A rental advertisement is part of the tenant-selection process. Ontario landlords should write ads around the property and objective tenancy requirements rather than preferences tied to protected personal characteristics.
Protected grounds matter before a tenant moves in
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination in rental housing on grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, family status, disability and receipt of public assistance.
Examples of risky advertising
The Ontario Human Rights Commission specifically warns against discriminatory phrases such as “adult building,” “not suitable for children,” “must have working income,” and other wording that expresses a preference based on protected grounds.
Write the ad around the rental
- Describe the unit, rent, utilities and amenities.
- State objective availability and application information.
- Avoid preferences about age, family composition, disability or source of income.
- Use consistent screening criteria.
- Consider accommodation obligations during the application process.
Screening still needs to be lawful
Landlords can assess applicants, but screening practices must comply with the Human Rights Code. Use consistent, defensible criteria and avoid arbitrary rules that disproportionately exclude protected groups.
Ontario Tenant Screening Guide · Rental Application Checklist
Open the Rental Application Checklist Compare Tenant Screening Services
From advertising to applicant screening
Once applications arrive, use the free Ontario Tenant Screening Checklist to keep your screening process organized and consistent.
General information only: Human-rights obligations are fact-specific. Consult current OHRC guidance and obtain legal advice for individual situations.