Help for BC Tenants Facing Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

If you are renting in British Columbia and experiencing discrimination or facing accessibility barriers, it’s important to know your rights and your options. Whether you have a disability, are a member of a protected group, or need an accommodation, BC law protects you while renting. This article explains what counts as discrimination, the laws that protect tenants, and step-by-step help if you experience unfair treatment or denial of reasonable accommodations.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility Issues in BC Rentals

Discrimination happens when you’re treated unfairly or denied housing due to your race, age, gender, disability, family status, or other protected grounds listed under the BC Human Rights Code^[1]. Accessibility issues can arise if your rental doesn’t accommodate your needs due to a disability or health condition, or if your landlord refuses to provide reasonable modifications or supports.

• Examples of discrimination: Refusing to rent to you because you have children, rejecting your application due to your ethnicity, or treating you differently because you use a wheelchair.
• Accessibility issues: Not allowing a service animal, refusing a request for grab bars or ramps, or ignoring necessary repairs that affect your mobility.

Every tenant has protections under both the Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancy Act^[2]. For an overview of general tenant and landlord rights in the province, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Legal Protections for Tenants

BC’s Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancy Act both protect tenants against discrimination and require landlords to take reasonable steps to accommodate disabilities, unless it would cause them undue hardship.

• You have the right to apply for – and live in – a rental home free from discrimination.
• Your landlord must make reasonable efforts to accommodate your health needs or disability.
• If you experience discrimination, you can file a complaint through the BC Human Rights Tribunal (BC HRT).

What Does 'Reasonable Accommodation' Mean?

This means your landlord must take practical steps to remove barriers for you – for example, allowing a service animal even if there’s a no-pets policy, or permitting modifications like grab bars (possibly at your expense if reasonable).

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Problems

Step 1: Document the Issue

Keep written records and any communications with your landlord. Note dates, conversations, and outcomes.

Step 2: Make a Written Request

Send a formal letter to your landlord asking for the accommodation or explaining the discrimination. Be clear about what you need and why.

Tip: Always communicate in writing when possible, such as through email, and keep copies of your requests and replies.

Step 3: If the Issue Isn’t Resolved, Seek Help

• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): This is BC’s official agency for handling tenant–landlord disputes. Start by visiting the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
• The main application form is the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12). Use this form if:
• Your landlord refuses to accommodate you
• You want repairs to resolve an accessibility issue
• Your tenancy was ended due to discrimination
• Fill out the RTB-12 form, collect your evidence, and submit it online or deliver it in person. Instructions are included with the form.
• File a Human Rights Complaint: If your discrimination issue relates to a protected ground (race, disability, family status, etc.), file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Use their Human Rights Complaint Form.

In urgent cases (e.g., threat of eviction or immediate health risk), tell the RTB about the urgency in your application.

Other Tenant Issues That Often Overlap

Sometimes discrimination issues go hand-in-hand with other rental challenges, such as ongoing repairs, pest issues, or safety problems. To learn more, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Key Legal Forms: When and How to Use Them

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12): Use this when your landlord refuses to accommodate an accessibility need, or you have suffered discrimination affecting your tenancy. RTB-12 Form
• Human Rights Complaint Form: Submit this if you believe your landlord discriminated against you based on race, disability, or other protected ground. BC HRT Complaint Form

Practical example: If your landlord denies a request to install a ramp for your wheelchair, you should first write a request, apply to the RTB if not resolved, and then file a Human Rights complaint if discrimination is involved.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Obligations

Both the Human Rights Code and BC’s tenancy laws require landlords to treat all applicants and tenants fairly. For a broader understanding of both tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. Landlords can only refuse an accommodation if providing it would cause undue hardship (like major cost or safety risk).

Find a Suitable Accessible Rental

If you find your current rental can’t be made accessible, or your needs have changed, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search for new or modified rental properties that suit your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse a service animal?
   In most cases, no. Landlords in BC must allow service or guide animals for tenants with disabilities, even if a building has a no-pet policy. This is protected under the Human Rights Code.
   
2. What if my landlord refuses to install accessibility features?
   Your landlord must allow reasonable modifications at your expense, but may need to approve how work is done. If they refuse without valid reason, you can go to the RTB or the Human Rights Tribunal.
   
3. Is it discrimination if a landlord charges me more because of my disability?
   Yes. It is illegal to charge extra rent or fees because of a disability or other protected ground. Report this to the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
   
4. How do I prove I was discriminated against?
   Keep detailed records and copies of all communications. Evidence can include emails, letters, witness statements, and notes about what happened and when.
   
5. Where do I file a discrimination complaint?
   If it’s a tenancy matter (such as repairs or entry), start with the RTB. For broader human rights discrimination, file with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
   

How To: Steps for BC Tenants Dealing with Discrimination

1. How do I formally request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Write a clear letter or email explaining your needs and provide supporting documents if available. Keep copies as proof.
2. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for a dispute?
   Download the RTB-12 form, fill it out with details, gather your evidence, and submit online or in person.
3. How do I file a human rights complaint against my landlord?
   Complete the BC Human Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the Tribunal by email, mail, or fax.
4. How do I get help with forms or legal process?
   Contact a local tenant resource centre or Legal Aid BC for assistance. Phone and online support are available.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and lack of accessibility are both against the law for BC rentals.
• Document everything, communicate in writing, and use official forms to protect your rights.
• If steps with your landlord don’t resolve things, apply to the RTB or file a human rights complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch – For official forms and dispute resolution
• BC Human Rights Tribunal – For filing discrimination complaints
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Free tenant support and information
• Legal Aid BC – Legal help for eligible tenants
• Read more: Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c. 210. Read the Human Rights Code
2. Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78. Read the Residential Tenancy Act

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