International students looking for housing in Ontario often wonder if landlords can legally refuse to rent to them. Navigating rental applications and understanding rights under Ontario law is crucial for a positive rental experience. This article explains the key legal protections for international students, when refusals may be discriminatory, and practical steps you can take if you face challenges renting in Ontario.

Ontario Human Rights Protections and Tenant Screening

The Ontario Human Rights Code provides protection against discrimination in housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on their race, ethnic origin, citizenship, place of origin, or religion. Being an international student, by itself, cannot be grounds for a landlord to deny your application.

• What landlords can consider: Income verification, references, and credit checks are allowed, provided all applicants are treated the same way.
• What landlords cannot do: Refuse you because you are not a Canadian citizen or because you're an international student.
• If you suspect discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

Learn more about your protections in Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Rental Criteria

While landlords can ask for proof of income or a guarantor, they must apply the same standards to all applicants. International students might be asked for additional financial assurances if they cannot provide a Canadian credit history, but this cannot be used to automatically deny their application.

• Permitted: Asking for a security deposit or first and last month’s rent in accordance with Ontario law.
• Not permitted: Asking for more than one month’s rent as a deposit, or setting requirements only for non-Canadian applicants.

For more details on legal deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What If a Landlord Refuses Your Application?

If you believe a landlord refused your rental application because you are an international student, or on the basis of origin, citizenship, or other protected grounds, this could be discriminatory. Document your interactions, keep all communications, and consider your next steps:

• Politely ask the landlord for clarification about their decision and take notes.
• If you suspect a rights violation, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
• Legal support is available through student unions and tenant advocacy services.

For those still searching, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, an all-in-one site making it easy to compare listings and contact landlords.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Ontario Standard Lease (Form)
  Required for most residential tenancies. This form must be provided by the landlord and signed by both parties. If you do not receive this, you may request it from the landlord directly. More details and downloads: Guide to Ontario's Standard Lease.
• Human Rights Complaint Form (HRTO Form 1)
  If you wish to file a discrimination complaint, use Form 1. Example: If a landlord states you are not eligible because you are an international student, you can file this form with the HRTO.
  Access Form 1 here.

Tip: Always keep copies of all applications, correspondence, and official forms for your records.

Ontario’s Rental Housing Tribunal

Landlord and tenant disputes in Ontario are resolved by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB enforces the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and addresses a wide range of disagreements, though discrimination claims go to the HRTO.

Summary

Your status as an international student does not disqualify you from renting in Ontario. Landlords may require standard proof of ability to pay rent, but rental refusals based solely on your citizenship, student status, or place of origin could be against the law. If you experience such treatment, you have resources and recourse options available.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Student Tenants

1. Can a landlord ask for a higher deposit from international students?
   No, landlords in Ontario can only require first and last month’s rent, regardless of your background or student status.
2. What can I do if I think I was refused because I am an international student?
   Document what happened and consider filing a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
3. Can a landlord require a Canadian co-signer or guarantor?
   Landlords may request a guarantor if income or credit information is missing, but they cannot demand this only from international students.
4. Which official forms might I need as an international student tenant?
   You will likely need Ontario’s Standard Lease and, in the case of discrimination, Form 1 for the HRTO.
5. How can I learn more about tenant rights in Ontario?
   For details, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for International Student Tenants

• Landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you based solely on your international student status.
• If you are treated differently because of your background, you may have grounds for a complaint.
• Always review tenant rights and official rental processes before signing a lease.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Information on tenancy disputes and claim processes.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: For filing discrimination complaints in rental housing.
• Settlement.Org: Guides for newcomers and international students on housing in Ontario.
• Many colleges and universities in Ontario have dedicated housing help centres for students.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
3. Ontario Human Rights Code

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