Discrimination and Accessibility FAQ for Quebec Tenants

Tenants in Quebec deserve a safe, accessible rental home—free from discrimination. Whether you face barriers because of a disability or feel you've been treated unfairly, it's important to know your legal protections under Quebec law. This guide answers the most common questions about discrimination and accessibility in housing, explains what steps to take, and helps you understand your rights as a tenant in Quebec.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility in Quebec Rentals

In Quebec, it's illegal for a landlord to discriminate when choosing tenants or during the rental period. The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms protects against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, family status, and more. Accessibility rights ensure rental units are usable by people with disabilities.

What is considered discrimination?

Discrimination means treating someone unfairly or denying them a rental because of:

• Race, colour, ethnic or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation
• Marital status, age, family situation (e.g., being pregnant or having children)
• Disability or use of support services (including guide dogs)
• Social condition (like being on social assistance)

If a landlord refuses an application or treats you differently because of one of these reasons, it may be discrimination.

Your Right to Accessibility

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable modifications or accommodations, such as ramps or grab bars, so they can use their homes comfortably and safely.

What Tenants Need to Know: Filing Complaints and Forms

If you believe you've experienced discrimination or need accessibility accommodations, you have options for taking action.

Making a Complaint About Discrimination

• Contact the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ): This provincial commission investigates discrimination complaints. File a human rights complaint with the CDPDJ.
• Keep detailed notes: Document dates, what happened, and any communication with your landlord.
• Forms: Use the official online complaint platform from the CDPDJ. There is no specific form number; you describe your situation and provide evidence.

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations

• Write a formal request: Ask your landlord for accommodations in writing, indicating exactly what changes you need and why.
• If a landlord refuses without a valid reason, this may be a human rights violation.

Quebec’s Housing Tribunal: Your Main Resource

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) handles most rental disputes in Quebec, including some accessibility issues if they relate to your lease or habitability of the unit. For discrimination, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse is the main authority.

Relevant Legislation in Quebec

• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
• Quebec's Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal
• Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration

These laws protect your rights as a tenant and ensure landlords cannot discriminate or refuse reasonable accessibility modifications.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Obligations

Both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities. For more, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For a broader overview, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Looking for accessible or pet-friendly rentals? Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca and view homes designed for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I receive social assistance or have children?
   No. In Quebec, refusing a tenant based on income source (like social assistance) or family status (having children) is considered discrimination and is illegal.
   
2. Do landlords have to make modifications for tenants with disabilities?
   Landlords must allow reasonable modifications or accommodations, unless they can prove it causes them undue hardship (major cost or safety issue).
   
3. Who do I contact if I face discrimination as a tenant?
   File a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ). Document your case and include all details.
   
4. Is it legal for a landlord to ask personal questions unrelated to renting?
   Questions about your religion, ethnicity, or disability are not appropriate unless directly related to your ability to fulfill the lease or requests for accommodations.
   
5. What should I do if my landlord is not responding to my accessibility requests?
   Follow up in writing, keep all correspondence, and if necessary, file a complaint with the CDPDJ or seek assistance from the TAL if the issue relates to habitability.
   

How To: Taking Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Problems

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Quebec?
   Fill out the online complaint form on the CDPDJ website. Provide your evidence, a full account of what happened, and any communications with your landlord.
2. How do I request an accessibility modification?
   Submit your request in writing to the landlord, explain what you need (such as a grab bar or ramp), and ask for a written reply within a specified period (e.g., 14 days).
3. What if the landlord refuses my request?
   Keep a record of their response. If the refusal is not justified by undue hardship, contact the CDPDJ to make a complaint.
4. Can the TAL help with accessibility issues?
   Yes, if the modification relates to your enjoyment or use of the property, or if the landlord's refusal affects your right to peaceful enjoyment. Consult the TAL's instructions for specific disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Quebec law prohibits discrimination based on many personal characteristics, including family status and disability.
• Landlords must permit reasonable accessibility modifications unless they can show it is not feasible.
• Use official channels—the CDPDJ and TAL—for complaints and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Rental disputes, accessibility issues related to leases.
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ): File discrimination and accessibility complaints.
• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: Read the full anti-discrimination law.

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1. [1] Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse – How to file a complaint
2. [2] Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official Website
3. [3] Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

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