Discrimination and Accessibility: BC Tenants’ Rights FAQ

In British Columbia, tenants are protected from discrimination under both provincial law and human rights legislation. Whether you're facing barriers due to disability, family status, or other protected grounds, it's essential to know your rights and what steps you can take to resolve issues around discrimination and accessibility. This FAQ covers the most common real-world questions BC tenants ask, from modifying your unit for accessibility to what to do if you experience unfair treatment by a landlord.

Understanding Discrimination in BC Rental Housing

The British Columbia Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination when renting a home. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to, evict, or treat tenants differently based on:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Family status (such as having children)
• Disability or age
• Religion or political belief
• Source of income

If you believe you have been discriminated against on one of these grounds, there are steps you can take, ranging from talking to your landlord to making a formal complaint.

Accessibility and Modified Living Spaces

Tenants with a disability have a right to reasonable accommodation. For example, if you need a ramp or grab bars installed, you can request this from your landlord. They are required by law to seriously consider your request and work with you to find a solution unless it would cause them undue hardship.

Rights and Responsibilities Under the Law

Your protections under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1] and the Human Rights Code mean landlords must treat tenants fairly and cannot deny reasonable changes to help you live safely and comfortably. For more information about tenant and landlord obligations in BC, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Filing a Complaint: The Role of the BC Residential Tenancy Branch & Human Rights Tribunal

If you can’t solve a discrimination or accessibility issue directly with your landlord, you may be able to file a complaint with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch for tenancy-related matters, or the BC Human Rights Tribunal for human rights violations. Each handles different complaint types:

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): For issues like unfair evictions or repairs related to a disability.
• BC Human Rights Tribunal: For discrimination based on the protected grounds above.

Official Forms for BC Tenants

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12): Use this to request a hearing with the RTB, for example, if your landlord refuses an accessibility modification.
  Apply or download the form.
  Example: A tenant needing grab bars for safety applies for dispute resolution after the landlord says no.
• BC Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this to formally complain about discrimination (such as being denied a rental based on disability).
  Access and file the human rights complaint form.
  Example: A landlord refuses to rent to a tenant who uses a wheelchair.

Everyday Accessibility & Health and Safety Concerns

Accessible rental units mean more than just ramps. Tenants have the right to a safe, livable space. If a landlord ignores urgent repairs that impact accessibility or health—like a broken elevator, unsafe entryways, or mold—these are both accessibility and health and safety issues.

For additional guidance on common rental problems—including health concerns—visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tips for Tenants Facing Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

• Document everything—save emails, letters, and keep notes on any conversations.
• Know your rights and communicate clearly with your landlord.
• If you can’t resolve things directly, seek support or file a complaint with the RTB or the Human Rights Tribunal.

For tenants looking for a new accessible rental unit, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find suits that meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability?
   No. Landlords in BC cannot deny you housing based on disability. They must also make reasonable accommodations unless it causes them undue hardship.
2. What should I do if my landlord denies my request for an accessibility change?
   Put your request in writing and ask your landlord to reconsider. If the request is denied, you may file a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Human Rights Tribunal.
3. Are modifications to make my home accessible my responsibility to pay for?
   Often, reasonable accommodations are the landlord’s responsibility, unless the change is major and fundamentally alters the property. In some cases, cost-sharing might be discussed.
4. Where can I learn more about my rights regarding accessibility and discrimination?
   For a full overview of rights, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.
5. Is it discrimination if a landlord refuses children or families?
   Yes, refusing to rent to someone because they have children (family status) is discrimination in BC.

How To Take Action If You Experience Discrimination in BC Housing

1. How can I ask for an accessibility accommodation?
   Put your request in writing to your landlord, explain what you need and why (for example, grab bars in the bathroom). Keep a copy of your letter and all responses.
2. How do I file a complaint under the Residential Tenancy Act?
   Use the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12), found on the RTB website, to request a hearing. Submit your completed form online or in person, and include evidence of the issue.
3. How do I file a human rights complaint?
   Download or fill out the complaint form on the BC Human Rights Tribunal website, then submit by mail, fax, or online.
4. If I feel unsafe or face retaliation, what steps should I take?
   Seek help immediately from a local tenant advocacy organization or legal clinic. Keep records of any threats or harassment.

Key Takeaways

• BC law protects tenants from discrimination and requires reasonable accessibility accommodations.
• If issues aren’t resolved with your landlord, file complaints with the appropriate government body.
• Document your situation thoroughly for the strongest case possible.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch — Dispute resolution and tenancy rights
• BC Human Rights Tribunal — File or learn about discrimination complaints
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) — Free information and legal advocacy for BC tenants
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia — Local tenancy rights overview

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1. Read the Residential Tenancy Act
2. Read the Human Rights Code of BC
3. Official RTB forms and online filing

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