No, you cannot refuse to rent to someone based on their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation in Canada. This is because the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on these grounds.
The Canadian Human Rights Act is a federal law that applies to all provinces and territories in Canada.
It protects people from discrimination in a number of areas, including employment, housing, and services.
The Act defines discrimination as any action or practice that treats a person unfairly because of their race, religion, national origin, color, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability.
The Act also prohibits discrimination based on a person’s perceived race, religion, national origin, color, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability.
This means that you cannot refuse to rent to someone because you think they are a certain race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, even if they are not.
There are a few exceptions to the Act’s prohibition on discrimination in housing.
For example, you can refuse to rent to someone if they have a criminal record or if they have a history of damaging property. However, you cannot refuse to rent to someone simply because of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
If you refuse to rent to someone because of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, you could be in violation of the Canadian Human Rights Act. The victim of the discrimination could file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. If the Commission finds that discrimination has occurred, you could be ordered to pay the victim damages.
In addition to the legal consequences, refusing to rent to someone because of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation is also wrong. It is important to remember that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect.
Here are some tips for avoiding discrimination in housing:
- Treat all potential tenants with respect.
- Be objective in your decision-making process.
- Do not make assumptions about people based on their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
- If you have any concerns about a potential tenant, talk to them directly.
- If you are not sure whether a particular practice is discriminatory, consult with a lawyer or human rights expert.
It is important to remember that everyone has the right to equal housing opportunities. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to find a place to live.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.