Discrimination & Accessibility Rights for Ontario Tenants

Every new tenant in Ontario deserves a safe, secure home—free from discrimination and with full accessibility. As you search for a place to live, or settle into a new rental, understanding your rights under Ontario law is the best way to protect yourself and build a positive relationship with your landlord.

Your Right to Be Free from Discrimination

In Ontario, the Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination based on grounds such as race, ancestry, gender, age, disability, family status, and more. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, treat you unfairly, or offer different conditions because of these protected characteristics.¹

• Discrimination can happen when viewing or applying for an apartment, during your tenancy, or even when asking for repairs.
• Examples include a landlord refusing to rent because you have children, discouraging applications from people with disabilities, or making offensive comments.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Ontario law requires that landlords provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This means making changes so that a person with a disability can enjoy and access their home equally.

• Reasonable accommodations could include allowing a service animal, installing ramps or grab bars, or modifying policies (like parking arrangements).
• Landlords must work with you to find solutions, unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship (such as significant cost or safety issues).

For more details about your general rights and responsibilities as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

What Tenants Should Expect From Landlords

• Treating all rental applications equally, regardless of background or disability
• Making reasonable efforts to accommodate your accessibility needs
• Never harassing or penalizing tenants because of a protected ground

These obligations are fully explained in the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide.

The Law in Ontario

As a tenant, your rights are protected by two main laws:

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) – covers general tenancy rules and processes.²
• The Ontario Human Rights Code – provides specific anti-discrimination protections.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) oversees housing disputes in Ontario. Find forms and complaint information at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

If you believe you've been discriminated against or denied accommodation, here are the main steps you can take:

1. Document everything – keep emails, texts, and notes about what happened.
2. Communicate your request in writing to your landlord, especially for accessibility modifications.
3. If the landlord refuses or continues to discriminate, you can file a complaint:

• Ontario Human Rights Tribunal: For discrimination issues. Use Form 1: Application. Submit this if you have experienced discrimination on a protected ground in your housing situation. See guidance and download the form via the Tribunals Ontario - Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): For tenancy issues such as maintenance or eviction. Tenants can use Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights if a landlord harasses you or refuses to accommodate a disability. Find the form on the LTB website.

These steps help ensure your rights are respected, and official forms create a clear record of your concerns.

Useful Official Forms for Tenants

• Form 1: Application (Human Rights Tribunal) – Use if you believe you’ve been discriminated against on a protected ground in your housing. See form and file online.
• Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights (LTB) – Use if your landlord refuses to accommodate your disability, harasses you, or violates your rights. Access the form here. Include specific details and evidence when submitting.

For advice on other issues new tenants face when starting a tenancy, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Protecting Your Rights in Everyday Situations

As a new tenant, remember these actions to protect yourself:

• Communicate requests in writing and keep all correspondence
• Know your rights and where to find help if concerns arise
• Draw on official resources for forms and complaint processes

When looking for a place, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection and tenant-friendly search tools.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility for Ontario Tenants

1. What can I do if a landlord refuses my application because of my family status? If a landlord rejects you solely because you have children or based on who you live with, it is likely discrimination under Ontario's Human Rights Code. Gather proof and consider making a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
2. Can a landlord refuse to make an apartment accessible? Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship (for example, extreme cost or safety problems).
3. What forms do I need if I want to file a discrimination complaint? Use Form 1 (Human Rights Tribunal) for discrimination; use Form T2 (Landlord and Tenant Board) if your landlord denies disability-related accommodations.
4. Does the Residential Tenancies Act protect against discrimination? The RTA covers fair housing rights and tenant protections, but discrimination complaints are typically handled by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
5. Where can I get more information about my basic tenant rights? Visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for an overview.

How To: Address Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers as a Tenant

1. How do I make an accessibility request to my landlord? Explain in writing the specific change or support you need (e.g., permission for a service animal, installing a grab bar) and why. Follow up and keep a record.
2. What steps should I take if the landlord ignores my accessibility request? If there’s no response, submit a written follow-up. Still unresolved? File Form T2 to the LTB or Form 1 to the Human Rights Tribunal, depending on the issue.
3. How can I formally complain about discrimination in rental housing? Fill out Form 1: Application for the Human Rights Tribunal. Attach evidence and submit through the official portal.
4. How do I document discrimination or unfair treatment? Save all emails, messages, advertisements, and make notes of conversations with dates and details.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario law protects you from discrimination and supports accessibility in rental housing.
• Communicate needs in writing and use official forms to resolve disputes.
• Resources and support are available if you encounter barriers as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board – handles tenancy-related disputes and complaints
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – for discrimination and accommodation complaints
• Ontario government guide to housing
• Learn more at Tenant Rights in Ontario

1. Ontario Human Rights Code: View statute
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: View full text