Facing discrimination from a landlord can feel overwhelming, but Ontario tenants have formal ways to challenge unfair treatment. This guide explains how renters can recognize conduct that may violate the Human Rights Code, what evidence to gather, which official bodies handle complaints, and practical steps for filing. It is written for tenants and renters who may be dealing with disability-related barriers, family status issues, harassment, or other protected-ground concerns in housing. The goal is to help you understand options under provincial laws, prepare a clear complaint, and find where to get assistance so you can protect your housing rights in Ontario.
Understanding human rights complaints
Human rights complaints in housing address discrimination tied to protected grounds such as disability, family status, race, creed, sex and other characteristics under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) hears these matters; it evaluates whether a landlords actions denied someone access to housing or created discriminatory conditions. Many complaints overlap with tenancy issues governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, so you may consider both routes depending on your goal and the remedy sought.[1][2]
When a situation may be discriminatory
Examples include: a landlord refusing to rent to someone because of a disability or family status, denying reasonable accommodation for a disability, making harassing comments tied to a protected ground, or applying different rules to a protected group. If the conduct relates to safety or habitability, also document repair and health issues as these can strengthen your case. For habitability concerns see guidance on health and safety measures that tenants commonly use when making complaints.
How to prepare your complaint
Before filing, gather a clear record and practical evidence so your claim is straightforward and timely.
- Document each incident with dates, short notes, photos, screenshots and any video evidence.
- Keep rent receipts, deposit records, and any payment-related correspondence showing financial interactions.
- Collect witness names and contact information and save messages or emails that support your account.
- Save repair requests, maintenance records, and any replies that show how the landlord responded to habitability concerns.
Filing with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
File a human rights application with the HRTO if your issue is discrimination under the Code. The HRTO accepts applications online with guidance on what to include; there is typically a one-year limitation period for filing from the date of the discriminatory act, though exceptions can apply. When you apply, clearly state the discriminatory actions, attach your evidence, and explain the remedy you want. If your problem also involves tenancy-specific remedies (like an order for repairs or eviction disputes), you may also pursue those remedies at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Consider reading a tenant guide on how to handle complaints and information about health and safety to combine both kinds of evidence when appropriate. How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting are good practical starting points.[2][3]
Possible outcomes and remedies
The HRTO can order remedies such as monetary compensation, cancellation or changes to a discriminatory policy, and directives to stop harassing behaviour. The LTB can order repairs, rent abatements, or eviction-related decisions where the Residential Tenancies Act applies. Sometimes tenants file parallel or sequential applications to both bodies depending on the relief needed and the legal basis for the complaint.
FAQ
- Who handles human rights claims about housing in Ontario?
- The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario handles housing discrimination complaints under the Human Rights Code; tenancy-specific issues are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?
- Generally there is a one-year limitation from the date of the discriminatory act, but exceptions can apply; file as soon as you can and seek advice if you think you are outside that period.
- Can I file with both HRTO and the Landlord and Tenant Board?
- Yes, you can pursue remedies at both bodies if the issues fall under each forums jurisdiction, but each process has different forms, timelines and outcomes.
How-To
- Document the incidents with dates, descriptions, photos and messages so the facts are clear.
- Gather supporting evidence such as rent receipts, repair requests, medical notes or witness statements.
- File an application with the HRTO online, attach evidence, and state the remedy you seek.
- Prepare for any mediation or hearing by organizing evidence chronologically and writing a short timeline.
- Seek free or low-cost legal advice or tenant advocacy before or during the process for procedural help.
Key Takeaways
- Document discriminatory actions carefully and gather all supporting records.
- File with the HRTO for human rights remedies and the LTB for tenancy-specific orders when needed.
- Use tenant help resources and advocacy to improve your chances and meet deadlines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario File a Claim
- Landlord and Tenant Board Forms and Information
- Ontario government Renting in Ontario: your rights and responsibilities
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
