Experiencing discrimination from other tenants can feel isolating and distressing. In British Columbia, all tenants have the right to a safe, respectful living environment under provincial law. This guide explains what to do if you're facing discrimination from fellow tenants, your legal protections, and practical steps to resolve the situation.

Your Rights as a Tenant in British Columbia

As a tenant in BC, you are protected from discrimination by both landlords and fellow tenants under the Residential Tenancy Act and the BC Human Rights Code^[1]. Discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, or lawful source of income is strictly prohibited.

What Counts as Discrimination?

• Harassment, racial slurs, or offensive jokes by other tenants
• Acts intended to intimidate or exclude you from shared spaces
• Interference with your enjoyment of the rental because of a protected characteristic

Landlords have a legal duty to address discriminatory behaviour when notified. You should not tolerate mistreatment, whether it is from the landlord or other tenants.

Steps to Take if You Experience Discrimination

Here's a summary of the practical actions to consider if another tenant discriminates against you:

• Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and details of what happened. Save any relevant texts, emails, or notes about incidents.
• Inform Your Landlord or Property Manager: Notify them in writing about the issue, describe the behaviour, and request intervention.

• Review Your Rental Agreement: Some building policies also address harassment and anti-discrimination. Review what applies to your situation.
• Contact the BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): If your landlord does not help, you can seek guidance or file a formal dispute. Visit the Residential Tenancy Branch.
• File a Complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal: For serious or ongoing discrimination, the BC Human Rights Tribunal accepts complaints online.
  
  Use the BC Human Rights Complaint Form. This form is used when you want to report discrimination, including from neighbours or fellow tenants. The official form and instructions can be found at the BC Human Rights Tribunal Complaint Process. A practical example: If your neighbour repeatedly harasses you based on your ethnicity, you can fill out the complaint form, describe your experience, and submit supporting evidence. The Tribunal will review your complaint and may facilitate resolution or hold a hearing.

Addressing Related Tenant Issues

Disputes with other tenants can sometimes overlap with broader issues, like noise complaints, shared facility use, or property maintenance. For guidance on resolving such disputes, read How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide. Additionally, understanding your basic rights—such as the landlord's and tenants' obligations—can help frame your concerns more effectively. See the article Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a clear overview.

What If My Landlord Doesn't Help?

Your landlord is responsible for addressing discriminatory behaviour on the property. If they ignore your concerns or refuse to act, you can:

• Apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch. This process helps resolve tenancy-related disputes, including issues of harassment or discrimination.
• File a human rights complaint if the landlord fails to take appropriate action after being notified.

For detailed help with applications and procedures, the RTB website provides guides and resources for tenants in BC.

Sample Action Plan for BC Tenants

If you experience discrimination, consider following these steps:

• Keep a detailed record of incidents
• Report the behaviour in writing to your landlord
• Request written communication and resolutions from your landlord
• If no help from your landlord, contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal
• If necessary, seek support from local tenant advocacy organizations

Remember, discrimination or harassment by other tenants should never be ignored. Taking early, documented steps can help protect your rights and wellbeing.

To learn more about tenant rights in your province, explore Tenant Rights in British Columbia for up-to-date laws and guidance. If you are searching for a new, respectful rental environment, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to see available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do first if a neighbour discriminates against me?
   Start by writing down a detailed account of each incident, including time, place, and what was said or done. Then, inform your landlord or property manager in writing so there is a record of your complaint.
2. Can I be evicted for reporting discrimination by other tenants?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your rights or making a discrimination complaint under the Residential Tenancy Act.
3. Is there an official form to report discrimination?
   Yes. You can use the BC Human Rights Complaint Form to submit a formal complaint about discrimination, including that committed by other tenants.
4. What if my landlord ignores my complaint about harassment?
   If your landlord does not take action to protect your rights, you may apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch and consider a human rights complaint as well.

Key Takeaways for BC Tenants

• Tenants are protected against discrimination from both landlords and fellow tenants under provincial law
• Keep records, report the issue in writing, and use official complaint channels if needed
• Resources are available, including the Residential Tenancy Branch and BC Human Rights Tribunal

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Get advice or start a dispute resolution process: BC RTB Website
• BC Human Rights Tribunal: Official complaints and resources: BC Human Rights Tribunal
• Tenant Support Services: Information about advocacy groups can be found through community legal clinics and non-profit tenant organizations throughout British Columbia.
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

---

1. For legal rights and processes: Residential Tenancy Act (BC)
2. Discrimination law: BC Human Rights Code
3. Tenancy information and forms: Residential Tenancy Branch

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy