Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for BC Tenants

British Columbia’s tenancy laws offer strong protections against discrimination and require landlords to provide accessible housing whenever possible. Understanding your rights is the first step to ensuring you are treated fairly, regardless of your background, identity, or disability. This comprehensive checklist is designed for BC tenants to help identify and address discrimination and accessibility issues throughout the rental process.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility in BC Rentals

The Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia protects tenants from discrimination in housing. In addition, the BC Human Rights Code makes it illegal for landlords to deny you a home or treat you unfairly because of characteristics such as:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Religion or creed
• Age (if 19 or over)
• Family status, marital status, or source of income
• Physical or mental disability

Accessibility means that housing is usable by people with disabilities. Landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate tenants’ needs—unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

Complete Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for British Columbia Tenants

Use the steps below to protect your rights at every phase of your tenancy in BC.

Before You Rent: Screening and Application

• Confirm landlords are not asking illegal questions (such as your ethnicity, religion, or disability status) on rental applications.
• Landlords may request references and proof of income, but they must not discriminate based on the source of your income if it is lawful.
• Know that advertising “no children” or “adults only” may violate the BC Human Rights Code.
• Be aware that pet restrictions can sometimes impact renters with disabilities who require service or support animals. These animals may be protected, even if pets are not allowed.

During Your Tenancy: Fair Treatment and Reasonable Accommodation

• Ensure written policies and tenancy rules are applied consistently to all tenants, regardless of your background or needs.
• If you have a disability, you may request reasonable modifications—such as grab bars or visual alarms—at your own expense (unless the change is minor or benefits all tenants).
• Landlords should consider requests for parking modifications or entry ramps, unless this would pose a serious financial or safety hardship.
• If you feel targeted or harassed by a landlord or other tenants due to a protected characteristic, document every incident.
• If needs arise suddenly (accident, illness, family changes), landlords must remain open to new accommodation requests.

Moving Out or Being Asked to Leave

• Evictions based on personal characteristics, disability, or need for accommodation are strictly prohibited.
• If you receive an eviction notice, verify the stated reason, and consider if discrimination or failure to accommodate could be a factor.
• Keep records of communication and steps taken to request accommodation or report issues.

For an overview of your rights beyond discrimination, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you believe you have faced discrimination or your accommodation needs are not met:

• Speak to your landlord, clearly explaining your needs or concerns in writing.
• If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Key Forms and Official Procedures

• BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form:
  • Human Rights Complaint Form (no official number)
  • Use this form if you have been denied housing or reasonable accommodation because of a protected characteristic. Example: If your landlord refuses to permit a wheelchair ramp and you are a mobility-impaired tenant, you can complete and submit this form online or by mail to the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
• Residential Tenancy Branch Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12):
  • RTB-12 Application
  • Use this form if you need an official tenancy dispute resolved, such as if you suspect your landlord is evicting you in a discriminatory way. Example: You receive a one-month eviction notice you believe is retaliatory after requesting disability accommodations—you may use this application to seek a hearing with the Residential Tenancy Branch.

All BC rental disputes, including accessibility or discrimination issues relating to the tenancy agreement or eviction, are handled by the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Extra Resources for Accessibility and Safety

• Concerns about health, building code compliance, or basic repairs? Review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for guidance on safe, accessible living.
• If you need to prove a pattern or incident, keep thorough records, photos, and copies of communications.
• To find truly accessible rental options, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Canada's best rental listings platform.

Remember, landlords and tenants both have obligations to uphold rights and accessibility standards. For the full scope of responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

1. What types of discrimination are illegal for BC landlords?
   Landlords cannot treat you unfairly based on race, age (if 19+), gender, disability, religion, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, or lawful source of income.
2. What should I do if my landlord won't make my building accessible?
   Request accommodation in writing, outlining your needs. If refused, you can apply to the BC Human Rights Tribunal with a complaint form.
3. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me if I need a service animal?
   No. Refusing a rental because of a genuine need for a service or support animal linked to disability is generally illegal in BC, regardless of standard pet policies.
4. Is a landlord allowed to evict me for requesting disability-related changes?
   No. Retaliating against a tenant for asserting their rights or seeking accommodation is prohibited under the BC Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancy Act.
5. Where can I get help if I feel discriminated against by my landlord?
   You can reach out to the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Residential Tenancy Branch for support and guidance.

1. How do I file a complaint for discrimination in BC rental housing?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Provide as much evidence as possible, including communications and incident dates.
2. How can I request accessibility modifications in my rental?
   Send a written request to your landlord describing your specific needs and suggested accommodations. Attach medical notes if required. If refused, consult the BC Human Rights Tribunal or file an application with the Residential Tenancy Branch.
3. How do I respond if my landlord evicts me for requesting an accommodation?
   Apply for dispute resolution using the RTB-12 Application to the Residential Tenancy Branch. Include evidence of your request and the eviction notice.
4. What steps should I take if I face harassment by neighbours or staff due to my disability or background?
   Document all incidents, notify your landlord in writing, and, if unresolved, escalate your complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and barriers to accessibility are prohibited in BC rental housing.
• You can request reasonable accommodations, and have official complaint processes if denied.
• Keep detailed records and act quickly to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: File complaints about housing discrimination or failures to accommodate.
• Residential Tenancy Branch: Resolve tenancy disputes, including accessibility issues or wrongful eviction.
• BC tenancy resources: Download official forms or find more information.
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. BC Human Rights Code
3. BC Human Rights Tribunal
4. Residential Tenancy Branch

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