Pregnancy and Family Status Discrimination in Ontario Rentals

Pregnancy and family status discrimination can affect housing choices and create stress for renters. If you are pregnant or care for children in Ontario, you have clear protections under the Human Rights Code and related tenancy rules. This article explains what behaviour counts as discrimination, real examples tenants commonly face, practical steps to document and report incidents, relevant forms and deadlines, and where to get help. It is aimed at Ontario tenants who need plain-language, practical guidance about asserting their rights, filing a complaint with the proper tribunal, and finding interim housing options when necessary. You do not need to be a legal expert to follow the steps below; the goal is to help you act quickly and confidently.

What is pregnancy and family status discrimination?

Pregnancy and family status are protected grounds under Ontario law when they lead to unequal treatment in housing. Discrimination can be direct (explicit refusal) or indirect (policies that disproportionately harm parents or pregnant renters). The proper forum for human-rights claims in Ontario is the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).^[1]

Common examples tenants face

• A landlord refusing to rent because a tenant is pregnant.
• Charging higher rent or a larger deposit because you are pregnant or have young children.
• Threats to evict after announcing a pregnancy or taking parental leave.
• Refusal to make reasonable accommodation for family-related needs that do not impose undue hardship.

What to do first: immediate steps for tenants

• Keep a written record of dates, conversations, text messages and emails about the incident.
• Tell the landlord in writing what happened and request a remedy; keep a copy of that message.
• Save any notices or forms you receive and take photos of posted signs or documents.
• Get advice: call a community legal clinic, tenant hotline or a lawyer experienced in housing and human-rights law.

Time limits and deadlines

Human-rights applications to the HRTO are generally expected within one year of the last discriminatory act, though there are exceptions for continuing discrimination or where delay is justified. Tenancy-related enforcement or eviction deadlines at the Landlord and Tenant Board follow different timelines, so act promptly to preserve your options.^[2][3]

Forms you may need and when to use them

Primary forms for discrimination matters are handled by the HRTO. Use the HRTO application to make a human-rights claim and follow the HRTO's application guide for required details and evidence. For tenancy-specific procedures (for example, disputes about rent, repairs or eviction notices) visit the Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guidance pages; those forms are used when you want the Board to resolve a tenancy dispute rather than a human-rights claim.^[1][3]

Practical example: if a landlord told you they will not rent to you because you are pregnant, document the conversation, send a follow-up email asking for an explanation, and then file an HRTO application using the tribunal's application materials; if the landlord issues an eviction notice, also preserve that notice and consider filing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

If you need to look for alternative housing while you resolve a complaint, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search listings and filter for size and location.

FAQ

Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because Im pregnant?

No. Refusing to rent because someone is pregnant is discrimination under Ontario human-rights law. You can document the refusal and consider filing with the HRTO.

How long do I have to file a human-rights application?

In most cases you should file within one year of the last discriminatory act, although exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances.

Should I contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or the HRTO?

File with the HRTO for discrimination claims (human-rights grounds). Use the Landlord and Tenant Board for tenancy disputes such as rent arrears, evictions or maintenance complaints.

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

No, you can file without a lawyer, but legal advice from a clinic or lawyer can help you prepare evidence and meet procedural requirements.

How-To

1. Document the incident: save dates, messages, photos and names of witnesses.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and keep a copy of that message for your records.
3. Seek free legal advice from a community legal clinic or tenant support service to review your options.
4. File an HRTO application with supporting evidence, usually within one year of the incident.
5. If needed, look for temporary housing and supports while your complaint proceeds.

Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy and family status are protected in Ontario and discrimination can be challenged.
• Keep dated records and written communications to support any complaint.
• File with the HRTO for human-rights issues and the Landlord and Tenant Board for tenancy disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - Applications and guides
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Official legislation
• Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) - Forms and processes

1. [1] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - Application page
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario.ca
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board - Forms and resources