Protected Grounds

Human rights in housing

Personal characteristics a housing decision may not be based on.

Protected grounds are characteristics that human-rights law says a housing decision cannot be based on, broadly including race, ancestry, religion, family or marital status, disability, age, sex, and (in most provinces) receipt of public assistance as a source of income. A landlord may screen on income, references, and rental history, but not refuse or treat an applicant differently because of a protected ground. This is a hard line in Canadian screening, not a guideline.

General information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by province; confirm the current details with the relevant authority before you rely on them.