London Tenant Guide: Housing Discrimination Rules

Introduction

London, Ontario tenants have protections against housing discrimination under Ontario human rights law and related enforcement processes. This guide explains what counts as unlawful discrimination in housing, who enforces the rules, key time limits and practical steps tenants can take when they face discriminatory treatment from landlords, property managers or fellow tenants. It focuses on official complaint routes and city contacts relevant to tenants in London, and points to the precise government pages where you can find forms, procedures and contact information.

What the law covers

Ontario's Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing because of protected grounds such as race, sex, disability, family status and others. These protections apply to decisions about renting, terms of tenancy, access to services and eviction actions. For guidance on how the Code applies specifically to housing, see the Ontario Human Rights Commission resource on human rights and housing Ontario Human Rights Commission - Housing^[1].

Who enforces housing discrimination rules

Complaints about discriminatory treatment in housing are handled through provincial human rights processes. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) hears applications and can order remedies; see the HRTO application information How to apply to the HRTO^[2]. The City of London handles municipal by-law and property standards issues but does not replace provincial human rights enforcement; the City also publishes equity and inclusion initiatives for residents City of London - Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion^[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary and non-monetary remedies for housing discrimination are ordered through provincial human rights processes rather than municipal fines in most cases. Specific monetary amounts for damages or orders are not listed on the cited HRTO or OHRC pages; amounts are determined case by case and the cited pages do not specify fixed fines or caps. See the HRTO and OHRC pages for details on available remedies and processes HRTO application information^[2] and OHRC housing guidance^[1].

• Monetary remedies: compensatory orders and damages - amounts not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary orders: directives to stop discriminatory practices, policy changes or mandatory training - described as possible remedies on HRTO pages.
• Escalation: complaints progress from inquiry to application and hearing; specific escalation fine schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
• Enforcer and complaint pathways: primary enforcement is via HRTO and provincial bodies; municipal by-law officers handle property standards and related municipal matters.
• Appeals and review: HRTO decisions may be subject to judicial review; filing time limits and procedural details appear on the HRTO site or tribunal rules pages.

Applications & Forms

To start a claim for housing discrimination you generally file an application with the HRTO; the HRTO application pages set out the steps and required documents. The HRTO site contains the current application process and submission instructions HRTO apply^[2]. If a specific municipal form applies for property standards or by-law complaints, check the City of London web pages; the municipal pages do not replace provincial human rights applications.

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Refusing to rent based on race or disability - may lead to HRTO orders and damages.
• Discriminatory lease terms or selective enforcement of rules - may be remedied by tribunal orders.
• Harassment or eviction threats tied to protected grounds - can form the basis of an HRTO application.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about housing discrimination?

Document incidents, gather evidence, and submit an application to the HRTO following the HRTO application guidance. For explanation on when the Human Rights Code applies to housing see the OHRC housing guidance OHRC housing^[1].

What evidence should I keep?

Keep written communications, photos, videos, witness names and dates. Maintain copies of your lease, notices and any municipal by-law correspondence.

Can a landlord evict me for complaining about discrimination?

An eviction in retaliation for exercising human rights protections may itself be discriminatory; document the action and consider filing with HRTO and seeking legal advice or tenant supports.

How-To

1. Document the incident with dates, times, names and supporting evidence.
2. Try to resolve the issue with the landlord or property manager in writing, and keep copies of all communications.
3. File an application with the HRTO following the tribunal's application instructions HRTO apply^[2].
4. Consider getting local assistance from tenant support services or legal clinics for help preparing evidence and arguments.
5. If a decision is made, review appeal or judicial review options promptly and note any time limits described by tribunal rules.

Key Takeaways

• Housing discrimination claims are primarily handled under provincial human rights law.
• File promptly; some tribunal time limits are short and evidence is crucial.
• Use official HRTO and OHRC resources and contact City channels for municipal issues like property standards.

Help and Support / Resources

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
• Ontario Human Rights Commission
• City of London - By-law Enforcement
• City of London - Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion

1. [1] Ontario Human Rights Commission - Human rights and housing
2. [2] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - How to apply
3. [3] City of London - Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion