THE FEDERATION OF METRO TENANTS' ASSOCIATIONSTenant Survival Manual
Chapters
Are You Covered by the Law?
Above Guideline Rent Increases
Conversion, Demolition or Renovation
Discrimination
According to the Ontario Human Rights Code, a property owner cannot refuse to rent to you because:
· Of your race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or family status
· You have a disability
· You are receiving social assistance (welfare, ODSP, etc.)
One example of discrimination is buildings that advertise being an “adult only building.” The Ontario Human Rights Code maintains that it is illegal to prevent families with children from renting an apartment. Another example of discrimination would be a property owner who refuses to a tenant because they don’t have credit information or employment history. The Code says that it is illegal for a property manager to refuse to rent to someone because they do not have credit information or employment history.
The Ontario Human Rights Code also says that a property owner has a duty to accommodate people with disabilities, unless the property owner can prove that they cannot afford to do the necessary work. Accommodating the needs of a tenant with disabilities can include building a wheelchair ramp into your building or putting safety rails in your unit.
Click the Ontario Human Rights Code, to view the full text of the law, or to learn more about human rights in Ontario, visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission's website.
If you think you have been discriminated against, you can call the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA) at 416-944-0087.We are currently testing this online version of the Tenant Survival Manual: If you notice something that needs to be clarified; if you want more information on a particular subject; or if you simply would like to comment on the Tenant Survival Manual, please click here to send us an email.
