If you're renting in Quebec and believe you’ve faced discrimination—such as being refused housing or harassed because of your gender, ethnicity, disability, family status, or another protected ground—you have important rights. Quebec’s rental laws and human rights protections ensure that all tenants can enjoy safe, respectful housing. This guide explains the process of filing a human rights complaint as a tenant in Quebec, provides practical steps, and points you to trusted provincial resources.

Understanding Tenant Rights and Human Rights Protections in Quebec

As a tenant in Quebec, you are protected by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. This law makes it illegal for landlords or roommates to discriminate against you based on race, colour, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, age, religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition, disability, or use of a means to palliate a disability^[1].

• Landlords may not refuse to rent, renew a lease, or treat you unfairly because of any of these protected grounds.
• These protections apply to all types of rental housing, including apartments, shared housing, and room rentals.

For a broader look at your legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Common Examples of Housing Discrimination

Discrimination in housing can take many forms:

• Refusing to rent a room to someone because of their origin or family status
• Setting different rules or higher rent for a person with a disability
• Evicting a tenant because of their sexual orientation or pregnancy
• Withholding maintenance or repairs based on ethnicity

If any of these situations happen to you, the law offers several ways to respond—including making a formal human rights complaint.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant

The main body handling housing discrimination complaints in Quebec is the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) (Quebec Human Rights Commission). You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint.

Required Form: Confidential Complaint Form

• Name: Confidential Complaint Form (CDPDJ)
• Where to Find: Official form (PDF)
• When to Use: If you believe you have been discriminated against, fill out this form as soon as possible. This could involve being denied a rental due to origin, family status, disability, or any protected ground.

Once you submit your form, the CDPDJ will investigate. They may try to mediate a solution or could refer the matter to the Tribunal administratif des droits de la personne (Human Rights Tribunal) if necessary.

Which Law Applies?

Housing discrimination laws in Quebec are found in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Civil Code of Quebec (Tenancy Laws)^[2].

Step-by-Step: Filing a Human Rights Complaint in Quebec

• Download and complete the Confidential Complaint Form.
• Include supporting documents (such as emails, landlord notices, witness statements).
• Send the completed form by mail or electronically to the CDPDJ (contact details on the form).
• The Commission will confirm receipt, assess your claim, and may request more information.
• If accepted, there will be an investigation phase, possibly mediation, or escalation to the Human Rights Tribunal.

Your Rights During the Complaint Process

While your complaint is under investigation, you do not lose your tenancy or basic rights. A landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your rights. For more on general tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you feel unsafe or harassed, reach out to local tenant advocacy groups for guidance and support. The Quebec Human Rights Commission is impartial and supports all parties during an investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Rights Complaints in Quebec Rental Housing

1. What types of rental discrimination are covered under Quebec law?
   Any discrimination based on grounds like race, sex, disability, language, family status, and more, is prohibited under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
2. Do I need to pay to file a human rights complaint?
   No, there is no cost for tenants to file a complaint with the CDPDJ.
3. Does filing a complaint affect my tenancy status?
   No. Filing a complaint does not impact your lease or tenancy rights. Landlords are not permitted to retaliate.
4. Can I file if discrimination happened in a roommate situation?
   Yes. If you are refused housing, evicted, or otherwise mistreated in shared or roommate housing, you are protected.
5. How long does the investigation process take?
   The process varies; initial assessments may take weeks, with full investigations sometimes lasting several months.

For more answers or unique situations, visit the official CDPDJ site or consult a local community legal clinic.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination when applying for or living in rental housing.
• Filing a human rights complaint is confidential and free in Quebec.
• Clear steps and official resources exist to support you throughout the complaint process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Quebec Human Rights Commission (CDPDJ) — For advice, filing forms, and tracking complaints
• Tribunal administratif du logement — For rental disputes and general tenancy issues
• Call 1-800-361-6477 for the CDPDJ information line
• Community legal clinics (Clinique juridique) in your area
• All-in-one rental site for Canadian cities — to search for rentals from accessible, respectful landlords across Quebec and Canada

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1. Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
2. Civil Code of Quebec: Residential Leases

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