Discrimination in housing can be stressful, especially if you're sharing an apartment or looking for roommates in Quebec. Understanding your rights and knowing what actions to take are essential for protecting yourself and ensuring fair treatment under Quebec’s laws.

Recognizing Discrimination in Housing

In Quebec, it’s illegal for a landlord or anyone subletting or sharing housing to treat you unfairly due to characteristics like your race, colour, age, sex, religion, social condition, family status, disability, or sexual orientation. This includes all types of rentals—apartments, shared rooms, or even when seeking roommates.

• Denying a rental application because of personal characteristics
• Setting different rules or conditions for you than for other tenants
• Harassment or negative treatment related to a protected characteristic
• Advertising rentals with discriminatory language

Your Legal Rights as a Tenant in Quebec

The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms protects you against housing discrimination. Both landlords and roommates must comply with this legislation. The main body handling residential tenancy disputes in Quebec is the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (formerly Régie du logement).

If you are unsure about your general tenant and landlord rights, review the comprehensive Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec page for additional guidance.

Steps to Take If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against when looking for housing or during your tenancy, you can—and should—act promptly. There are several ways to formally address the issue and seek recourse:

How to File a Complaint

Quebec has an official process for discrimination complaints involving housing:

• Contact the landlord or roommate: If you feel safe, try first to resolve issues directly by communicating respectfully and documenting all correspondence.
• File a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ): This is the provincial human rights commission responsible for investigating discrimination cases.
• Apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): If your complaint relates to a landlord-tenant relationship, this tribunal can order remedies.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

• CDPDJ Discrimination Complaint Form: Use the official complaint form to start an investigation. For example, if you're refused a rental due to your ethnicity, you can submit this form explaining the incident. The Commission may investigate and attempt mediation, or recommend legal recourse.
• TAL Application for an Order (Form TAL-023-OP): If your dispute is with a landlord or co-tenant (such as an illegally imposed condition or harassment in shared housing), complete the TAL Application (demande d’ordonnance). Attach any supporting documents or evidence. TAL can order compensation or changes in rental conditions if discrimination is found.

Practical Example

Suppose a landlord says, "We don't rent to people of your religion." You could:

• Document the conversation (record, screenshot, or summary notes)
• File a complaint with CDPDJ and attach your records
• Seek legal support, especially if facing retaliatory behavior such as threats or eviction

Protections for Shared Housing and Roommates

Laws about discrimination apply equally to shared housing, boarding, and roommate agreements. A roommate cannot refuse to live with someone for discriminatory reasons, and landlords cannot approve or reject individual roommates based on a protected ground. If you’re moving in with others, make sure to clarify everyone’s rights and obligations. Review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a helpful overview.

If you experience other issues alongside discrimination—like unsafe living conditions or problems after move-in—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for related advice.

Tips for Protecting Yourself

• Keep copies of correspondence and official forms
• Request all decisions or rejections in writing if possible
• Seek support early from tenant advocacy groups
• Know the process takes time—respond to requests or information promptly

For broader rental options or to search for inclusive listings, Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What forms of housing discrimination are illegal in Quebec?
   All discrimination based on race, colour, gender, religious beliefs, national origin, age, marital or family status, disability, and sexual orientation is prohibited under Quebec law.
2. Can a roommate legally refuse to live with me due to my religion or ethnicity?
   No. Roommates or landlords cannot deny shared housing to someone for any reason prohibited in the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
3. Where can I file a discrimination complaint in Quebec?
   Submit your complaint to the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) or apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement if it concerns rental conditions.
4. Does the law apply to subletting and roommate agreements?
   Yes. Discrimination protections apply equally to all rental and subletting arrangements in Quebec.
5. How long does the process take?
   It can take several weeks to months for the CDPDJ to investigate and resolve cases, depending on complexity.

Key Takeaways

• Quebec law strictly prohibits discrimination in all types of housing and roommate situations.
• Keep detailed evidence and file complaints with official bodies promptly.
• Resources and remedies are available—don’t hesitate to seek help or more information.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Handles tenancy and rent-related disputes.
• CDPDJ – Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse: Receives and investigates discrimination and harassment complaints.
• Éducaloi – Discrimination in housing: Explains your rights in accessible language.
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
3. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec)
4. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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