Living in shared housing or with roommates in Ontario brings special challenges—and every tenant deserves to be treated fairly and respectfully. If you’re facing discrimination or unsure if your rights are being violated, it's important to understand Ontario laws and what you can do to protect yourself. This guide explains key legal protections, practical steps, and official resources so you can confidently address tenant discrimination in shared homes.

Your Rights Against Discrimination in Shared Housing

In Ontario, it is illegal for landlords or roommates to treat tenants unfairly due to their race, gender, disability, religion, age, family status, sexual orientation, or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Discrimination can happen at any stage—during application, while living in the rental, or when renewing a lease.

• Refusal to rent to you because of your background or identity
• Different treatment in rules or rent due to a protected characteristic
• Harassment by landlords or other tenants

Even in shared homes, you have the right to safe, equal treatment. Some exceptions may apply if you share living space (like a kitchen or bathroom) with the owner (such as in a "roommate with landlord" situation), but Tenant Rights in Ontario still apply in most rental arrangements.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Discrimination Issues?

Most tenant-landlord disputes fall under Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). However, if you believe you’re facing unlawful discrimination, you may also have the right to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

Relevant Legislation

Ontario tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which governs landlord and tenant relationships. Discrimination and harassment are specifically covered under the Ontario Human Rights Code^[1].

Common Forms of Discriminatory Practices in Shared Rentals

Discrimination can be subtle or direct. Here are issues that often arise in roommate or shared housing:

• Ads that state "no students," "no newcomers," or refer to preferred backgrounds
• Requests for personal information not relevant to tenancy
• Refusal to accommodate disabilities
• Rules or cleaning schedules that single out certain tenants

If you’re not sure whether what you experienced is discrimination, start by reviewing Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Key Steps if You Experience Discrimination

• Document what happened (date, time, what was said/done)
• Communicate your concern in writing to the landlord or roommate
• If issues persist, seek help from the LTB or OHRC

Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Ontario

Depending on your situation, you may have more than one route to resolve discrimination in your rental.

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Handles breaches of tenant rights such as illegal evictions and harassment.
• Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC): Receives complaints of discrimination under the Human Rights Code.

Official Forms and How to File

• LTB – Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights
  If your landlord (or their agent) has breached your rights—including discrimination—use Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights. This form is used to ask the LTB to make an order that your rights as a tenant were violated.
  Example: If your landlord sets different house rules for you based on your country of origin, you can cite discrimination in this application.
• Human Rights Application (Form 1)
  If you wish to file a complaint directly with the human rights tribunal, use the Human Rights Application (Form 1). This is for cases strictly related to discrimination based on protected grounds.
  Example: If a roommate refuses to accommodate your disability, despite your request, and you share the home but not with the owner, you may apply here.

In some complex situations, you may need to start with the LTB and also file with the human rights tribunal.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Roommate Arrangements

As a tenant in shared housing, you have rights—but also certain responsibilities. For a deeper understanding of what’s expected of both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Related Topics: Moving In, Paying Deposits, and Resolving Issues

If you’re looking to move into a new shared home, understanding Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know can help you avoid common financial disputes. If conflicts arise, “How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide” may provide practical solutions.

Other Tenant Resources

If you need to explore housing beyond your current situation, “Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme” can help you find new options across the country with map-based searches for roommates and shared properties.

1. What are my rights if a landlord rejects my application for discriminatory reasons?
   Landlords in Ontario cannot reject applications based on protected characteristics like race, religion, disability, or family status. If you believe this occurred, you may file a Human Rights Application or a T2 Application about Tenant Rights.
2. How do I prove discrimination in a shared housing situation?
   Keep records: save any communications, advertisements, and notes about what happened. Documentation makes it easier for tribunals or commissions to investigate your claim.
3. If my roommate is discriminating against me, what should I do?
   Try to resolve the issue directly and keep written communications. If you can’t, escalate to your landlord, and if the landlord does not help, you may file a complaint with the LTB or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
4. What if my landlord retaliates after I complain about discrimination?
   Retaliation, such as eviction or rent increase after a complaint, is prohibited. Note these actions and include them in your complaint to the tribunal.
5. Which laws protect Ontario tenants from discrimination?
   The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 together protect tenants from discrimination and unfair treatment.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• If you feel discriminated against, document everything, communicate your concerns, and know you have official routes to seek help.
• Both the LTB and OHRC can assist, depending on your type of complaint.
• Fair housing laws apply to most shared rentals in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario: File applications and get information on tenant rights
• Ontario Human Rights Commission: Learn about your rights or file discrimination complaints
• Free tenant support: Contact local legal clinics through Legal Aid Ontario
• For a full overview of local rights and laws, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Ontario Human Rights Code
3. Landlord and Tenant Board – Tenant Forms
4. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – Forms and Filing

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