Searching for a rental in Ontario with kids? Understanding your rights is essential. The law protects families from discrimination, but misunderstandings still happen. Let’s walk through what’s allowed, what’s not, and what you can do if you think you've been rejected because you have children.

Ontario Law: Protection Against Discrimination Based on Family Status

In Ontario, it is against the law for landlords to reject or treat you unfairly because you have children. This protection falls under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 2, which covers “family status.” Landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you, set different terms, or discourage you because of your children.

• "Family status" means being in a parent-child relationship, including step-parents and guardians.
• This applies at any stage: advertising, showing the unit, during your application, or throughout your tenancy.

If you believe you were turned down because you have kids, this is discrimination and there are steps you can take for help.

What the Landlord and Tenant Board Does (Ontario’s Tribunal)

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles disputes about rental agreements, evictions, and tenant rights in Ontario. Issues involving discrimination (such as rejection due to children) are typically addressed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission rather than the LTB, but you can file complaints with both, depending on your situation.

Applicable Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) governs most rental housing in Ontario. Although the RTA doesn't explicitly mention children, it works together with the Human Rights Code to ensure all Ontarians are protected when renting a home.

Can Landlords Make Exceptions or Set Limits?

Generally, landlords cannot set "maximum occupancy" limits that unfairly exclude families with children. Reasonable health and safety limits (such as the total number of people in a unit, based on municipal bylaws) are allowed, but these must apply equally to all tenants, not just those with children.

Learn more about your general rights as a tenant at Tenant Rights in Ontario.

If You Think You've Been Rejected Because of Your Children

If a landlord refuses your application or adds unfair conditions after learning you have kids, you have options. To challenge discrimination:

• Keep notes and copies of communications – emails, texts, voicemails, or rental ads.
• Document any statements suggesting the rejection was based on family status.
• Contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission and consider filing an official complaint.
• The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario handles these complaints. Read about the application process.

Are There Official Forms If a Landlord Refuses You?

There is no specific "rejection form" that landlords must use if they deny your application. However, if you want to make a complaint about discrimination, you can:

Form: Application Under Section 34 of the Human Rights Code

• Name: Application (Form 1) – Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
• When to use: If you believe your rental application was denied due to family status (children), use this form to start a complaint.
• How to use: Complete the online or PDF application, attach supporting documents, and submit via mail, email, or online. More info at the HRTO Forms and Filing page.

This form is free to submit and starts a review process. The Tribunal may help resolve the matter by mediation or a hearing.

Good to Know: Children’s Rights During Your Tenancy

Once you are a tenant, your children have the right to live with you without extra rules or threats of eviction related to their presence, as long as you follow occupancy rules and do not breach the lease.

For more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and how to handle tenancy issues, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for Family-Friendly Rentals?

Many parents want safe and affordable homes. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and filter by family-friendly features or map locations.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Can a landlord ask how many children I have during the rental application?
   Landlords may ask about the number of occupants for safety or legal occupancy limits, but cannot use this information to deny your application because you have children.
2. What if a landlord says the unit is “not suitable for kids”?
   This is likely discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you hear this, keep a record and consider filing a complaint.
3. Can a landlord evict me because my family grew after moving in?
   No. Landlords cannot evict you simply because you’ve had more children, provided you do not exceed legal occupancy limits.
4. Who enforces these anti-discrimination rules?
   The Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario handle discrimination claims, while the Landlord and Tenant Board manages other rental disputes.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Ontario landlords cannot reject you for having children – this is protected by law.
• If you feel discriminated against, collect your evidence and consider a human rights complaint.
• Official rental rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and enforced by the LTB and the Human Rights Tribunal.

For more information, always check your rights at Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Human Rights Commission – Contact Page
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Dispute resolution, tenant rights
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) – File discrimination complaints online
• Steps to Justice – Tenants: Housing Law

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1. Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 2, "Accommodation"
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
4. Ontario Human Rights Commission
5. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – Discrimination Complaints

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