Source-of-Income Rights for Renters - Burlington Bylaw
In Burlington, Ontario renters who face discrimination because of their source of income may be protected under provincial human rights law and subject to municipal enforcement where a bylaw applies. This guide explains how source-of-income issues interact with the Ontario Human Rights Code and provincial landlord-tenant rules, identifies who enforces complaints, and sets out practical steps tenants and landlords can take to resolve disputes.
Penalties & Enforcement
Source-of-income discrimination in housing is principally addressed through the Ontario Human Rights Code; complainants may bring matters to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or seek municipal enforcement for bylaw-based issues. Municipal bylaw pages explain local complaint pathways and enforcement contacts for property standards and licensing issues. City of Burlington By-law Enforcement[1] The Human Rights Code itself sets the provincial framework for protected grounds including receipt of public assistance and the scope of prohibited discrimination. Ontario Human Rights Code (e-laws)[2]
What penalties or remedies apply?
- Monetary remedies: specific dollar amounts or penalties for source-of-income discrimination are not listed on the cited provincial code page; tribunal remedies are set by tribunal practice and statute, so see the tribunal for details (not specified on the cited page).
- Court or tribunal orders: the Human Rights Tribunal can order remedies, declarations and compliance measures (see tribunal guidance and applications).
- Municipal sanctions: fines or orders under Burlington bylaws (property standards, licensing) are set by the specific bylaw or amendment; amounts are not specified on the general enforcement page cited.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease discriminatory practices, require posting of notices, or corrective orders via municipal inspectors or tribunal directions.
Escalation, appeals and time limits
- Time limits: where a municipal bylaw applies, timelines for appeals or prosecutions follow that bylaw; specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal enforcement page.
- Appeals: tribunal decisions have internal review or appeal routes to divisional courts as set out in tribunal rules and provincial legislation.
- How to complain: civil human rights complaints are submitted to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; municipal complaints use City of Burlington bylaw complaint channels. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-laws)[3]
Applications & Forms
For human-rights claims, applicants generally file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario using the tribunal's intake forms and online process; for municipal concerns use the City of Burlington bylaw complaint/contact page. If a specific municipal form for source-of-income allegations is not published, use the general bylaw complaint submission listed on the city's enforcement page (no specific form number listed on the cited page).
Common violations and typical responses
- Refusal to show or rent units because the applicant receives social assistance — response: document the refusal and consider a human-rights complaint or municipal report.
- Advertising that excludes certain sources of income — response: screenshot ads and report to enforcement or tribunal.
- Lease clauses requiring specific income sources — response: seek legal or tribunal guidance; clauses may be challenged.
FAQ
- Can a Burlington landlord refuse to rent because I receive social assistance?
- Under provincial human rights protections, receipt of public assistance is a ground that may attract protection; you can seek remedy through the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or, for certain municipal matters, report to Burlington By-law Enforcement. See the cited provincial code and municipal enforcement pages for filing guidance.[2][1]
- What immediate steps should I take if I suspect discrimination?
- Document communications, keep copies of ads and applications, and contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or Burlington By-law Enforcement to start a complaint; consider legal advice for urgent matters.
- Are there fines for landlords who discriminate by source of income?
- Specific fine amounts for source-of-income discrimination are not listed on the general provincial code or city enforcement pages cited; remedies may include tribunal-ordered damages or municipal fines where a bylaw applies (not specified on the cited page).[2]
How-To
How to report suspected source-of-income discrimination in Burlington.
- Collect evidence: save messages, listings, rental applications and witness details.
- Contact Burlington By-law Enforcement to report any bylaw-related issues and ask about complaint forms.[1]
- Consider filing a human-rights application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for discrimination based on receipt of public assistance; follow tribunal intake steps and timelines.
- If the issue involves tenancy disputes, review the Residential Tenancies Act and seek legal advice about RTA remedies and eviction protections.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Receipt of public assistance can engage provincial human-rights protections; document suspected discrimination.
- Use Burlington By-law Enforcement for bylaw issues and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for discrimination claims.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burlington - By-law Enforcement
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
- City of Burlington - Housing information
