Even though this story happened in Toronto it can also be repeated in Quebec: a young pregnant girl under 18 was denied renting an apartment by a landlord because she was less than 18 years of age.
As for the Province of Quebec Ontario has very strict rules under the Ontario Human Rights Code. And refusing a tenant simply because she is less than 18 years of age is an illegal motive.
Recognizing the obvious vulnerability of the young woman, the court did not disclose her name, noting that she had been “placed under the guardianship of the State since the age of 13, that she was homeless and that she still attended high school. In addition, she was struggling with significant personal problems, including a pregnancy.”
The court awarded $10,000 in damages and interest to the young woman for discrimination and ordered the owner to hire an expert to establish a policy of human rights and to train his staff.
The Association of Quebec Landlords (APQ) reminds you that discrimination can be very expensive.
We must treat every tenant equally and carry out comprehensive verifications.
A full investigation is the norm these days. When you make an inquiry, pay special attention to what you want to check. A full investigation will ensure you that the owner and the employer were contacted and if civil and criminal records were listed at the Rental Board, and that his/her payment habits have been validated.
This verification, in addition to ensure peace of mind in your selection, will protect you from any discrimination charge!
Discrimination against a potential tenant: indemnities to pay!
