Tenants in Ontario with disabilities have the legal right to request reasonable accessibility modifications in their rental home. If your landlord refuses these necessary changes, it's crucial to understand your options and the official steps to assert your rights. This guide explains your protections under Ontario law, what to do if your request is denied, and how to seek help.

Your Right to Accessibility Modifications in Ontario Rentals

As a tenant with a disability, you are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Ontario Human Rights Code. These laws require landlords to accommodate tenants with disabilities, including allowing reasonable modifications (like ramps, grab bars, or accessible door handles) unless it causes the landlord undue hardship.

• Reasonable modifications include physical changes that improve accessibility for medical or mobility needs.
• You may be required to pay the cost of modifications, but your landlord generally cannot refuse unless they can prove serious difficulty or cost (undue hardship).

Learn more about your housing rights on the Tenant Rights in Ontario page.

What to Do If Your Request for Accessibility Changes Is Denied

Receiving a denial can be stressful, but there are clear, step-by-step actions you can take to resolve the situation.

1. Communicate and Clarify

• Ask your landlord in writing to clearly state why the modification was denied.
• Offer to provide relevant medical documentation or information about your accessibility needs.
• Refer to Ontario’s Human Rights Code, which supports your right to equal treatment and accommodation.

2. Provide Supporting Documents

• Gather medical or specialist letters that explain why the modification is needed.
• Outline the specific change needed, who will pay, and who will do the work.
• Include photos, product details, or diagrams if possible.

3. Attempt Resolution Informally

• Keep communication respectful and professional.
• If possible, reach a written agreement on the modification details and timeline.

Filing an Official Complaint or Application

If your landlord continues to refuse a reasonable modification, you may need to take formal steps.

Human Rights Application (Form 1)

• When to use: If the denial is based on your disability or medical needs, you can file an application at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
• Official form: Form 1: Human Rights Application
• Example: If your landlord refuses to let you install a grab bar, even after you offered to pay and restore the unit on move-out.

Application to Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

• When to use: If the refusal is also affecting your enjoyment of the unit or breaches your right under tenancy law.
• Board: Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario
• Forms:
• T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use if your landlord is interfering with your enjoyment or right to reasonable accommodation. Find T2 on the LTB website.
• Example: You are denied permission to install an accessibility ramp and your doctor confirms you cannot safely access your home.

Filing a complaint or LTB application is free in accessibility/discrimination cases, and hearings can help resolve the issue formally.

Next Steps and Practical Tips

• Document all correspondence and responses with your landlord.
• Retain receipts, estimates, and any agreements about modifications.
• Seek tenant advocacy support if you need help preparing your application.

Tenants have strong legal protections. Stay organized and persistent—if needed, official boards will ensure your rights are respected.

Related Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Understanding both parties' roles helps prevent conflict. See the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to better understand your legal footing.

For more on general tenant issues, check Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Need a new accessible home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord ever legally refuse an accessibility modification? Yes, but only if they can prove the request would cause them undue hardship, such as major structural changes or excessive costs that cannot reasonably be accommodated.
2. Who is responsible for paying for accessibility modifications? In most cases, the tenant pays for the modification itself, but the landlord cannot charge extra deposits or deny your request for reinforcements unless required for safety or restoration purposes.
3. What if my landlord threatens eviction after I request a modification? It is illegal for landlords to retaliate because of an accommodation request. Document all communications and seek help immediately from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or the Landlord and Tenant Board.
4. Do I need my landlord’s permission before making any changes? Yes, permission is needed for permanent or significant alterations, but the law protects you from unreasonable denial if the modification is necessary for accessibility.
5. Where can I get forms to start the complaint process? All official forms are available online on the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and Landlord and Tenant Board websites.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Ontario tenants can request and, in most cases, obtain necessary accessibility modifications.
• If denied, communicate clearly, gather evidence, and consider filing with the Human Rights Tribunal or the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Both provincial law and the Ontario Human Rights Code are on your side—use official forms and resources to assert your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) – Information, complaint forms, and support.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – Guides and applications for discrimination and accommodation denials.
• Ontario Human Rights Commission: Policy on Ableism – Details about disability rights in housing.
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario – Tenant advocacy and legal help.
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Your rights, protections, and resources.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Ontario legislation
2. Ontario Human Rights Code: Current law
3. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Official site
4. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: Tribunal site

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy