Can Landlords Reject Tenants on Assistance in Quebec?

If you rely on social assistance or other benefits to pay your rent in Quebec, you may be concerned about whether a landlord can reject your rental application simply because of your source of income. Quebec law offers protections against discrimination for tenants receiving assistance, but it’s important to know your rights, understand what to do if you are refused housing illegally, and be aware of the steps for protecting yourself.

Discrimination Based on Social Assistance: What Does the Law Say?

In Quebec, refusing to rent an apartment to someone because they receive social assistance or another legal income source is generally considered discrimination. Under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Charte des droits et libertés de la personne), every person has the right to equal housing opportunities, regardless of their source of income.¹

• It is illegal for a landlord to ask you for extra deposits, higher rent, or to refuse your application solely because you receive government assistance, disability benefits, or other legal financial aid.
• Other protected grounds include age, civil status, race, gender identity, and more.

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)—formerly the Régie du logement—is responsible for managing residential tenancies in Quebec. Visit the TAL website for official tenant resources.

Common Discriminatory Practices Tenants Might Face

• Being told “No welfare recipients” or “No government assistance” applicants can rent
• Being asked to provide co-signers only due to your income source
• Unusual requests for additional deposits not permitted by law

These practices usually violate Quebec’s Charter and tenancy laws. If this happens to you, you have the right to take action.

How to Respond If You Believe You’ve Been Discriminated Against

If you suspect a landlord rejected your application because you receive assistance, gather evidence such as:

• Written communications from the landlord
• Witnesses or records of what was said during viewings or interviews
• Copies of rental ads specifying “no public assistance” or similar exclusions

Tenants can then file a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ)—Quebec’s official human rights commission.

Official Form for Discrimination Complaints

• Form: Complaint Form (English: Human Rights Complaint Form; French: Formulaire de plainte)
• When to Use: If you believe you were denied a rental solely due to your income source (e.g., social assistance, pension, or other lawful income).
• How to Use: Complete the form with details and evidence, then submit it to CDPDJ by email, mail, or fax as indicated on the form itself. For example, if a landlord told you outright you aren’t considered because you have disability benefits, include the written message or a summary as proof.
• Official Source: File a discrimination complaint (CDPDJ)

Your right to housing in Quebec is protected by law—even if your primary income is social assistance. Facing discrimination? Keep written evidence and consider getting help from TAL or the Human Rights Commission.

Key Legislation Protecting Quebec Tenants

• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
• Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal
• Civil Code of Quebec: Lease of a dwelling

For a thorough overview of your general rights as a Quebec tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

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What Tenants Can Do: Action Steps

• Collect evidence if you believe you are being refused a rental due to your source of income.
• Notify the landlord that such a refusal is prohibited by the Charter.
• File a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) using the official complaint form linked above.
• If you proceed with a lease, know other rights and responsibilities: see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

FAQ: Tenant Concerns About Renting with Assistance

1. Can a landlord legally refuse me because I'm on social assistance? No, Quebec law prohibits discrimination based on lawful sources of income, including social assistance.
2. What should I do if I think a landlord discriminated against me? Gather evidence, complete the CDPDJ complaint form, and submit it as soon as possible. Contact legal aid if you need support.
3. Are deposits or extra payments allowed for tenants on assistance? No, landlords must follow the same deposit rules for all tenants, regardless of income source. Learn more at Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
4. Who can help if I need legal advice? The CDPDJ or a local legal aid clinic can offer support with discrimination cases.

Conclusion: What Quebec Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords in Quebec cannot reject you for receiving government assistance.
• Discrimination in housing is prohibited by the Charter and enforceable through the CDPDJ.
• Collect evidence and act quickly if you believe your rental application was denied for discriminatory reasons.

Staying informed about your rights helps protect yourself and ensure fair access to housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — housing disputes, rent issues, and tenancy rights.
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) — for discrimination complaints.
• Legal Aid Quebec — support for low-income tenants with legal concerns.
• Review all your entitlements at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

1. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (C-12), Québec
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
3. Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) — Discrimination Complaints
4. Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal (L-6.2)
5. Civil Code of Quebec — Lease of a dwelling