File a Housing Discrimination Complaint - London Bylaw Guide

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, tenants and applicants who believe they faced housing discrimination can pursue remedies under provincial human rights processes and may also report housing condition or property-standards issues to the City. This guide explains the practical steps to document an incident, where to submit complaints, which municipal or provincial offices enforce rules, and what to expect during investigation and resolution. Start by gathering evidence, understanding applicable jurisdictions, and using the official complaint pages listed below to file. Acting promptly improves your options for remedies and preserves evidence.

Act quickly, as some processes have strict time limits.

Penalties & Enforcement

Housing discrimination in Ontario is primarily addressed through the provincial human rights process; municipal by-law enforcement in London can address property-standards and maintenance issues. The following explains who enforces each pathway and what sanctions or remedies may be available.

  • Enforcer for discrimination claims: Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (HRTO). [1]
  • Enforcer for property standards and local by-law matters: City of London By-law Enforcement / Building Services. [2]
  • Monetary fines or awards: not specified on the cited page for municipal bylaws; tribunal remedies for discrimination are described on the HRTO site but specific award amounts are case-dependent and not listed on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, the authority will investigate and may issue orders; repeated or continuing contraventions may lead to charges under the Provincial Offences Act or tribunal orders — specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions and remedies: may include orders to stop discriminatory practices, orders to repair or remediate property conditions, and other corrective directives; exact remedies and limits are not specified verbatim on the cited pages.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a discrimination application with the HRTO for human-rights matters, or report property-standards or by-law violations to City of London By-law Enforcement via the City complaint pages.
Municipal enforcement and provincial human-rights processes are separate; choose the route that matches your issue.

Applications & Forms

To start a human-rights application, follow the HRTO application instructions on the Tribunals Ontario HRTO site. For municipal complaints about property standards or by-law breaches, use the City of London reporting pages linked below. Specific form names, fees, and fixed penalties are not specified on the cited City or HRTO instruction pages referenced in this guide.

How to File: Action Steps

  • Document everything: dates, times, communications, photos, witness names, and any written notices.
  • Try resolving with the landlord or property manager in writing, and keep records of those attempts.
  • For suspected discrimination, prepare to file an application with the HRTO following its online instructions [1].
  • For property-standards or by-law enforcement (repairs, maintenance, unsafe conditions), report to City of London By-law Enforcement or Building Services [2].
  • If you receive an order or decision, note appeal pathways and deadlines; seek legal advice if needed.

FAQ

Who enforces housing discrimination complaints in London?
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal enforces human-rights claims related to housing; municipal by-law officers enforce property-standards and other local bylaws.
How long do I have to file a human-rights application?
Time limits and limitation periods are outlined by the HRTO and related guidance; consult the HRTO instructions for current timelines.
Can the City order repairs or fines for poor housing conditions?
Yes, City of London by-law enforcement can order repairs under property-standards bylaws; exact fines or fee amounts are not specified on the cited City pages.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: photos, messages, names, dates, and any supporting documents.
  2. Send a written request to your landlord detailing the issue and your requested remedy.
  3. If discrimination is suspected, follow the HRTO application process to file a human-rights application.[1]
  4. For property condition issues, file a complaint with City of London By-law Enforcement or Building Services.[2]
  5. Keep records of all submissions, attend any hearings or inspections, and comply with orders or directions.

Key Takeaways

  • Document incidents carefully and promptly.
  • Use the HRTO for discrimination claims and City services for property-standards issues.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tribunals Ontario — HRTO how to apply
  2. [2] City of London — Property Standards

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data