Tenants living with roommates in Ontario are protected from discrimination by the Ontario Human Rights Code, even in shared housing. Understanding how these protections apply can help ensure a fair, respectful, and safe environment for everyone—no matter your background or household setup.

Human Rights Code Protections in Rental Housing

The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on grounds such as:

• Race, colour, or ethnic origin
• Sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation
• Religion or creed
• Age (18 or older)
• Family and marital status
• Disability or perceived disability
• Receipt of public assistance

These rights apply whether you're signing a lease for an entire unit or just a room in a shared home. Landlords, superintendents, and even other tenants must not discriminate or harass based on these protected grounds.^[1]

How the Code Applies in Shared Housing Situations

Rooming houses, shared houses, and situations with individual agreements can present unique challenges. In Ontario, most roommate and shared housing arrangements fall under both the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Human Rights Code, unless you are sharing living space with the landlord or their immediate family (which can exempt some arrangements from certain protections).

If you are a tenant or subtenant, you have rights to:

• Equal treatment when applying for rentals and during your tenancy
• Reasonable accommodations for disabilities (like ramps or modified fixtures)
• A harassment-free environment

Examples of Discrimination Under the Code

• Denying a rental unit or room to someone receiving Ontario Works or ODSP
• Refusing reasonable modifications for a tenant with a disability
• Setting different rules or rent amounts based on someone’s background or family status

Filing a Human Rights Complaint About Your Rental

If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment in your rental housing, you can file a complaint (called an "application") with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).

• Form Name/Number: Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Form 1)
• When & How to Use: Use Form 1 if you believe your rights under the Human Rights Code have been breached by a landlord, property manager, or another tenant in relation to your rental. For example, if you are refused a room because you’re on public assistance, or experience harassment due to your gender identity.
• Where to Get It: Download the official Form 1 – Application directly from the HRTO website.

Important: There is generally a one-year time limit from the date of discrimination to file your application. Review the submission instructions carefully to ensure your complaint is considered.

Other Tenant Rights in Shared Housing

Besides human rights protections, tenants and roommates in Ontario also have rights and legal responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. This includes:

• Fair rent increase rules
• Proper procedures for eviction
• Right to a safe, livable home
• Access to essential repairs and maintenance

Learn more about Tenant Rights in Ontario for a full list of protections.

For a deeper understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or roommate, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Staying Safe and Healthy in a Shared Home

Every tenant deserves a healthy and safe living space. If you encounter issues like mold, pests, or poor maintenance in shared housing, you are entitled to request timely repairs. For a step-by-step approach, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How Human Rights Intersect with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) resolves most rental disputes such as eviction, repairs, and rent increases. However, the HRTO specifically addresses human rights concerns. In some cases, you may need to approach both tribunals if your dispute involves both tenancy and human rights issues.

If you are unsure where to file, contact both the LTB and HRTO for guidance.

For additional shared housing or roommate arrangements, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada with suitable options for your needs.

FAQ: Human Rights in Shared Housing (Ontario)

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I’m on social assistance?
   No. In Ontario, the Human Rights Code makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on income source, including public assistance.
2. What should I do if my roommate harasses me based on my gender identity?
   Document the incidents and file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) as soon as possible.
3. Are all shared homes covered under the Human Rights Code?
   Most are, but if you share the unit with the landlord or their immediate family, some exemptions may apply. Always check your individual situation.
4. What official forms do I need to start a human rights complaint about rental discrimination?
   Use Form 1 – Application, available from the HRTO website.
5. Who do I contact about maintenance issues in a shared unit?
   The landlord is responsible for repairs. For unsafe conditions, you may contact your city’s property standards or the LTB.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• The Ontario Human Rights Code protects you from discrimination in almost all rental situations, including shared and roommate housing.
• If you experience discrimination or harassment, you can file a complaint with the HRTO.
• For most rental issues, the Landlord and Tenant Board is your primary resource.

Being aware of your rights helps create a safer, more equitable home for everyone in shared housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – information on applications and complaints
• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – rental dispute support, forms, and guides
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – free, plain-language legal resources for tenants
• For information on rights in Ontario: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19. View the Code
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the Act
3. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. HRTO Official Website
4. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. LTB Official Website

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