Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for BC Tenants

Tenants in British Columbia have strong legal protections against discrimination and for accessibility in their rental homes. Understanding your rights can help if you face unfair treatment, need accommodations for a disability, or want to ensure your landlord is meeting their legal responsibilities. This guide explains what discrimination and accessibility mean under BC law, what landlords must do, and what steps you can take if your rights are violated.

What Counts as Discrimination in BC Rentals?

Under the BC Human Rights Code^[1] and the Residential Tenancy Act^[2], landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants based on:

• Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin
• Religion
• Physical or mental disability
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Family or marital status
• Age (except for seniors-only buildings)
• Lawful source of income

This means a landlord cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you differently solely because of any of these protected characteristics. For example, you cannot be denied an apartment because you receive government assistance or because you have children.

Your Right to Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

Tenants with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations. This could mean allowing guide dogs, installing accessibility ramps, or adjusting policies to support your equal use of a rental property. Reasonable accommodation means the landlord must take practical steps to meet your needs unless doing so would cause undue hardship (extreme difficulty or expense).

If you need changes to your home due to a disability, always make your request in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodation

• Allowing a service animal in a "no pets" building
• Installing a grab bar or lowering doorknobs
• Assigning a parking spot close to the entrance for a tenant with mobility issues

How to Take Action if You Face Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or your accessibility needs are not being met, you have options:

• Document everything: Keep copies of emails, texts, letters, and notes from conversations with your landlord.
• Talk with your landlord: Explain your rights calmly and provide supporting documents, if possible.
• If things don’t improve, you can file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal or make an application to the Residential Tenancy Branch.
• For accessible repairs or health concerns, check your landlord’s responsibilities under the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

It’s important to know that retaliatory actions from a landlord—like threats of eviction for asserting your rights—are also illegal.

Key Forms for BC Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12)
  When: Use this to request an official hearing on issues like discrimination, failure to accommodate, or other tenancy disputes.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to allow a service animal, use this form to seek a legal order. Download RTB-12
• BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form
  When: File this if you believe your landlord broke the Human Rights Code (e.g., refused an accommodation or treated you unfairly).
  Example: If you are denied a rental because you have children, submit this form to the Tribunal. Access the complaint form

Visit the Residential Tenancy Branch for a full list of forms and guides.

Who Handles Discrimination and Accessibility Cases in BC?

Two main bodies handle these issues:

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: Handles complaints under the Human Rights Code related to discrimination and duty to accommodate.
• Residential Tenancy Branch: Handles tenancy contract disputes, repairs, and enforcement under the Residential Tenancy Act.

For more information about your full legal protections as a renter, read Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Helpful Resources for Finding an Accessible Home

If you need accessible or discrimination-free rental listings, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to explore available options in your community.

Tenant Tips on Preventing and Resolving Discrimination Issues

• Put all requests for accommodation in writing.
• Keep detailed records and dates of communications.
• Know your rights regarding repairs, accessibility changes, and equal treatment. The Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them page has practical advice.
• If possible, seek early help from a tenant advocacy group or legal clinic.

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case if a dispute goes to a tribunal or the Human Rights Tribunal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability?
   No, refusing to rent based on physical or mental disability is against the law in BC.
2. Do landlords have to allow service animals in no-pet buildings?
   Yes, landlords must accommodate guide dogs or service animals unless doing so causes undue hardship.
3. How do I file a complaint about discrimination in my rental?
   You can submit a complaint to the BC Human Rights Tribunal using their official form, or seek dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
4. If I request an accessibility accommodation, can my landlord evict me?
   No, it is illegal for your landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your rights under human rights or tenancy legislation.
5. What counts as a reasonable accommodation?
   Reasonable accommodation means steps that are practical and not unreasonably costly for helping a tenant with a disability access and enjoy their home.

How To Take Action: Addressing Discrimination and Accessibility in BC Rentals

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Make your request in writing, clearly stating what you need and why. Keep a copy of your request and any response.
2. How do I file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal?
   Fill out the complaint form and submit it online or by mail. Include supporting information such as documents or evidence.
3. How do I apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch?
   Complete the RTB-12 Application for Dispute Resolution and file it with the Branch as soon as possible, providing details and any evidence about your case.
4. How can I document discrimination if it happens?
   Write down dates, times, and what was said or done. Save all communications with your landlord, such as emails or letters.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in BC and covers a variety of protected grounds.
• Tenants have rights to reasonable accommodation for disabilities in their rental homes.
• Support is available from the BC Human Rights Tribunal and Residential Tenancy Branch if you face discrimination or need accessibility changes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: File complaints or get help regarding discrimination and accessibility rights.
• BC Residential Tenancy Branch: Information, forms, and dispute resolution for tenancy law and the Residential Tenancy Act.
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia: Overview of tenant and landlord rights in the province.
• Local tenant advisory centres: Check for community advocates in your BC city for one-on-one help.

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1. British Columbia Human Rights Code
2. British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act

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