Looking for housing in Ontario can be challenging, especially if you’re a newcomer or have a unique immigration status. Discrimination based on immigration status is unfortunately a problem some tenants face, especially in shared housing or when seeking roommates. Understanding your rights is crucial—whether you’re renting a room, looking for a shared apartment, or already living with others.

What Is Discrimination Based on Immigration Status?

Discrimination happens when a landlord or roommate treats you unfairly due to your immigration or citizenship status—such as refusing to rent to you, evicting you, or setting different rules just because you aren’t a citizen or permanent resident.

In Ontario, the Ontario Human Rights Code protects against this kind of discrimination. Housing providers—including landlords and roommates seeking subletters—cannot legally deny you housing or treat you differently because of your immigration status, as long as you have the legal right to be in Canada.

Your Legal Protections in Ontario

As a tenant or roommate in shared housing, your rights are protected both by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1] and the Ontario Human Rights Code. The legislation covers most rental situations, including rooming houses and shared apartments—except when you share a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord (in which case, the Human Rights Code still applies).

• You cannot be refused a rental or evicted only due to immigration status.
• Landlords must treat all applications fairly—demanding extra documents because you’re a newcomer is not allowed.
• Both formal tenancies and some roommate situations are covered.

To learn more, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Common Examples in Shared Housing

• Landlord says, “Only Canadian citizens can apply.”
• Roommate group rejects you because you don’t have permanent residency.
• Landlord asks for extra deposits or months of rent upfront because of your visa status (note: limits on deposits also apply — see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know).

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against:

• Keep a record of what happened — save messages, ads, emails, or notes from conversations.
• See if you can resolve the issue directly and calmly with the person or landlord involved.
• You can file a human rights application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).

The HRTO is responsible for addressing human rights complaints about discrimination in housing in Ontario.

Official Form: Human Rights Application (Form 1)

• When to use: If you want to make an official complaint about housing discrimination, including because of your immigration status.
• How to use: Fill out Form 1: Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario with details about what happened. Practical example: If a landlord tells you they won’t rent to you because you’re on a temporary visa, you can file this form.
• Download Form 1 from the HRTO website

Steps to Take if Facing Immigration Status Discrimination

If you believe you are being treated unfairly in shared housing due to your immigration status, follow these steps:

• Document the situation with dates and evidence.
• Contact local tenant advocacy groups or a legal clinic for advice.
• File a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario if needed.
• Remember: Rental agreements must be fair—review your rights after moving in with What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Tenants and roommates in Ontario have the right to housing free from discrimination, including any based on immigration status. Don’t hesitate to seek help and know your options.

Where to Find Rentals that Prioritize Fairness

Finding inclusive rental listings is easier when you use trusted Canadian platforms. Canada's best rental listings platform offers diverse, fair, and transparent rental options to help you find shared housing or private rentals—no matter your immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord ask for my immigration documents?
   Landlords can ask for proof you have the legal right to live in Canada, but they must treat all applicants equally and cannot refuse you just for being a newcomer.
2. Do anti-discrimination laws apply to roommates as well as landlords?
   Yes. If a roommate is filling a vacancy in a shared home (and acts as a "housing provider"), anti-discrimination protections usually apply.
3. What should I do if I’m asked for a large deposit because of my status?
   Ontario law limits deposits (like last month’s rent only). Extra deposits for newcomers are not allowed. See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more.
4. Are there exceptions where the law doesn’t protect me?
   If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord, the Residential Tenancies Act coverage may not apply—but you are still protected by the Human Rights Code.
5. Where can I get more help if I think I was discriminated against?
   Contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, tenant associations, or a community legal clinic for guidance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Discrimination based on immigration status is illegal in most Ontario housing situations.
• Both formal tenants and many roommates have strong legal protections in Ontario.
• If discrimination happens, keep records, seek help, and consider filing with the Human Rights Tribunal.

Understanding your rights helps you stand up for fair treatment in shared housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): File complaints and get process help
• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB): Tenancy disputes and rights
• Ontario Government: Renting and tenant rights guide
• Contact local Community Legal Clinics
• Review your rights with Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Ontario Human Rights Code

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