Markham Housing Discrimination - Tenant Rights

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

Introduction

In Markham, Ontario, tenants who suspect housing discrimination have provincial remedies and local complaint routes. This guide explains where to report discrimination, how tenant rights are enforced, the role of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and how the City of Markham handles related bylaw issues. Follow the steps below to gather evidence, file an application, and contact the right offices.

Start documenting dates, communications and witness names as soon as possible.

Overview of Legal Framework

Housing discrimination in Markham is primarily governed by the Ontario Human Rights Code; allegations are heard by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Municipal bylaws in Markham address property standards, licensing and safety but do not replace provincial human rights remedies. For filing an application with the tribunal see the official HRTO guidance How to apply to HRTO[1] and consult the statutory text of the Ontario Human Rights Code Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19)[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Who enforces: the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario enforces the Human Rights Code for housing discrimination; local enforcement for municipal standards and licensing falls to the City of Markham By-law Enforcement division. For municipal complaint and bylaw enforcement contact details see the City of Markham bylaw pages Markham By-law Enforcement[3].

  • The HRTO can order monetary compensation for injury to dignity, lost rent or wages, and other damages; specific amounts are determined case-by-case and are not specified on the cited HRTO guidance page.
  • Municipal penalties for bylaw violations (property standards, licensing) may include fines, compliance orders and prosecution; exact fine amounts are not specified on the Markham bylaw overview page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions include orders to cease discriminatory practices, directives to re-rent or reinstate tenancy terms, compliance or remedial orders, and injunctive relief under tribunal orders.
  • Complaint pathways: file an application to HRTO for discrimination claims, and report municipal issues (property standards, licensing) to Markham By-law Enforcement per the city contact page.
  • Appeals/review: HRTO decisions may be subject to judicial review in Ontario courts; specific procedural time limits and steps are not fully specified on the cited HRTO guidance page and may be governed by court rules.
The tribunal can order both monetary and non-monetary remedies tailored to the case.

Applications & Forms

To start a tribunal claim use the HRTO application process and forms available via the HRTO site; the HRTO page lists application steps and submission methods.
For municipal bylaw complaints, use the City of Markham online complaint/report forms or contact By-law Enforcement; some matters require no formal form and are reported by phone or online request as explained on the city pages.

Practical Steps to Report Housing Discrimination

  • Collect evidence: emails, texts, listing screenshots, witness names, rent receipts and photographs.
  • Record dates and sequence of events showing when discriminatory acts occurred.
  • Contact landlord/property manager in writing to request remedy, keeping a copy.
  • File an application with the HRTO if the issue is discrimination under the Human Rights Code; see HRTO guidance How to apply to HRTO[1].
  • Report municipal issues (unsafe or illegal units, property standards) to City of Markham By-law Enforcement via the city pages Markham By-law Enforcement[3].
Keep originals and copies of every document you submit to authorities.

FAQ

How do I know if I have a housing discrimination claim?
If you were treated differently in renting, terms, eviction or services because of a protected ground (race, religion, family status, disability, etc.), you may have a claim under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Where do I file a complaint?
File an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for discrimination matters; municipal complaints about property standards or licensing are reported to City of Markham By-law Enforcement.
Is there a time limit to file?
Applications to HRTO are generally governed by the Code and HRTO timelines; see the HRTO application guidance and the Human Rights Code for statutory timelines and possible extensions.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: collect dates, messages, photos and witness details.
  2. Send a written complaint to the landlord/property manager and request a remedy; keep a copy.
  3. Prepare and file an HRTO application following the tribunal’s instructions and include all relevant evidence[1].
  4. For unsafe or bylaw concerns, report to Markham By-law Enforcement and follow any municipal compliance process[3].

Key Takeaways

  • Housing discrimination claims in Markham are addressed under the Ontario Human Rights Code and heard by HRTO.
  • Contact HRTO for tribunal applications and Markham By-law Enforcement for municipal issues.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - How to apply
  2. [2] Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19)
  3. [3] City of Markham - By-law Enforcement

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.