Top 5 Things to Know About Discrimination & Accessibility in Ontario Rentals

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Ontario, understanding your rights around discrimination and accessibility is essential. Ontario has strong protections to prevent unfair treatment based on factors like disability, race, family status, and more. This article highlights the top five things every tenant should know to protect themselves and ensure equal access to housing—no matter your background or needs.

Top 5 Essential Facts About Discrimination & Accessibility for Tenants

1. Ontario Law Protects Tenants from Discrimination

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1] and the Ontario Human Rights Code^[2] both prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants or applicants based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, family status, and other protected grounds. This means landlords cannot refuse to rent, impose different rules, or harass you based on these factors.

2. Landlords Must Accommodate Disabilities and Provide Accessibility

Landlords are required to take reasonable steps to accommodate tenants with disabilities. This may include allowing service animals, installing ramps, or permitting minor adaptations to your unit. They are not allowed to charge you extra for these accommodations unless the changes cause them undue hardship (for instance, because of very high cost or safety issues).

If you need an accommodation, inform your landlord in writing about your needs. If they refuse or fail to act, you may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.^[3]

3. You Have the Right to Equal Treatment Throughout Tenancy

Discrimination protections continue throughout your entire rental. Landlords cannot single you out or apply different rules based on protected grounds once you already live there. Examples include:

• Charging different rent to certain groups
• Harassing you because of religion, gender identity, or family status
• Denying requests for reasonable repairs related to accessibility

If you face these problems, review the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them guide to learn about your options and next steps.

4. Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

In Ontario, there are two key avenues to address discrimination as a tenant:

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Handles most issues linked to your rental agreement, including discrimination related to tenancy.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): Deals specifically with violations under the Ontario Human Rights Code in housing.

To file an application with the LTB about discrimination, use Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights. You can download Form T2 here.^[4] Use this if, for example, your landlord harasses you or refuses a disabled tenant’s accessibility requests.

If your case aligns more with human rights (such as being denied housing because of your ethnicity or sexual orientation), submit an application to the HRTO using the Form 1: Application under section 34 of the Human Rights Code. Find it here.^[5]

Tip: Collect evidence, such as emails or messages, to support your complaint. You can also seek free advice from tenant advocacy organizations before applying.

5. Tenants Should Know Their Rights and Responsibilities

Knowing your rights is the best way to avoid discrimination and advocate for your needs. Review resources about both your protections and your obligations, such as Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. Staying informed empowers you to take action early and resolve issues confidently.

For more information about local rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

And if you’re searching for a new accessible or inclusive rental, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to compare options across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination & Accessibility

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or a service animal?
   No, landlords are not allowed to refuse tenants based on family status or disability, including the need for a service animal. Discriminatory practices are prohibited under Ontario law.^[2]
2. What should I do if my landlord isn’t making necessary accessibility repairs?
   First, provide your request in writing. If the landlord does not respond, you may apply to the LTB using Form T2 for a ruling on your rights.
3. Is it legal for landlords to charge pet fees for service animals?
   No, charging additional deposits or fees for service animals needed due to a disability is considered discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
4. Can I be evicted for asking for accessibility modifications?
   Landlords cannot evict or threaten eviction as a response to lawful accommodation requests. This may be considered harassment or reprisal, which is prohibited.
5. Who do I contact for help with a discrimination complaint in rental housing?
   You can contact either the Landlord and Tenant Board for tenancy disputes or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for human rights issues. Tenant advocacy services are also available.

How To Address Discrimination or Accessibility Problems as a Tenant

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Notify your landlord in writing about the accommodation you need and explain why it is necessary. Attach any medical notes if applicable.
2. How can I file a discrimination complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)?
   Download and complete Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights, then submit it to the LTB. Provide details and supporting evidence with your application.
3. What steps are involved to apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario?
   Complete Form 1: Application under section 34 and submit it online or by mail, including your supporting documents.
4. How do I collect evidence for a discrimination case?
   Keep records such as emails, texts, notices, or witness statements that document discriminatory behaviour or accessibility issues related to your tenancy.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario law protects tenants from discrimination or unfair barriers to accessibility in housing.
• Both the Residential Tenancies Act and Human Rights Code apply—use the appropriate forms and tribunal for your situation.
• Tenants should document their needs, communicate clearly, and act quickly if their rights are violated.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario: Handles tenancy and most discrimination applications
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): Handles housing discrimination and human rights applications
• Ontario Tenants' Rights Advocacy: Information and support for tenants facing discrimination
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: More local details about Ontario tenant protections

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Ontario Human Rights Code
3. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
4. Landlord and Tenant Board Forms: Form T2 – Application About Tenant Rights
5. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: Form 1 – Application under Section 34

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