Finding a rental home in Ontario can be stressful—especially if you rely on government assistance such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or other income supports. Many tenants in Ontario wonder if it’s legal for a landlord to deny them solely because they receive assistance. This article answers that question and offers practical advice based on current Ontario laws, helpful resources, and official complaint processes.

Discrimination and “Source of Income” Protection in Ontario

Under Ontario law, landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you simply because you receive social assistance, disability benefits, or other legal forms of income. The Ontario Human Rights Code specifically protects tenants against discrimination based on “source of income.” This means:

• Landlords cannot reject your rental application just because part or all of your rent comes from social assistance, ODSP, or government benefits
• They also cannot set different rules, higher deposits, or extra requirements for tenants receiving assistance vs. those with employment income

This protection applies at all stages—from viewing apartments to signing the lease and throughout your tenancy.

What Landlords Can Legally Ask or Verify

While landlords can ask for proof you can afford the rent, they cannot:

• Ask about your source of income in a way that leads to discrimination
• Refuse you solely due to how you pay your rent

Landlords can request documents like pay stubs, benefit statements, or reference letters to assess your application. Still, they cannot apply different criteria if your income is from assistance programs. For tips on preparing for a rental search or the kinds of deposits allowed, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What If You Are Rejected or Face Discrimination?

If a landlord rejects you because you receive government assistance—or they treat you unfairly in any other way due to your income source—you have the right to file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). The Tribunal is Ontario’s official body for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in housing, including rented homes and apartments. In some situations, you can also contact the Landlord and Tenant Board about your rights as a renter (Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board).

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe your application was unfairly denied (or you faced other discrimination), you can take these steps:

• Gather all written communications, emails, application forms, and any notes about the rejection
• Visit the HRTO Application Guide to review the process
• Complete Form 1: Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (direct download)
• Describe the discrimination, include evidence, and clearly state how being on assistance affected your rental application
• Submit your form by online portal, mail, or fax as explained in the official instructions

Form 1: Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario is used by tenants to report and resolve discrimination cases, including those involving source of income. In your application, explain the rental situation and provide supporting details. The HRTO will review your submission, and—if accepted—you may have a mediation or hearing. For more on your rights as a renter after the lease is signed, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Relevant Legislation and Tenant Rights

Your protection against discrimination for receiving assistance is twofold:

• Ontario Human Rights Code: Outlines protected grounds—"source of income" covers social assistance, ODSP, and more
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Sets out the rules for rental agreements and landlord-tenant obligations

For more details about renting in Ontario, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

You can also Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re searching for your next home—regardless of your income source.

FAQ: Tenant Discrimination on Social Assistance in Ontario

1. Can a landlord ask me if I am on social assistance?
   Landlords may ask about your income to determine if you can pay the rent, but they must not use this information to discriminate. They cannot refuse you or set different rental terms due to your source of income.
2. What should I do if I am rejected for being on ODSP?
   Collect all evidence of the rejection and file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario using Form 1. You can also seek advice from local tenant services.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to request a higher deposit from assistance recipients?
   No. Landlords cannot charge a higher deposit or ask for more than allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act, regardless of your income source.
4. Who can help me understand my rights as a tenant?
   You can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or local legal clinics for advice. Resources are also available from tenant advocacy groups across Ontario.
5. Where can I find affordable rental listings if I am on assistance?
   You can find affordable homes for rent in Canada through dedicated rental sites such as Houseme.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, or treat you unfairly, because you receive social assistance or similar benefits
• Ontario’s Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancies Act offer protection from discrimination based on source of income
• If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint using the official HRTO application

Knowing your rights empowers you to seek secure, fair housing—no matter your income source. If you’re unsure about any stage in your rental process, always reach out for help or review the official guides listed below.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): File discrimination complaints and access application forms
• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: Information on tenancy rights, disputes, and applications under the Residential Tenancies Act
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): Easy-to-understand legal information for tenants
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Overview of tenant protections, deposits, and dispute resolution processes

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1. Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19. Read the full Human Rights Code.
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. See the Residential Tenancies Act.
3. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): Official applications and instructions.

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