If you’re a tenant in Ontario and believe you’re facing discrimination or not getting reasonable accessibility accommodations in your rental, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you can take for relief. Ontario law protects tenants from discrimination and ensures accessibility for people with disabilities. Here’s how you can assert your rights, address problems with your landlord, and find support.
Recognizing Discrimination and Accessibility Issues
Discrimination in housing includes being treated unfairly based on protected grounds such as race, disability, gender, age, or family status. Accessibility issues might involve your landlord refusing to allow necessary changes to the unit so you can fully use your home.
- Being denied a rental because of a disability
- Your landlord refusing to permit an accessible entrance or support animal
- Extra fees for mobility or medical equipment
- Failure to address harassment based on race or gender
These actions may violate your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[1].
Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario
Tenants have the right to equal treatment and to request reasonable accommodations for accessibility. Landlords must:
- Not discriminate against tenants or applicants on protected grounds
- Allow reasonable modifications at your expense for accessibility needs
- Consider requests for support animals, ramps, accessible parking, etc.
For a full overview, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.
Typical Examples
- A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because you use a wheelchair.
- You can request minor modifications, like grab bars in the bathroom.
- Your landlord must consider requests for service animals, even in “no pets” buildings.
How to Address Discrimination and Accessibility Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you think your landlord is not meeting their legal obligations, try the following steps:
- Step 1: Record details of the incident(s). Write dates, times, names, and what occurred.
- Step 2: Communicate in writing with your landlord. Politely explain your concern, and request a solution in writing. Keep all correspondence.
- Step 3: If your landlord does not respond or the problem continues, you have legal options, including making a formal complaint.
Where to File a Complaint (and How)
There are two main routes depending on your situation:
- Human Rights Complaint: If the issue is discrimination or lack of accessibility, apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
- Landlord-Tenant Application: If your landlord refuses repairs or accommodations, use the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to resolve your dispute under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Important Official Forms for Tenants
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: Form 1 (Application)
Use this form if you believe your landlord has discriminated against you. Example: Your landlord refuses to install a ramp or allow your support person.
Download Form 1 from the HRTO - Landlord and Tenant Board: T6 – Tenant Application about Maintenance and Repair
If your landlord is not making accessibility-related repairs or modifications, use this form. Example: You need a bathroom modification and your landlord refuses.
Download the T6 form from the LTB
Be sure to fill out forms completely, attach supporting documentation (medical notes, correspondence), and file according to the instructions for each tribunal.
After Submitting Your Complaint
Once your complaint is filed, you may be contacted for more information or offered mediation. Both the HRTO and the LTB provide guides and assistance for self-represented applicants. Outcomes can include compensation, orders to make changes to the rental unit, or non-discrimination orders.
Other Problems? Know Your Broader Rights
Discrimination and accessibility can overlap with other issues such as repairs, harassment, or problems after your tenancy begins. See Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for more help. If you’re unsure about the landlord’s obligations, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
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- Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I use a wheelchair or have a disability?
No. In Ontario, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to tenants based on disability or other protected grounds. If this happens, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. - What should I do if my landlord won’t allow accessibility modifications to my unit?
You have the right to ask for reasonable changes at your own cost. If refused, you can file a T6 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board or a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal. - Can my landlord charge extra fees for my service animal?
No—charging extra because of a support or service animal may be considered discrimination under Ontario law. - Who do I contact if my landlord harasses me based on my race or gender?
File a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and keep all evidence of harassment. - Are there resources for tenants who need legal help with discrimination or accessibility?
Yes. Legal clinics, advocacy organizations, and government information lines are available – see the resources section below.
- How do I file a human rights complaint about my rental?
1. Gather all records of the incident. 2. Download and complete Form 1 (Application) from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. 3. Submit the form by mail, fax, or online as directed by the Tribunal. 4. Wait for instructions and next steps from the Tribunal. - How do I ask my landlord for accessibility changes?
1. Put your request in writing, including why you need the change and medical notes if applicable. 2. Give your landlord reasonable time to respond. 3. If refused, consider next steps (LTB or HRTO). - How can I collect evidence if I’m being discriminated against?
1. Write down every instance, with dates, times, and what was said or done. 2. Keep all emails, letters, and notes. 3. Get statements from witnesses, if possible.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – File human rights applications and get information.
- Landlord and Tenant Board – File about maintenance, repairs, or tenancy violations.
- Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Plain language guides for tenants.
- Ontario Government: Renting and Your Rights – Learn about tenant rights, maintenance, and protections.
- See Tenant Rights in Ontario for a full summary of your legal protections.
