Being turned down for a rental property can be frustrating, especially if you're unsure whether your rights as an applicant were respected. Ontario law offers protections to tenants facing rental application rejection, particularly in situations involving discrimination or unfair practices. This guide explains your rights, what landlords can and cannot do, and steps you can take if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly.

Rental Application Rejection in Ontario: What Are Your Rights?

In Ontario, landlords have the right to select tenants based on lawful criteria such as income verification, credit check, and rental history. However, it’s illegal for them to refuse your application based on grounds that amount to discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Common prohibited grounds of discrimination include:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or ethnic origin
• Sex, gender identity or expression
• Disability or perceived disability
• Marital status, family status, or receipt of public assistance
• Age (if over 18)
• Religion or creed
• Sexual orientation

If your rental application is refused and you suspect it’s for any of these reasons, you may be protected under the Human Rights Code, rather than tenancy law alone. You also have recourse if the landlord asks for deposits or payments that are not allowed under the law. For more about deposit rules and your rights, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Permitted Reasons for Application Refusal

While discrimination is not permitted, landlords may legally reject applications for reasons such as:

• Poor or unverifiable credit history
• Inadequate or unverifiable income
• Negative rental references
• False or missing information on the application

Landlords are not required to give you the reason for rejecting your application. However, if you ask and are given a reason that seems discriminatory, you can seek help.

Protections Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code

The Human Rights Code ensures equal treatment in housing for all Ontarians. If you feel you were denied accommodation for a discriminatory reason, you have the right to file a complaint—called an "application"—with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).

If you want to understand more about your overall protections and obligations as a renter, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe discrimination was a factor in your rejection, the process involves:

• Completing Form 1: Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (download the official form here)
• Providing details about what happened and the basis for your complaint
• Filing the application within one year of the incident

Practical example: If you are turned down after the landlord learns you receive ODSP or Ontario Works (social assistance), and you believe that's the reason for refusal, you may use Form 1 to file with the HRTO.

Relevant Legislation for Ontario Tenants

Rental housing in Ontario is primarily governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, but discrimination matters are handled under the Human Rights Code. The tribunal responsible for tenancy disputes is the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). However, application rejections due to discrimination are dealt with by the HRTO, not the LTB.

For broader information on your rights and landlord obligations after you move in, check the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Other Common Tenant Rights Issues

If you experience challenges after being accepted into a rental—such as maintenance problems, sudden rent increases, or end-of-lease questions—visit our pages on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. Always start by clarifying your rights, as laws can vary and protect tenants in many scenarios.

Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to discover properties and landlords who value fair, transparent rental practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord reject my application because I’m a student or receive social assistance?
   No. Landlords cannot refuse applicants simply because they are students or receive public assistance. This is prohibited under the Human Rights Code.
2. What should I do if I believe I was unfairly rejected due to discrimination?
   Gather any evidence you have (emails, texts, witness statements), then file an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario using Form 1.
3. Does a landlord have to explain why they rejected my application?
   No. While you can ask, landlords in Ontario are not legally required to provide a reason for rejecting a rental application. However, discriminatory reasons are not permitted by law.
4. Can a landlord ask for a deposit before approving my application?
   No. Landlords are only allowed to ask for a rent deposit once they agree to rent to you, not before. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
5. If my rights were violated, how long do I have to file a complaint?
   You must file your application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario within one year of when the discrimination happened.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords cannot reject your application for discriminatory reasons protected by law
• If you suspect discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the HRTO
• Know what is and isn’t allowed during the application process, including deposits and required information

Understanding your rights helps ensure equal access to housing and gives you tools to address unfair practices.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) – For discrimination complaints or applications (Official Forms)
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Handles other tenancy disputes and questions
• Ontario Government – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Understand all your legal protections
• Community Legal Education Ontario – Filing a Discrimination Complaint
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the Residential Tenancies Act.
2. Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19. See Human Rights Code details.
3. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). Visit the HRTO.
4. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Visit the LTB.
5. Ontario Government – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights. Official tenant guide.

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