Top 50 Questions: Discrimination & Accessibility Rights for Ontario Tenants

Discrimination & Accessibility Ontario published June 26, 2025 Flag of Ontario
What laws protect tenants from discrimination in Ontario?
The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protect tenants from discrimination.
What is considered discrimination by a landlord?
Discrimination includes unfair treatment due to race, disability, age, gender, family status, or other protected grounds.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
No. Refusing to rent based on family status is discrimination under the Human Rights Code.
Is it legal for a landlord to ask about my religion or ethnicity?
No. Landlords cannot ask about or make decisions based on religion or ethnicity.
Can I be evicted because I require a wheelchair or other aid?
No. Landlords cannot evict or penalize due to disability or need for assistive devices.
What should I do if my landlord refuses an accessible accommodation?
You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or seek mediation with your landlord.
Is a landlord required to make accommodations for my disability?
Yes, unless it would cause undue hardship for the landlord, they must accommodate disabilities.
What is 'undue hardship' for a landlord?
Undue hardship means severe financial cost or health and safety risks, determined on a case-by-case basis.
Can a landlord restrict service or support animals in my unit?
No. Landlords must allow service animals and cannot refuse rental or evict because of them.
What proof do I need for a service animal?
You may provide a letter from a regulated health professional confirming the need for the animal.
How do I request an accessibility modification in my apartment?
Make a written request to your landlord, explaining your needs and providing documentation if needed.
Can a landlord charge me for accessibility modifications?
Landlords may request tenants return the unit to original condition at the end of the tenancy, at the tenant's expense.
Where can I file a discrimination complaint about my housing in Ontario?
File with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
How do I file a discrimination complaint with the HRTO?
Use the HRTO’s Form 1: Application and follow the instructions on the HRTO website.
Can my landlord evict me after I request an accommodation?
No. Evicting because you requested an accommodation is discrimination.
Do I need to disclose my medical diagnosis to receive accommodation?
No. You only need to state that you have a disability and what accommodation you need.
Are there time limits for filing a human rights complaint?
Yes. You generally must file within one year of the last incident of discrimination.
Can I be refused housing because I receive social assistance?
No. Refusing housing due to source of income is discrimination in Ontario.
What if my landlord says the building is “adults only”?
“Adults only” rules are not allowed, as they discriminate based on family status.
Is it discrimination if my landlord won’t let me have overnight guests?
Generally, no, unless the restriction is based on protected grounds or is applied unequally.
What if my landlord increases my rent after I make a complaint?
Retaliating for asserting your rights, including rent increases, is not allowed under Ontario law.
Can a landlord ask about my citizenship status?
No. Landlords cannot discriminate based on citizenship or immigration status.
Is it legal for a landlord to deny me because of my age?
Generally, no. Age discrimination is prohibited in most housing situations in Ontario.
How can I prove I've faced discrimination?
Keep written records, communications, and gather any witnesses who can support your claim.
Can a landlord request information about my gender identity?
No. Gender identity is a protected ground and landlords cannot ask nor discriminate on this basis.
What should I do if my landlord uses offensive language towards me?
Document the behavior and report it, as harassment and discrimination are prohibited.
If I share my disability, can my landlord share this information?
No. Landlords must keep your disability and accommodation needs private.
Are there resources to help tenants with accommodations?
Yes. Contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission or legal clinics for support.
Does the landlord have to install grab bars or ramps for me?
Yes, if needed as a disability accommodation and unless it causes undue hardship.
What if my landlord says my accommodation request is too expensive?
The landlord must show the cost truly results in undue hardship with evidence.
Can I be treated differently for cultural or religious practices at home?
No. Treating you unfairly for cultural or religious reasons is discrimination.
Do accessibility rights apply to all types of rental housing?
Yes, in most cases, all types of rental housing in Ontario are covered.
What forms do I need to file at the Human Rights Tribunal?
Use Form 1: Application to start a claim.
Is there a fee to file a human rights complaint in Ontario?
No, filing a human rights application with the HRTO is free.
Can a landlord set different rules for my family than for others?
No. Rules must be applied equally; different treatment based on protected grounds is discrimination.
Is “first and last month’s rent” a form of discrimination?
Requiring first and last month’s rent is allowed, unless it’s used to target protected groups.
Can my landlord ask for extra deposits if I have a disability?
No. Demanding extra deposits due to disability is discrimination.
Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant?
Visit the Ontario government website for tenants and the Landlord and Tenant Board.
What kind of evidence helps with a discrimination case?
Written communications, logs of incidents, witness statements, and any refusal letters are useful.
Who handles disputes about discrimination in tenancy?
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario handles discrimination complaints.
Can a landlord refuse me due to my language or accent?
No. Discrimination based on language or accent is not allowed.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act include discrimination rules?
The Act refers to the Human Rights Code for discrimination protections. See Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Can landlords set rules that restrict cultural or ethnic foods?
No. Restricting based on culture or ethnicity is discrimination.
Can I ask my landlord to provide information in accessible formats?
Yes. Landlords should provide vital information in accessible ways upon request.
Can a landlord require a criminal record check?
Criminal record checks are not a human rights violation unless used to discriminate on protected grounds.
What if I need a visual fire alarm or special door handles?
Request these as accommodations; the landlord must make reasonable efforts to provide them.
Can I get legal aid for a housing discrimination case?
Yes. Contact your local community legal clinic or Legal Aid Ontario.
What if my landlord asks inappropriate questions in interviews?
Politely decline, keep a record, and report if questions relate to protected grounds.
Can my landlord ban all pets, including support animals?
No. Support and service animals are protected and cannot be banned.
Does the landlord have to improve the accessibility of common areas?
Yes. Reasonable accessibility upgrades to common areas are required unless undue hardship applies.
Can I request a transfer to a more accessible unit in my building?
Yes. Request a transfer as an accommodation; landlords must consider reasonable solutions.
Which Ontario board handles tenancy disputes?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves tenancy issues and access disputes.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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