Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because i have children?
Short answer
No. In Quebec, discrimination in housing is prohibited, in particular on the basis of civil status, pregnancy, ethnic origin, disability, age or social condition. A refusal based solely on the fact that you have children is illegal, unless it is justified by the size of the dwelling.
In detail
The Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms prohibits refusing housing because of a protected personal characteristic. This also covers receiving social assistance: systematically requiring a guarantor from a person on social assistance, with no connection to their ability to pay, is prohibited.
A landlord may check an applicant's ability to pay, but cannot require a deposit or impose additional conditions merely because of social condition, ethnic origin or family situation.
A person who believes they are a victim of discrimination may file a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Quebec's human rights commission). As a general rule, the complaint must be filed no later than three years after the events, and the Commission may decline a file when more than two years have gone by.
What to document
The date and time of each contact, the listing for the dwelling (a dated screenshot), the messages and emails exchanged, the exact words used in the refusal, and the names of any witnesses. A verbal refusal is proved above all by a written account written up the same day.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
Official sources
- JuridiQC — Discrimination when looking for housing: your rights and remedies
- Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse — Your rights in housing
- Tribunal administratif du logement — Frequently asked questions
Related questions
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- I do not have a written lease do i have any rights?
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- Can my landlord limit the number of people in my dwelling?
- How much does it cost to file an application with the tal?
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.