If you're a tenant in British Columbia and believe you've faced discrimination because of your ethnicity, gender, age, disability, family status, or another protected ground, you have the right to file a human rights complaint. Understanding your rights and the complaint process can help you address unfair treatment in shared housing or rental situations. This guide breaks down your options and steps under BC law.

Understanding Tenant Rights and Discrimination

Landlords and roommates cannot discriminate against you on protected grounds. The BC Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination in rental housing based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age (19+), and lawful source of income.¹

For more general information about renting and shared rental arrangements, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

When Should Tenants File a Human Rights Complaint?

You can file a complaint if your landlord or a roommate:

• Refuses to rent to you because of a protected characteristic (e.g., family status, disability)
• Evicts you or treats you unfairly due to these traits
• Creates a hostile or harassing environment

How to File a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant in British Columbia

The BC Human Rights Tribunal is responsible for handling human rights complaints related to housing (BC Human Rights Tribunal). Residential tenancy issues are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, but issues involving discrimination must be taken to the Tribunal, not the Residential Tenancy Branch.²

The official form used to file your complaint is the BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form (find it here).

Important Complaint Form Details

• Form Name: BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Form
• When to Use: If you believe you have experienced discrimination in your rental housing or by another tenant/roommate
• How to Use: Download the form, fill in your experience with specific details and evidence, and submit it online, by mail, or in-person
• Deadline: File your complaint within one year of the incident. Extensions are rare and must be justified

Practical example: If you were denied a rental due to having children, you would describe this event in the complaint form and submit any written communications as supporting evidence.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Complaint

• Gather documentation (emails, messages, notes about incidents)
• Complete the Complaint Form, then review all details for accuracy
• Submit the form to the BC Human Rights Tribunal
• The Tribunal will review your complaint and may contact you for further information
• If accepted, your complaint may proceed to settlement, mediation, or a formal hearing

Discrimination, Housing Rights, and Your Tenancy

Discrimination may arise not only from landlords, but also from roommates in shared housing. If another tenant creates a hostile living environment due to a protected ground, this may also qualify as discrimination. Section 10 of the BC Human Rights Code addresses discrimination in tenancy specifically.

Discrimination can sometimes overlap with other tenancy challenges, such as Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them or disputes over living arrangements. Addressing human rights issues early protects your well-being and legal standing.

Your Next Steps

• Document each incident of discrimination or harassment as it occurs
• Seek landlord clarification and communicate concerns respectfully (when safe)
• Consider mediation options through the Tribunal if the complaint is accepted
• Understand your general tenant rights by reviewing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
• If you are unsure about the nature of your issue, you can contact tenant support organizations for confidential advice

What Happens After the Complaint?

After filing, the BC Human Rights Tribunal reviews your complaint. If accepted, the parties are usually offered mediation to resolve the matter. If no agreement is reached, you may attend a hearing where you and the landlord/other parties present your evidence. Remedies can include compensation or orders to end discriminatory conduct.

It can be helpful to know your broader rights as a BC renter by checking Tenant Rights in British Columbia or by searching for affordable homes for rent in Canada via Affordable homes for rent in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tenant Human Rights in BC

1. What types of discrimination are prohibited in BC rental housing?
   Landlords and roommates cannot legally discriminate based on race, gender, religion, disability, family status, age, sexual orientation, lawful income, or similar protected grounds.
2. Where do I file a human rights complaint involving my tenancy?
   Discrimination complaints are filed with the BC Human Rights Tribunal, not the Residential Tenancy Branch.
3. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   You have one year from the date of the discriminatory act to submit your complaint.
4. What remedies can the Tribunal order?
   They can order compensation, require policy changes, or direct a landlord/roommate to stop discriminatory behaviour.
5. Can my complaint be resolved without a hearing?
   Yes, most accepted cases start with mediation, allowing both sides to resolve the matter with the Tribunal's help.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in BC are protected from discrimination under the BC Human Rights Code
• Human rights complaints are handled by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, using the official Complaint Form
• File within one year of the incident and keep thorough records for your case

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: Information, complaint forms, help with filing
• BC Residential Tenancy Branch: General tenancy guidance (not for human rights issues)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free information and advice on tenancy and discrimination
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia: Overview of tenant rights and provincial facts

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1. See: BC Human Rights Code, Section 10: Tenancy
2. For tenancy law: Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)

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