Navigating rental housing in Quebec means understanding both your lease and your rights as a tenant, especially when it comes to discrimination and equal treatment. The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms gives you strong protections, whether you're renting an apartment, living in shared housing, or seeking a new place with roommates. This article explains how these protections apply and what you can do if your rights are violated.

How the Human Rights Code Applies to Rental Housing in Quebec

Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms makes it illegal for landlords or roommates to discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, age, social condition, disability, or pregnancy.^[1] These protections cover all rental situations, including roommates and shared housing setups.

Examples of Discrimination

• Denying your rental application because of your ethnicity or religion
• Refusing to allow you to live with a service animal, if you have a disability
• Prohibiting children in the rental unit or shared space
• Posting rental ads that state "females only" or preference for a certain age group

In each case, such actions usually violate Quebec’s human rights legislation and could lead to legal consequences for the landlord or other tenants involved.

Roommates and Shared Housing: What You Need to Know

Renting a room, sharing a lease, or joining a co-tenancy doesn’t reduce your human rights. Everyone has the right to fair treatment, privacy, and freedom from harassment in their home.

• All tenants — even in shared housing — are protected under the Charter.
• Any rules set by a lead tenant (master tenant) or landlord must respect these rights.

Tip: If you experience discrimination when applying for a shared rental or after you move in, you can file a complaint even if there’s no formal written lease.

For a deeper look at rights in Quebec, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Your Rights After Signing a Lease or Moving In

Once you sign a lease, your right to equal treatment continues. Landlords and roommates cannot:

• Evict or threaten you based on a protected characteristic
• Refuse repairs or essential services
• Impose different rules or higher rent for some tenants based on prohibited grounds

Learn more about your ongoing rights and responsibilities in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Harassment and Privacy in Shared Rentals

• Harassment is never allowed, including repeated offensive language or actions linked to race, religion, sex, or orientation.
• Everyone has the right to quiet enjoyment — meaning you can use your rental peacefully and have reasonable privacy, even in shared spaces.

What to Do if You Face Discrimination or Harassment

Acting quickly and gathering proof can help your case. Here’s a practical summary of what to do:

• Keep records: Save messages, emails, and notes of what happened.
• Speak to the landlord or master tenant if safe to do so; sometimes issues can be resolved early.
• Contact the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (formerly Régie du logement) for tenant protections or the Quebec Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) to file a human rights complaint.

Common Official Forms for Tenants in Quebec

• Complaint Form (CDPDJ): Use this online or downloadable form to report discrimination, harassment, or refusal of service in housing.
  When to use: If a landlord, roommate, or anyone else involved in your rental discriminates against you.
  How to use: Fill out the complaint details and submit to CDPDJ. Details and form at CDPDJ: How to file a complaint.
• TAL Application Form: Submit this form for issues like eviction, harassment, or seeking repairs.
  When to use: If your lease rights are violated, such as illegal eviction or refusal to make necessary repairs.
  How to use: See and download forms with instructions at TAL Forms and Filing.

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) handles almost all rental disputes and rights enforcement for tenants in Quebec.^[2]

Other Rental Issues Tied to Human Rights

Sometimes, human rights issues overlap with common tenancy problems such as repairs or unsafe conditions. For more on health, safety, and maintenance, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Whether you’re searching for a shared apartment or want to ensure your living situation is safe and fair, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and learn what to look for in a respectful rental environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Under Quebec law, refusing to rent to someone because they have children is discrimination based on family status and is not allowed.
2. Do human rights protections apply if I'm just renting a room or living with roommates?
   Yes. All occupants, whether renting an entire unit or just a room, are covered by the same protections under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
3. What should I do if I think I'm being discriminated against when looking for a rental?
   Keep detailed notes and records, contact the landlord (if safe to do so), and consider filing a complaint with the CDPDJ.
4. Does my landlord have to make the rental accessible if I have a disability?
   In most cases, landlords must accommodate you up to the point of 'undue hardship.' This means reasonable modifications may be required, unless they are excessively difficult or expensive for the landlord.
5. Where do I file a complaint about discrimination in rental housing?
   Human rights complaints go to the CDPDJ; rental agreement or eviction issues go to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Your right to equal treatment is protected – in every aspect of renting or sharing housing
• Harassment, discrimination, and unequal rules are not allowed – even from roommates
• File complaints with the CDPDJ for human rights issues or the TAL for tenancy problems

Learning your rights and seeking support when needed can help you enjoy a safe, fair rental experience in Quebec.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Quebec’s tenancy tribunal for most rental disputes
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) – File discrimination or harassment complaints
• Gouvernement du Québec: Housing portal – Provincial housing information (leases, rights, forms)
• For comprehensive rights and responsibilities in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. See: Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
2. See: Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)

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