Many renters in British Columbia are surprised to learn that landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to them because they have children or a large family. Family size discrimination is a real issue, but there are clear rights and protections under provincial law. This article explains those rights, what to do if you feel discriminated against due to your family size, and where to seek help.

What Is Family Size Discrimination in BC Rentals?

Family size discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to, evicts, or treats someone unfairly mainly because they have children, plan to have children, or have what is considered a "large" family. In British Columbia, this is often called 'discrimination based on family status' or 'discrimination against families with children.' Such discrimination—whether by turning away families or imposing unfair conditions because of children—is prohibited under provincial human rights law.

Your Legal Protections: Human Rights and the Residential Tenancy Act

In BC, renters are protected from discrimination on the grounds of family status by the BC Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancy Act.^1,2 Landlords cannot:

• Refuse your application only because you have children or a large family
• Evict or threaten to evict you because your family has grown
• Impose extra conditions (like increased rent or deposits) due to children

If you want to understand how these rules relate to deposits or move-in procedures, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Definitions

• Family Status: This refers to being in a parent-child relationship, which covers both natural and adopted children.
• Reasonable Occupancy Standards: While there are BC health and building codes around how many people can live in a unit, these are not an excuse for blanket family bans. The landlord must show genuine building code or safety concerns.

What To Do If You Face Family Size Discrimination

If a landlord has denied you because your family is "too large" or you have children, document what happened. You have the right to bring a discrimination complaint. In British Columbia, these complaints are filed with the BC Human Rights Tribunal, which is separate from the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Some tenancy issues, like rent increases or eviction notices, are handled by the Residential Tenancy Branch. But matters of discrimination—such as being denied housing due to your family—are taken up by the Human Rights Tribunal. For more about general tenant protections and responsibilities in the province, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

Here’s what you need to know:

• Complaints must be filed within 12 months of the discrimination.
• You do not need a lawyer, but legal advice can help.
• The complaint must describe what happened, when, and how it affected you.
• The Tribunal has forms to help guide you through the process.

Form Name: BC Human Rights Complaint Form
When to Use: If a landlord or property manager has refused to rent to you, evicted you, or treated you unfairly due to the size of your family.
Official Link: BC Human Rights Tribunal – How to File a Complaint

Practical Example: If you apply for a suite and the landlord says “Sorry, we don’t rent to people with more than one child in this building,” you should fill out this form and submit it to the Tribunal.

Exceptions: When Can a Landlord Limit Occupancy?

There are limited situations where a landlord can set reasonable occupancy limits, but these must be based on:

• Fire and building codes (if too many people in a unit creates genuine safety risks)
• Local municipal bylaws (e.g., maximum people per square metre)

However, these codes almost never allow blanket bans on children or setting "1 person per bedroom" rules as general policies. Most BC rental units are suitable for parents with children, unless evidence strongly suggests otherwise.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether an occupancy rule is legal, ask the landlord to provide municipal or building code documents that support their claim.

Some renters encounter other common issues, such as disputes over lease terms or move-in/out processes. For help on these practical matters, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Related Rental Rights and Resources

It’s important to know that all renters in BC—regardless of family size—are protected by laws about tenancy agreements, privacy, health and safety, repairs, and more. If you’re looking for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of family-friendly properties.

The best starting point for a full overview of tenant and landlord rules in the province is Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

FAQ: Family Size Discrimination and Tenancies in BC

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or a large family?
   No. Refusing to rent due to family size is discrimination under the BC Human Rights Code. You may file a complaint if this occurs.
2. What can I do if my landlord sets unreasonable occupancy limits?
   Ask to see the safety bylaw or building code they rely on. If it’s a blanket policy against children or families, you can challenge it with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
3. Where do I file a complaint about rental discrimination?
   File directly with the BC Human Rights Tribunal within 12 months of the incident.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
   No, but it can help. There are tenant advocacy and legal clinics that can guide you.
5. Are there exceptions that let landlords limit family size?
   Only true building or fire code requirements, not preferences or building "rules." These exceptions are rare.

Conclusion: Know and Assert Your Rights

Family size discrimination is illegal in BC rentals. Protect yourself by:

• Knowing your rights under both human rights and rental laws
• Documenting discriminatory behaviour
• Filing a complaint if a landlord treats your family unfairly

If you understand and use your legal protections, you can ensure fair treatment in the BC rental market.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Human Rights Tribunal (complaints and dispute resolution)
• Residential Tenancy Branch (general rental laws and disputes)
• Local tenant advocacy groups (e.g., TRAC - Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre: tenants.bc.ca)

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1. BC Human Rights Code
2. Residential Tenancy Act

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