What should I do if I think a landlord has discriminated against me?

Document what happened, save all communications, and consider filing a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario application (Form 1).

Does my landlord have to let me have a service animal?

Yes, under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, refusing a service animal is illegal.

Can I ask for changes to my unit to make it more accessible?

Yes, tenants may request reasonable modifications, and landlords must cooperate unless it causes undue hardship.

What is “undue hardship” for a landlord?

Undue hardship means an accommodation would be very costly or risky. Landlords must provide evidence if claiming this.

Where can I learn more about my rights?

Visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for extensive information on protections and processes.

Ontario Tenant FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility Rights

Discrimination & Accessibility Ontario published July 01, 2025

Discrimination and accessibility are important legal issues in Ontario rental housing. As a tenant in Ontario, it's vital to understand your rights and obligations regarding fair treatment and access in your home. Below, you'll find clear answers to frequent questions on how anti-discrimination laws and accessibility protections impact your rental experience.

Your Rights as a Tenant: Discrimination & Accessibility in Ontario

Ontario tenants are protected by key laws ensuring equal treatment and access:

The Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) – Prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, age, disability, gender, family status, and other protected grounds.
Accessibility – Landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities up to the point of undue hardship.
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 here) – Sets out general rules and rights for both parties in rental situations.^[1]

Tenants facing discrimination or accessibility barriers can seek support and take legal action under these laws.

What Counts as Discrimination in Rental Housing?

Discrimination means being treated unfairly because of a part of your identity, like your ethnicity, religion, or physical ability. In both applying for and living in a rental unit, a landlord cannot legally:

Refuse to rent to you or evict you due to a protected ground (e.g., disability, racial background, age).
Set different rental terms (like higher deposits, stricter lease rules, or rent amounts) because of your background.
Deny reasonable changes or supports for accessibility.

If you encounter these problems, there are legal channels to challenge the situation and protect your rights.

Your Rights to Accessibility: Reasonable Accommodation

Accessibility means being able to use and enjoy your home regardless of a disability. Reasonable accommodation could mean allowing service animals, installing grab bars, or making other changes unless it causes undue hardship for the landlord (serious financial or health/safety issues).

If you need a modification for your disability, request it in writing and explain why it's needed to access your home fully and equally.

Relevant Official Forms for Ontario Tenants

Ontario tenants can use the following forms to address discrimination or request accessibility accommodations:

Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Application (Form 1): File this if you believe you've experienced discrimination in housing. Visit the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario forms page for access.
For example: If your landlord refuses to allow your service animal, you can submit a Form 1 application.
Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Form T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance: Use this when a landlord won't make reasonable accessibility modifications or repairs needed for disability access. Find it at the Landlord and Tenant Board Forms page.
For example: If you cannot access common areas due to the absence of a ramp, you can file a T6 with LTB for an order to make the building accessible.

The Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) decides tenancy issues, including some accessibility-related disputes. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) hears discrimination complaints.

Common Scenarios & Steps for Tenants

Here are some typical situations tenants face and what to do:

Refused rental due to a disability or service animal: Collect any written communication and consider filing a complaint with the HRTO using Form 1.
Accessible features or modifications denied: Request the change in writing. If refused or ignored, document your request and file Form T6 with the LTB.
Discriminatory advertising or application processes: Keep records (e.g., ads, texts, emails) to support your case if you file a complaint.

Landlords must work with tenants to resolve reasonable accommodation requests, except in rare cases of undue hardship. Refer to Tenant Rights in Ontario for the full scope of your protections.

Landlords’ and Tenants’ Responsibilities

Both parties have obligations:

Landlords must treat all tenants equally and respond promptly to accommodation requests.
Tenants should communicate their accessibility needs clearly, preferably in writing.
Both must cooperate throughout any modification or complaint process.

For a broader overview, check out the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Helpful Resources for Alternative Housing Searches

If you encounter persistent discrimination or accessibility issues and need to look elsewhere, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find more options tailored to your requirements.

What should I do if I think a landlord has discriminated against me?
You should document what happened in writing, gather any communication or evidence, and consider filing an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario using Form 1. You can also seek help from tenant support organizations.
Does my landlord have to let me have a service animal?
Yes. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, refusing a service animal is discrimination. Landlords cannot prevent tenants with disabilities from having certified service animals.
Can I ask for changes to my unit to make it more accessible?
Yes. Tenants can request reasonable accommodations, like the installation of grab bars or ramps. Landlords must allow changes unless it causes them undue hardship.
What is “undue hardship” for a landlord?
Undue hardship means an accommodation would be excessively costly, or create significant health and safety risks. Landlords must prove this if denying a request.
Where can I learn more about my rights?
Visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for details about protections, processes, and updated legislation links.

How can I file a human rights complaint against my landlord?
Complete Form 1 from the HRTO, describing what happened, attach your supporting documents, and submit it online or by mail. The tribunal will assess your complaint and may schedule a mediation or hearing.
How do I request accessibility modifications?
Put your request in writing to your landlord, explain why it is needed, and keep copies of your communication. If your landlord denies or ignores the request, you can file Form T6 with the LTB.
How do I prove discrimination if there were no witnesses?
Write down as many details as possible (dates, times, exactly what was said), keep copies of any digital communication, and consider asking for support from advocacy organizations to help prepare your case.

Understand your rights: Ontario law forbids discrimination and requires accessibility for tenants.
Use official forms (Form 1 for HRTO, T6 for LTB) to address discrimination or accessibility issues.
Document all communication in writing and seek help from tenant support groups if needed.