Living in a rental property should be safe and inclusive, but sometimes tenants experience discrimination from neighbours or other tenants. In Quebec, tenants are protected by strong human rights and tenancy laws. This guide explains what to do if you experience discrimination from other tenants, your rights, and the official steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Quebec

Quebec law protects tenants from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, and other grounds. Both the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec) and Quebec's Civil Code (Residential Leases) prohibit discriminatory acts by anyone in the housing environment, including fellow tenants.^[1][2]

• Your right to peaceful enjoyment and use of your home is protected.
• Landlords have a duty to address complaints of discrimination and harassment.
• Discriminatory acts by other tenants may involve physical intimidation, slurs, unfair exclusion, or harassment.

For more on your general protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Recognizing Discrimination from Other Tenants

Discrimination may occur in many forms:

• Hostile comments or jokes related to your background
• Attempts to exclude you from shared spaces
• Threats or unwelcome remarks
• Pressure to move out or give up rights because of who you are

How to Respond to Discrimination

It's important to address discrimination promptly and calmly. Here’s a summary of steps you can take:

• Document every incident with as much detail as possible.
• If you feel safe, consider speaking directly to the other tenant to request that the behaviour stop.
• If the behaviour continues or you feel unsafe, notify your landlord in writing with your concerns and evidence.
• If your landlord does not act, or if you need additional help, you can contact Quebec’s Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) or apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Informing Your Landlord

Landlords have a legal obligation to provide peaceful enjoyment of your rental. When you inform your landlord of discrimination, request that they take steps to address the situation, such as warning the offending tenant or organizing a mediation. Explain what is happening and provide your documentation.

Your landlord's obligations are explained in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Filing a Complaint with the TAL or CDPDJ

If the landlord fails to resolve the issue, tenants may file a formal complaint with either:

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including cases where a landlord does not protect you from discrimination.^[3]
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) – investigates discrimination and can mediate or refer cases for further action.^[4]

For complaints to the TAL, use the Application to the Administrative Housing Tribunal (Form TAL-001). Submit this form if you wish to claim damages, request orders for peaceable enjoyment, or other remedies against the landlord for failing to intervene. Download the form from the TAL official forms page.

• Example: If your landlord ignores repeated written complaints about a neighbour's discriminatory harassment, you can file a TAL-001 form to claim compensation or seek an order to require action.

For the CDPDJ, you can file an online complaint if you believe your human rights are violated.

Common Outcomes and Tenant Protections

When disputes are reported, outcomes may include:

• Mediation or negotiation between tenants
• Orders to stop discriminatory behaviour
• Compensation for damages or distress
• Measures from your landlord (including warnings or eviction of the offending person, where warranted)

If you ever feel threatened or in immediate danger, contact local police or emergency services first. Your safety comes before everything else.

If you are dealing with other tenant-related issues, such as maintenance problems or harassment, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

For more information, or to find a new, welcoming home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Tenant Discrimination Issues in Quebec

1. What types of discrimination are illegal in Quebec rentals?
   Discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, family status, and more is illegal under Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
2. Can my landlord be held responsible if they ignore my discrimination complaint?
   Yes, if your landlord fails to act after you report discrimination, they could be held liable for not maintaining peaceful enjoyment as required by law.
3. Should I speak to the tenant who is discriminating against me?
   Only if you feel safe. Direct conversation can sometimes help, but if you feel threatened, report the problem to your landlord and document all incidents.
4. Which tribunal handles discrimination complaints in rentals?
   The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) deals with tenancy complaints, and the CDPDJ handles broader human rights complaints involving other tenants.
5. How do I submit a formal complaint to the TAL?
   Complete Form TAL-001 with evidence of your situation and submit it through the TAL’s online portal, by mail, or in person.

Conclusion

Tenants in Quebec are protected against discrimination from other tenants:

• Document all incidents and inform your landlord as soon as possible.
• File a complaint with the TAL or CDPDJ if the problem is not resolved.
• Know your rights to safe and peaceful enjoyment of your home.

Don’t hesitate to seek help—resources and legal options are available for all Quebec tenants.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): For rental disputes, forms, or mediation between tenants and landlords.
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ): File a human rights complaint or access free assistance on discrimination issues.
• Éducaloi: Understand your legal rights and get plain language information for Quebec tenants.
• For more on rental rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

---

1. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec): See the legislation
2. Civil Code of Quebec, articles on Residential Lease: See relevant provisions
3. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Official website
4. Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ): Official website

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy