Tenants with disabilities in Ontario have legal protections against harassment that affects their ability to live safely and with dignity. This guide explains what qualifies as disability-related harassment, how harassment can intersect with human rights law under provincial rules, and the practical steps tenants can take to document incidents, ask for lawful accommodations, and report abusive behaviour. It gives clear examples of evidence to keep, explains timelines for complaints, and points to the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 so you can find forms and official guidance. If you are unsure which route to use, this article helps you decide and prepares you for filing a complaint.
What counts as disability-related harassment
Harassment can be conduct by a landlord, building staff or other tenants that interferes with your occupancy or targets you because of a disability. You may have remedies through the Landlord and Tenant Board[1], under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2], or as a human rights matter at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario[3].
- Entry into your unit without consent or unreasonable inspections.
- Blocking access to supports, mobility aids, or accessible modifications that you need.
- Refusing reasonable accommodation when a tenant submits a written notice.
- Verbal threats, insults or persistent targeting because of a disability.
Documenting incidents and preserving evidence
Good documentation is the foundation of any complaint. Keep dated photos, videos, written notes and copies of communications so you can show patterns, timing and impact.
- Take dated photos and videos of damage, blocked access or incidents affecting supports.
- Keep a written log with exact dates, times and a short description of each event.
- Keep receipts and records of payments or extra charges related to disputes.
- Save texts, emails and notes from conversations in one secure place.
Communicating, reasonable accommodations and official steps
Start by telling your landlord in writing about the harassment and the accommodation you need. If the issue continues, you can pursue remedies through the Landlord and Tenant Board[1] or file a human rights claim at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario[3]. For background on typical problems and solutions see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and for a summary of tenant rights in this province see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Ontario. If you need to find an accessible rental, consider using this search resource: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Official forms you may need
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario — Application: Use when harassment is based on disability and you seek a human-rights remedy. Example: you were repeatedly denied a mobility aid storage space and the building manager mocked your disability; file the HRTO application online to request a hearing and remedies. Official page: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario application.
- Landlord and Tenant Board — Application about Tenant Rights (LTB): Use when the rental relationship terms have been breached, including interference with reasonable enjoyment. Example: after written notices the landlord continues to enter without consent; file the appropriate LTB application to request an order. Official LTB forms and instructions are available at Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: The provincial law that frames tenancy rights and obligations; consult the statute for legal definitions and remedies. Official text: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws).
FAQ
- Can harassment be both a tenancy issue and a human rights issue?
- Yes. Harassment that targets a disability can violate tenancy rules and human rights law; you can pursue remedies at the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
- What evidence helps most in a harassment case?
- Dated photos, a detailed log with dates and times, saved messages, and witness statements are the most helpful evidence.
- Do I have to try mediation before filing a complaint?
- The Landlord and Tenant Board and the HRTO may offer mediation; requirements vary, but keeping records of attempts to resolve the problem is important.
- Will filing a complaint risk retaliation?
- Retaliation is prohibited, but if you fear it, document it immediately and tell the board or tribunal when you file; seek legal advice or community support.
How-To
- Document the harassment: collect photos, videos, dated notes and saved messages.
- Tell your landlord in writing and request accommodations, keep a dated copy of your notice.
- File the right application: use the LTB application for tenancy orders or the HRTO application for human-rights remedies, attaching your evidence.
- Attend any scheduled mediations or hearings and bring copies of all documents and a clear timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Keep clear, dated records of every harassment incident.
- Start with a written request for accommodation to your landlord.
- You can use both the LTB and HRTO to resolve disability-related harassment.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- File a human rights application (Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario)
- Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
