Human Rights Complaints Against Quebec Landlords

Tenants in Quebec who believe they have faced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation from a landlord can file a human rights complaint to seek remedies and accommodation. This guide explains when a complaint is appropriate, what evidence and official forms to gather, and how the province's human rights Commission and the Tribunal administratif du logement may become involved. It is written for renters and tenants who want clear, practical steps—how to document incidents, request reasonable accommodation, and where to submit a complaint. If you are worried about eviction threats or unfair treatment because of disability, family status, religion, race, or another protected ground, this article walks through your options, timelines, and where to find templates and legal assistance in Quebec.

What is a human rights complaint?

A human rights complaint in Quebec is a formal report that a tenant's protected characteristics were treated unfairly by a landlord. The provincial Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse handles these complaints and can investigate, mediate, or refer matters to other remedies.^[1] The protections come from the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and other provincial laws that prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodation.^[2]

When to file a complaint in Quebec

• Retaliation or threats after a tenant asks for repairs, accommodation, or raises concerns to authorities.
• Refusal to rent, unfair lease terms, or eviction attempts that appear motivated by race, religion, family status, disability, or other protected grounds.
• Refusal to permit reasonable modifications or support animals needed for a disability.
• Harassment or ongoing discriminatory comments or behaviour that interfere with a tenant's housing.

How to file a human rights complaint in Quebec

Start by trying an informal resolution: talk to your landlord, send a clear written request for accommodation or an end to the behaviour, and keep copies. If the issue continues, gather evidence and file with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse using their complaint form and guidance pages.^[1] For housing-specific remedies (repairs, eviction questions, rent disputes) you may also need to contact the Tribunal administratif du logement and use the Tribunal's forms and procedures.^[3]

• Complaint form (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse) — used to start a human rights investigation; for example, file when a landlord repeatedly denies an accepted accommodation request.
• Application forms (Tribunal administratif du logement) — used for tenancy disputes where you need orders about eviction, repairs, or rent; for example, file if discrimination leads to an eviction application.

What to expect after you file

After you submit a complaint to the Commission, they may offer conciliation, investigate, or decide not to take further action. If the Commission refers the matter or you need a housing-specific remedy, you may file with the Tribunal administratif du logement for orders related to your lease. Timelines vary by case and the Commission or Tribunal will explain next steps in their written correspondence.

Gathering evidence: what helps a complaint

• Written records: emails, text messages, dated letters, and notices showing requests and replies.
• Photos and videos: images of unsafe conditions, discriminatory notices, or denied modifications.
• Witness statements: short sworn or signed notes from neighbours or others who saw incidents.
• Official forms and receipts: copies of complaints, Tribunal filings, or receipts for repairs and accommodation costs.

If you need practical help drafting a complaint, see our tenant guidance on handling rental disputes and common tenant issues: How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

FAQ

Can my landlord evict me for filing a human rights complaint?

Eviction solely because you filed a complaint can be seen as retaliation and may itself be unlawful; you should document any eviction attempts and tell the Commission or the Tribunal.

Will the Commission force a landlord to change their behaviour?

The Commission can investigate, mediate, and make recommendations; some cases proceed to orders or court remedies depending on the outcome and available jurisdiction.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary: conciliation may be quick while investigations or Tribunal hearings can take months; start early and keep careful records.

How-To

1. Contact your landlord in writing to request an accommodation or raise the issue and keep a copy of the message.
2. Collect and organize evidence: dates, photos, messages and witness notes.
3. Complete the Commission's complaint form and attach evidence with a short, factual timeline (example: dates and what happened).
4. Submit the complaint to the Commission and follow their instructions about conciliation or next steps.
5. If you need housing-specific orders (eviction, repairs), prepare and file the appropriate Tribunal administratif du logement forms.
6. Seek local legal aid, tenant clinic, or community legal advice for representation or assistance with forms and hearings.

Key Takeaways

• File early: start with a written request to the landlord and keep records of each step.
• Evidence matters: dates, photos, and witnesses strengthen complaints.
• Use official channels: the Commission and Tribunal provide forms and guidance for Quebec tenants.

Help and Support / Resources

• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse - File a complaint
• Tribunal administratif du logement - Forms and procedures
• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec)
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

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1. [1] Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse — Filing information and complaint form
2. [2] Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms — Official legislation text
3. [3] Tribunal administratif du logement — Forms, guides and filing procedures