Landlords Can't Refuse You Because You're on ODSP or Ontario Works

Ontario's Human Rights Code protects your right to housing without discrimination because of the receipt of public assistance, such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

What landlords can ask for

Under the Code's regulation, landlords can request:

• rental history;
• credit references and a credit check;
• income information, but only together with the other information, and not as the only reason to say no.

What landlords shouldn't do

• Refuse because your income comes from social assistance.
• Use a rigid rule such as "rent must be no more than 30% of income" by itself to screen you out.
• Ask for a guarantor, or extra deposits, only from people on assistance.

Keep a record

• Save the ad, your messages and the landlord's reply.
• Write down what was said during calls or viewings, with dates.

If you think you were refused for this reason

You can apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, usually within one year of the refusal. Legal clinics can also help.

Sources

• Ontario Human Rights Code
• O. Reg. 290/98: business practices permissible to landlords
• Ontario Human Rights Commission

Read next: Can an Employer Refuse to Hire You Because of a Record?

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A city apartment building with balconies · House keys on a wooden table.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.