
• Sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• Physical or mental disability
• Religion, age, family status, marital status
• Source of lawful income and more

Examples of discrimination include being refused a rental because you have children, need a service animal, or use a wheelchair.

The Right to Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

Landlords in BC must not only avoid discrimination, but also accommodate tenants with disabilities to the point of "undue hardship." This means making reasonable changes—such as allowing service animals or modifying common areas—when requested by tenants who have documented needs.

• Reasonable accommodations may include changes like installing a ramp or permitting a support person
• Your landlord is not allowed to charge you for reasonable modifications related to accessibility

Accessibility Requests: Forms and Documentation

If you need an accommodation, make your request in writing, stating why it's necessary. It's also helpful to include relevant medical documentation, though your landlord should not ask for diagnostic details.

There is no standardized provincial form for making an accessibility request, but you can use a simple letter or email explaining:

• The accommodation you need
• Why it’s necessary for your disability

If You Experience Discrimination as a Tenant

Document any discriminatory actions or remarks and communicate with your landlord in writing. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, you may take these actions:

• File a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal (official adjudicator of discrimination cases in BC)
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) for tenancy-related disputes

For a closer look at your rights throughout your tenancy, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Relevant Official Forms

• BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form: Complaint Form (No. N/A).
  Use it to file a discrimination complaint if your landlord denies accommodations or treats you unfairly based on protected characteristics. Example: If you are refused a unit because of your disability and need for a service animal, submit this form online or by mail.
• Residential Tenancy Branch Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12): RTB-12.
  Use this to resolve disputes related to repairs, accessibility modifications, or other tenancy issues if your landlord is not following the law. Example: You request a grab-bar installation in your bathroom, but the landlord refuses—file via the RTB website or at Service BC.

Your Rights and Responsibilities: Landlord and Tenant Obligations

Both tenants and landlords have legal obligations in British Columbia. Knowing these can help prevent misunderstandings:

• Tenants: Promptly report needed repairs or accessibility modifications; use the property responsibly
• Landlords: Address repair and modification requests, provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment

Find more details in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Discrimination and Accessibility Issues in Rentals

• Being denied a pet where a certified service animal is needed
• Refusal to install simple accessibility features (e.g., ramps, handrails)
• Language or questions suggesting preference for certain backgrounds

More on related general rental issues: Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Want to browse rental homes that match your accessibility needs in BC or anywhere in Canada? Explore rental homes in your area and filter for accessibility and pet-friendly features.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Rental Housing

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability?
   No. Under the BC Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancy Act, disability is a protected ground and refusing to rent on this basis is discrimination.
2. What should I do if my request for an accommodation is denied?
   Document your request and the landlord's response. If your landlord refuses a reasonable modification, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch or file a complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
3. Is the landlord allowed to charge extra fees for accessibility upgrades?
   No. Charging a tenant for reasonable accessibility modifications related to a disability is not permitted.
4. Where can I get official help if I face discrimination?
   The BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Residential Tenancy Branch are your primary resources for support and complaint resolution.
5. What documents do I need to support my accommodation request?
   A simple letter from a health professional outlining your need for the requested modification (without specific diagnoses) is usually enough.

How To: Address Accessibility and Discrimination Issues as a Tenant

1. How do I request an accommodation from my landlord?
   Write a formal letter or email listing your required change and why it is necessary. Include a supporting note from a health professional if available.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   Complete the BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form, include your evidence, and submit it online or by mail.
3. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution?
   Download and complete Form RTB-12 from the RTB website, attach relevant documentation, and submit in person, by mail, or online.

Key Takeaways

• You have a right to fair, accessible housing in British Columbia under the BC Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancy Act.
• Landlords must accommodate disability-related needs unless it causes them undue hardship.
• Resources like the Residential Tenancy Branch and the BC Human Rights Tribunal are available to help you resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch – Tenancy complaints, rights, and dispute resolution
• BC Human Rights Tribunal – File and resolve discrimination complaints
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Information and help for renters in BC
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia – Provincial tenant rights guide

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1. BC Human Rights Code (current)
2. Residential Tenancy Act (current)
3. BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form
4. Residential Tenancy Branch Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12)

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