Landlord discrimination is illegal in Canada. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently because of your race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or the receipt of public assistance.
If you believe that your landlord has discriminated against you, you have a number of rights. You can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial human rights commission or tribunal. You may also be able to sue your landlord in court.
Here are some examples of landlord discrimination:
- Refusing to rent to you because of your race, religion, or sexual orientation
- Charging you more rent than other tenants because of your disability
- Requiring you to have a guarantor who is not a family member because you are a single mother
- Evicting you because you have a child
- Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for your disability
If you believe that your landlord has discriminated against you, you should:
Gather evidence. This may include notes of conversations with your landlord, emails, text messages, or letters. You may also want to get statements from witnesses.
Contact your provincial or territorial human rights commission or tribunal. You can file a complaint online or by phone.
Consider talking to a lawyer. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and options.
If your human rights complaint is successful, you may be awarded:
- Compensation for damages, such as lost rent or moving expenses
- An order that your landlord stop discriminating against you
- An order that your landlord make reasonable accommodations for your disability
If you sue your landlord in court, you may be awarded:
- Damages, such as lost rent or moving expenses
- Punitive damages, to punish your landlord for their discriminatory behavior
- An injunction, which is a court order that requires your landlord to stop discriminating against you
It is important to note that landlord discrimination can be a complex issue. If you have any questions about your rights or options, you should consult with a lawyer.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.