Discrimination based on immigration status can make it harder for newcomers or non-citizen tenants to find or keep a home in Quebec, especially in shared housing or roommate arrangements. Whether you are a permanent resident, work permit holder, refugee, or international student, it's important to understand your legal protections under Quebec rental law.

Quebec Law: Are Tenants Protected Against Immigration Status Discrimination?

In Quebec, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms specifically prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, national or ethnic origin, and civil status. While it does not mention "immigration status" explicitly, the protections extend to similar grounds. This means a landlord or potential roommate cannot refuse to rent, evict, or harass you because you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

These protections apply to all rental situations, including roommates and shared housing. If you are living in a shared apartment or seeking a roommate situation, these rules still protect your rights as a tenant. For more details about general tenant protections in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Examples of Discrimination Based on Immigration Status

Some tenants face challenges like:

• Being told by a landlord that only citizens or permanent residents can apply
• Being asked for additional deposits only because of your immigration status
• Refusal to sign or renew a lease due to non-citizen status
• Roommates refusing to share an apartment for discriminatory reasons

If these things happen, they may be illegal under Quebec's human rights law and rental regulations.

Protections in Shared Housing and Roommate Situations

The law applies even if you are not the main leaseholder:

• If you are a subtenant or sharing a space and someone discriminates because of your immigration status, you may still bring a complaint.
• Landlords and roommates cannot ask about your status unless it is directly related to a legal rental requirement (for example, credit history checks must be applied equally).

Roommates must also respect human rights. For example, a roommate looking to fill a room cannot legally advertise "citizens only." If you believe this is happening, you have the right to act.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination

If a landlord or roommate discriminates against you:

• Document what happened, including emails or texts
• Contact the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) — Quebec's human rights commission — to learn about your options and file a complaint
• For rental disputes, including eviction or lease issues, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) who oversees residential tenancies

Both CDPDJ and TAL provide phone support and mediation. TAL is the main authority for housing issues in Quebec. For more tips about tenant rights and resolving common conflicts, check out Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Forms and How to File a Complaint

There is no special TAL form dedicated to immigration status discrimination. Instead, you will use general complaint procedures:

• CDPDJ Complaint Form: For discrimination, use the CDPDJ online complaint form. Complete the form if a landlord, property manager, or roommate denies you housing or treats you unfairly because of your status. You can attach emails, ads, or contracts as evidence.
• TAL Application Form (e.g., TAL-001): If you have been denied a lease or evicted under suspicious circumstances, use the TAL application form relevant to your issue (for example, "Application Related to a Lease"). This is commonly called the "TAL-001" (though numbers may vary annually). Download the form, fill it out with your reasons and evidence, and file it according to the instructions on the TAL website.

Key Legislation That Protects Quebec Tenants

• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec)
• Act Respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal (previously the Régie du logement)
• Civil Code of Quebec (articles on lease and non-discrimination)

For full tenant and landlord rights, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Filing a Complaint: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a quick summary of what to do if you believe your rights were violated in a rental or roommate situation:

• Gather documents: rental ads, written communications, ID requirements, or proof of unfair treatment
• Submit a complaint to the CDPDJ (online or by phone)
• If a lease or eviction decision is involved, file the appropriate TAL form
• Track your case and prepare to discuss your experience in detail during mediation or hearings

Each step ensures you use your rights and have your situation reviewed by the proper authority.

Tips for Tenants in Shared Housing

• Keep copies of all rental documents and correspondence
• Know that you cannot be charged extra deposits just for being a newcomer
• Don't hesitate to seek out community legal clinics for free advice

If you're new to renting, our guide on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained offers useful information on day-to-day rental life in Quebec.

For those searching for accommodation, remember you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily and safely before making any commitments.

FAQ: Quebec Tenant Rights and Immigration Status

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my immigration status in Quebec?
   No. Landlords and roommates cannot refuse you solely due to your immigration or citizenship status. This is considered discrimination under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
2. Is it legal to ask for extra deposits from non-citizen tenants?
   No. Quebec law says security deposits and additional payments beyond what's required by law are not allowed, regardless of your status.
3. How do I file a discrimination complaint?
   You can file online or by phone with the CDPDJ. If your case includes eviction or lease denial, you may also apply to the TAL using their relevant forms.
4. Do human rights laws apply to roommate-only housing?
   Yes, protections extend to shared accommodations and sublets. You have rights even if your name isn't on the main lease.
5. Who can help me if I'm denied housing as a newcomer?
   Contact CDPDJ for discrimination issues and the TAL for rental disputes. Local tenant associations and legal clinics are also available.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• You have strong legal protections against discrimination, including in roommate and shared housing scenarios.
• File a complaint with CDPDJ or TAL if you face unfair treatment based on your immigration status.
• Stay informed, keep records, and seek support—help is available for all tenants, regardless of status.

Understanding your rights can make renting in Quebec fairer and less stressful. Support and legal resources ensure no one is left out when seeking a home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — handles rental disputes, evictions, and lease issues across Quebec
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) — investigates discrimination and human rights complaints
• Local community legal clinics and immigrant support groups for additional, free advice
• Review your provincial tenant rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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

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