How to Respond If Other Tenants Discriminate Against You in Ontario

Facing discrimination from other tenants can feel isolating and stressful. In Ontario, every tenant has the right to live free from harassment and discrimination in their rental home. This guide helps you understand your protections, the steps you can take, and the resources available if another tenant discriminates against you.

Your Rights as a Tenant Facing Discrimination

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects all tenants from discrimination in housing. Additionally, the Ontario Human Rights Code makes it illegal for anyone to discriminate against you based on protected grounds such as race, religion, gender, disability, or family status. This includes not just landlords, but also fellow tenants and anyone in the housing environment.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly by another tenant because of who you are, you have options.

Recognizing Tenant-to-Tenant Discrimination

Discriminatory behaviour from other tenants may include:

• Verbal harassment or hate speech based on your identity
• Exclusion from common areas because of race, religion, or disability
• Threats, intimidation, or spreading false rumours targeted at a protected characteristic
• Interference with your enjoyment of your rental unit or building amenities

Understanding what constitutes discrimination can empower you to take effective action.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If discrimination happens, you have the right to seek a safe and respectful housing environment. Here is a step-by-step approach to protect yourself and resolve the issue:

1. Document Everything: Write down what happened, dates, times, locations, and the names of those involved. Save text messages, emails, or other evidence.
2. Speak to Your Landlord or Property Manager: Inform them in writing about the discrimination. Under Ontario law, landlords have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to address tenant-to-tenant harassment or discrimination.
   Tip: Use calm, factual language. Ask your landlord what actions will be taken.
Ask for written confirmation of any actions and keep a timeline for follow-up to avoid delays.
3. Make a Formal Complaint: If your landlord does not respond or resolve the situation, you can file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, or consider mediation via the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
4. Consider Seeking Support: Reach out to local tenant advocacy groups or legal clinics for advice and representation if necessary.
If you file, avoid sharing new allegations in multiple places; keep documentation organized in one folder.

Filing an Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official tribunal for residential tenancy disputes in Ontario.

If your landlord does not adequately address ongoing discrimination, you may file an application to the LTB on grounds of harassment or interference.

Relevant LTB Applications and Forms

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use this form if your right to a safe, discrimination-free unit is being violated. For example, if your landlord fails to stop another tenant from harassing you, you can use the T2 Application About Tenant Rights (PDF).
  Practical Example: You have documented ongoing discriminatory treatment by a fellow tenant, reported it to your landlord, and nothing has been resolved. You can file the T2 form to request an LTB order that your landlord must address the problem.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Application (Form 1): This is used to file a formal complaint under the Ontario Human Rights Code if the discrimination is based on protected grounds. Step-by-step help is at the HRTO application page.

Important Action Steps

• Keep all communication in writing (email or letter) with your landlord and other parties involved.
• Contact a community legal clinic for free advice and help with preparing forms.
• Review Tenant Rights in Ontario for more on your legal protections and recourse.

Tips for Handling and Preventing Tenant Disputes

• Address discriminatory behaviour early and calmly, if it feels safe to do so.
• Read up on How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide for more tools and strategies.
• Understand both tenant and landlord responsibilities by reviewing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Handling issues with other tenants takes patience and documentation. Clear processes exist to support Ontario tenants in resolving these situations.

Remember: You should never feel unsafe or threatened in your home due to who you are. Support and legal remedies are available and accessible.

For those considering moving, or if you’re seeking a new, welcoming environment, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find communities that match your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dealing With Discrimination From Other Tenants

1. Can my landlord be held responsible if other tenants discriminate against me?
   Yes. Landlords in Ontario have a legal duty to ensure tenants are not harassed or discriminated against by others in the building. If you notify your landlord and no action is taken, you can apply to the LTB using a T2 form.
2. What evidence should I keep if I plan to file a complaint?
   Keep detailed notes (dates, times, what happened), copies of texts or emails, photos, and witness names if possible. This helps support your claim.
3. Where can I turn if I need free help filing a complaint?
   Contact your local community legal clinic, tenant association, or the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for free advice and assistance.
4. Is tenant-to-tenant harassment covered under the Residential Tenancies Act?
   Yes. The law protects your right to reasonable enjoyment. Landlords are required to address discrimination or harassment between tenants.
5. Can I be evicted for making a discrimination complaint?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to evict or threaten eviction in retaliation for making a legitimate discrimination complaint.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario law protects you from discrimination by both landlords and fellow tenants.
• Document the discrimination and report it to your landlord promptly in writing.
• If the issue is unresolved, file a T2 form with the LTB or a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal.

Support is available so that you don’t have to face this situation alone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Applications, forms, guidance, and support
• Ontario Human Rights Commission – Human rights info and complaint support
• Human Rights Legal Support Centre – Free legal help with discrimination claims
• Legal Aid Ontario – Access to community legal clinics throughout the province
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Fact sheet with additional information

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Full text
2. Ontario Human Rights Code – Full text
3. Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board – LTB official site
4. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – Official site