Arriving in Ontario as a newcomer or refugee can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding a safe and secure rental home. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is essential to starting off on the right foot. Ontario’s rental laws protect all tenants equally—no matter your immigration status or length of residency. This article guides you through your legal rights, important forms, and steps to ensure fair, safe housing under Ontario law.
Who Is Protected by Ontario Rental Law?
In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects the rights of all residential tenants—including newcomers, refugees, students, and those with temporary or permanent immigration status. Landlords cannot discriminate against you because of your background or status. The rules apply equally to apartments, houses, condos, and most shared housing.
Your Main Tenant Rights as a Newcomer or Refugee
- The right to safe and well-maintained housing
- Equal protection against discrimination (Ontario Human Rights Code)
- The right to privacy in your home
- Protection against illegal rent increases and evictions
- Access to dispute resolution through the Landlord and Tenant Board
For a deeper dive into these fundamental protections, check Tenant Rights in Ontario.
Understanding Common Rental Processes
Newcomers and refugees sometimes encounter confusion around deposits, signing leases, and paying rent for the first time. Here’s what Ontario law says:
Deposits and Your Money
Your landlord can only ask for a rent deposit (maximum: one month’s rent) when you sign your lease. This deposit can only be used as your last month’s rent. Security deposits for damages, or any extra money, are not legal in Ontario.
Read more about this topic in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
After You Sign the Lease
Once you sign a rental agreement, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant begin. The Landlord and Tenant Board is Ontario’s official tribunal for rental disputes. It’s important to review your lease, ask questions, and know your rights from day one. For step-by-step guidance, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
Getting Help with the Initial Move
- Do an inspection of your unit upon moving in
- Document any existing issues with photos
- Report safety hazards or repairs to your landlord as soon as possible
For more on what to check and how to report issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Your Landlord Cannot Discriminate
Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on your country of origin, language, religion, family status, or immigration/refugee status. This is protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you believe you were treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Resolving Issues and Getting Support
Whether you face problems with repairs, maintenance, or unfair treatment, the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) helps resolve disputes fairly. Common actions include:
- Requesting repairs from the landlord in writing
- Filing a complaint using official LTB forms
- Applying for a hearing if issues are unresolved
Examples of official forms and how to use them:
- Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6): Use when your landlord will not address repair or health/safety issues.
Practical example: If your heat is not working during winter and the landlord refuses to fix it, fill out Form T6 and submit to the LTB. - Tenant Application for a Rebate (Form T1): If you've been overcharged for rent or paid illegal fees, such as a deposit for damages, Form T1 can help you get your money back.
Action Steps for Newcomer and Refugee Tenants
- Gather all documents (lease, deposit receipts, communications)
- Use LTB forms for maintenance or payment disputes
- Ask for help from settlement agencies and legal clinics if you need support
- Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find your next home safely
FAQ: Newcomer and Refugee Tenant Rights
- Can a landlord ask about my immigration status before renting to me?
Landlords may ask for proof of income or ability to pay rent, but they cannot require Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee documents as a rental condition. - What should I do if my landlord won’t make repairs?
Always request repairs in writing first. If repairs are not made, use Form T6 to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. - Are deposit fees legal for newcomers or refugees?
Landlords in Ontario can only collect a last month's rent deposit. Security or damage deposits are not allowed under provincial law. - How do I protect myself from discrimination when searching for housing?
Keep records of your applications and communications, and seek help from tenant support services if you believe you were unfairly denied housing.
Conclusion: What Every Newcomer and Refugee Tenant Should Remember
- You are protected by the same laws as any tenant in Ontario, no matter your status
- Deposits beyond last month’s rent are not allowed
- Support and legal help are available to resolve disputes or address discrimination
Ontario’s rental system strives for fairness, but knowing your rights is crucial as you settle into your new life.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – Information, forms, and how to apply for dispute resolution
- Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Plain language legal guides in multiple languages
- Settlement.Org – Resources and local support for newcomers and refugees
- Tenant Rights in Ontario
- Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view
- Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Full text of the Residential Tenancies Act
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): Official LTB website
- Ontario Human Rights Code: Read the Human Rights Code
