What if someone believes a landlord is discriminating against them?
General Rule: It is against the law for a landlord to discriminate against someone (whether a tenant or a potential renter) because of:
- Race, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, colour, nationality, religion, or the country where you were born
- Disability
- Receipt of social assistance
- Children
If your client believes they are being discriminated against by their landlord, they might be able to file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, but filing this application will not result in them securing the rental unit or finding housing.
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) resolves claims of discrimination and harassment that fall under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. This Code is also considered by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). In some cases, your client will be able to choose between the HRTO and the LTB. If your client wants more information on their options, refer them to a legal clinic, a specialty legal clinic, or the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
How You Can Help:
- Step 1: If your client wants more information on discrimination complaints, help them contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (416-597-4900 or 1-866-625-5179) or the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA) (1-800-263-1139 or 416-944-0087).
- Step 2: Refer your client for legal advice if they want help pursuing a complaint.
