Age Restricted Buildings in Alberta

🏢 Understanding Age Restrictions in Alberta Condominiums

As real estate professionals, it's essential to stay current on how human rights legislation affects condominium housing in Alberta—particularly when it comes to age restrictions. Here's what you need to know:

✅ Age Discrimination is Prohibited—With One Exception

Since changes to the Alberta Human Rights Act (AHRA) in 2018, age has been recognized as a protected ground in housing. This means landlords, sellers, and condo corporations generally cannot restrict occupancy based on age.

However, there's one key exception: seniors-only housing.

⏳ Grace Period Ends January 1, 2032

The 2018 amendments included a transition period. This allowed existing “adult-only” condos (e.g., 18+, 21+, 40+, 50+) to continue operating under their current age restrictions until December 31, 2031.

Starting January 1, 2032, only age restrictions that qualify as seniors housing will be legally enforceable.

🧓 What Qualifies as Seniors Housing?

Under Alberta law, age-restricted housing is only permitted post-2031 if it meets one of the following criteria:

• 55+ Housing: At least one occupant in the unit must be 55 years of age or older.
  
  

• Supportive Seniors Housing: The housing is specifically designed to accommodate seniors and offers programs, services, or facilities intended for seniors.
  
  

Any other age-based restriction will be invalid after 2031.

🏘️ What About Condominium Bylaws?

If a condominium board currently enforces an adult-only age restriction (e.g., 18+), it will need to revise its bylaws before January 1, 2032. Otherwise, those age restrictions will no longer be enforceable, even if they remain on paper.

Boards should seek legal advice when amending bylaws to ensure they comply with human rights legislation and properly adopt a seniors-only designation, if desired.

💡 What REALTORS® Need to Know

• Verify bylaws: Always check the current condominium bylaws to see if age restrictions are in place and whether they are still enforceable.
  
  

• Advise clients accurately: If a buyer is looking for adults-only living, let them know these restrictions are time-limited unless the building qualifies as seniors housing.
  
  

• Support condo boards and property managers: Encourage them to plan ahead if their bylaws include age-based restrictions.
  
  

📌 Key Takeaways

• As of January 1, 2032, only seniors-only housing (55+) can lawfully restrict age in Alberta.
  
  

• All other “adult-only” restrictions will be prohibited under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
  
  

• REALTORS® should guide clients and condo boards accordingly to ensure legal compliance and avoid human rights complaints.