BC Tenant Rights: Discrimination & Accessibility Explained

Tenants in British Columbia have the right to safe, accessible homes—free from discrimination. Landlords must follow the law, ensuring equal treatment for all tenants, regardless of race, disability, family status, or other protected characteristics. This article breaks down your rights, key BC laws, and steps you can take if you face discrimination or accessibility barriers while renting.

Understanding Discrimination in BC Tenancies

Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in British Columbia. Landlords can't treat you differently based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (if 19 or older), marital status, family status, or lawful source of income. These protections are provided under the BC Human Rights Code, Section 10. Common examples of discrimination include refusing to rent to families with children, denying reasonable accessibility accommodations, or making rental decisions based on ethnicity or disability.

Your Rights as a Tenant

• You are entitled to apply, live in, and enjoy a rental property without discrimination.
• You may request reasonable accommodations for a disability (e.g., installing grab bars, allowing a service animal).
• Landlords must respond to accessibility requests unless it would cause undue hardship or be unsafe for others.

Legal Protections for Accessibility

The Residential Tenancy Act of BC also sets standards around repairs, safety, and habitability. Rental units must be reasonably accessible and maintained in good repair. Tenants can request changes (known as ‘accommodations’) if they face barriers due to disability.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you believe you've been discriminated against or denied a reasonable accessibility request, you can:

• Document what happened (dates, times, names, and copies of all correspondence).
• Submit a complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Use the Complaint Form 1.1 available on their official site. This form is required to start a formal discrimination claim. For example, if a landlord refuses to install a wheelchair ramp or rejects your application due to family status, fill out Form 1.1 online or by mail.
• For problems involving living conditions impacting accessibility, you may also apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), which resolves tenancy disputes under the Residential Tenancy Act.

If you have immediate health or safety issues due to accessibility barriers, consult the RTB or speak to a tenancy advocate right away.

Making Accessibility Requests

When you need changes to your rental home for medical reasons, such as an accessible entryway or grab bars, you should:

• Request the accommodation in writing. State what you need and provide relevant medical documentation, if necessary.
• Give your landlord reasonable time to respond. They can only deny requests for significant cost or health/safety risks (known as ‘undue hardship’).
• If your request is refused and you believe it’s not justified, consider a formal complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Related Issues: Repairs and Habitability

Tenants are entitled to live in a home that is safe and in good repair. Accessibility may include routine or emergency fixes, especially for disabled tenants. For more on standard maintenance responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For general accessibility, many rental listings now highlight accessible units or features. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and filter for accessibility when searching.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility for Tenants

1. What counts as discrimination in rental housing? Discrimination is any action or policy where a landlord denies you housing or treats you unfairly based on a protected ground, like disability, race, family status, religion, or gender identity. This includes refusing service animals, rejecting families with children, or setting different rules for tenants of different backgrounds.
2. How do I request an accessibility accommodation? Submit your request in writing, clearly stating what you need and why. Attach a doctor’s note if applicable. Your landlord must consider the request unless it causes significant cost or risk (undue hardship).
3. What if my landlord refuses my accommodation request? If you believe your request is reasonable, you can file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal using Complaint Form 1.1. You can also seek dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch for issues affecting habitability.
4. Where do I go for help with discrimination in my tenancy? You can contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the Residential Tenancy Branch, or a local tenant advocacy group for support and advice.
5. Can I be evicted for making an accommodation request? No. It is illegal for your landlord to threaten or evict you for asserting your rights under the BC Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancy Act.

How To: Navigating Common Tenant Issues on Discrimination & Accessibility

1. How to file a discrimination complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal?
   Gather evidence, fill out Complaint Form 1.1 from the Tribunal’s site, and submit it online or by mail. The Tribunal will review your complaint and may contact you for an interview or hearing.
2. How to make a written request for an accessibility accommodation?
   Draft a brief letter or email to your landlord explaining your need. Attach any supporting documentation (such as a healthcare provider note). Keep a copy for your records.
3. How to get urgent repairs or modifications addressed?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If there is no timely response, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch through their official portal. This form is used to request an order for repairs or to address emergency issues affecting accessibility or health and safety.

Key Takeaways

• British Columbia law protects tenants from discrimination and guarantees accessibility rights in rental housing.
• Document your concerns and act quickly if you experience discrimination or barriers to accessibility.
• Use official complaint processes with the BC Human Rights Tribunal and Residential Tenancy Branch when necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) – Official tribunal for tenancy disputes and repairs in BC
• BC Human Rights Tribunal – For discrimination and accommodation complaints
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Support and guidance for tenants in BC
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. BC Human Rights Code, Section 10
2. Residential Tenancy Act (BC)
3. Residential Tenancy Branch, Province of BC
4. BC Human Rights Tribunal – Complaint Process

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