Rent-to-income ratios and permanent employment requirements in rental applications constitute discrimination based on age and colour.
The complainants, two young black individuals, alleged discrimination in accommodation on the basis of age and colour after their rental application was rejected.
The rejection was based on their failure to meet a 33% rent-to-income ratio and a requirement for permanent employment.
The Board of Inquiry found that the use of rent-to-income ratios and minimum job tenure criteria adversely impacted young persons and visible minorities, constituting discrimination under the Human Rights Code.
Although the corporate landlord was vicariously liable, the Board declined to order damages because the complainants had already settled with one of the corporate partners and the proper landlord entity was not named as a respondent.
The Board ordered the property manager to cease using rent-to-income ratios and permanent employment requirements.
Ontario Human Rights Commission v. Morris A. Hunter Investments Ltd., 2001 CanLII 26232
