Can Landlords Refuse Tenants Receiving Assistance in BC?

In British Columbia, many tenants rely on government assistance, disability benefits, or other income supports to pay for housing. If you're worried that a landlord might reject your application because you receive assistance, it's important to know your rights under provincial law.

Are Landlords Allowed to Reject Tenants Receiving Assistance?

British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act and the BC Human Rights Code protect tenants from discrimination based on lawful source of income, including government assistance such as:

• Income assistance (welfare)
• Disability benefits (PWD, CPP-D)
• Old Age Security (OAS), GIS, pensions
• Rental supplements
• Any other legal means of income

Landlords cannot refuse to rent, end a tenancy, or otherwise treat you unfairly because you are receiving an income support benefit.^1,2

What Counts as Discrimination?

If a landlord explicitly says or documents that your government assistance disqualifies you, or if you are given different rental terms for this reason, that may be considered discrimination.

Exceptions and Lawful Screening

Landlords are allowed to verify income to ensure you can afford rent. They can request proof of ability to pay but must apply the same standard to all applicants. Rejecting applicants solely because the income is from assistance is not permitted. Similarly, landlords can conduct standard background or reference checks.

Deposits and Fees

British Columbia law limits the types and amounts of rental deposits landlords can charge. They may not ask for higher deposits just because an applicant receives income assistance. This ensures fair access and prevents financial barriers for those on assistance.

If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe a landlord rejected you because you receive assistance, you have options. In BC, the BC Human Rights Tribunal is the main body handling discrimination claims under the Human Rights Code.

• Form to File: Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe your rights under the BC Human Rights Code have been violated due to your lawful source of income, complete this form.
• Official Form Link: BC Human Rights Complaint Form
• Practical Example: If a landlord says they don’t rent to people on welfare or disability, you can file this form with the Tribunal for investigation.

For tenancy-related matters that are not discrimination-based (e.g., damage deposits, non-repair issues), the Residential Tenancy Branch resolves disputes.

Step-by-Step: How to Respond to Discrimination

• Document the alleged discrimination (screenshots, emails, texts, your notes)
• Review your rights under the Tenant Rights in British Columbia
• File a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal if you believe your rights have been violated
• You may also seek free advice from local tenant advocacy organizations

Legislation Protecting Tenants

• BC Human Rights Code (Section 10): Protects tenants against discrimination on source of income
• Residential Tenancy Act: Governs rental rights in BC

If you're new to renting, our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide can help you understand mutual rights.

For more details about your rights province-wide, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia. If you're looking for a new home, Explore rental homes in your area with the latest listings.

FAQ: Discrimination and Income Assistance in BC Rentals

1. Can a landlord deny my rental application because I receive income assistance? No, landlords in BC cannot refuse you solely because you receive any lawful government support or assistance. This is protected by the BC Human Rights Code.
2. What if a landlord says they already rented to someone else after learning about my assistance? If you suspect this is a cover for discrimination, keep a record of your conversations and file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal for review.
3. Does protection extend to subsidized housing or co-ops? Yes, these laws generally apply to most kinds of rental housing in BC, including private, subsidized, and co-op housing, except in very limited circumstances noted in legislation.
4. What do I do if I need help proving discrimination? Collect written or recorded evidence when possible and reach out to tenant advocacy groups or the BC Human Rights Clinic for free advice.
5. Who can help if I have general tenancy problems unrelated to discrimination? The Residential Tenancy Branch, community legal clinics, and organizations like TRAC (Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre) can assist with other tenancy issues.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in BC cannot discriminate based on lawful source of income, including all government assistance programs
• If you experience discrimination, document everything and consider filing a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal
• Knowledge of your rights can help secure safe and fair housing

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (info, forms, dispute resolution)
• BC Human Rights Tribunal (discrimination complaints)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) (tenant advocacy and information)
• BC Human Rights Clinic (support for discrimination cases)

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1. BC Human Rights Code, Section 10. Read the Code here.
2. Residential Tenancy Act. See the legislation.

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