HOUSING
Human Rights and Rental Housing
Adequate and affordable housing is a human rights issue – we all need a decent place to live. The right to housing is recognized in international law and the right to housing free from discrimination is protected in Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s vision is of an Ontario where everyone is valued, treated with respect, and where human rights are nurtured by us all. Promoting and enforcing the right to live in and enjoy housing free from discrimination is a fundamental part of this vision.
Even though discrimination in housing accommodation is not allowed under the Code, it is all too common. Discrimination in rental housing is a widespread problem with potentially major consequences, including homelessness. The Commission is concerned about this and the fact that many tenants and housing providers do not know about their rights and obligations under the Code.
Housing Consultation
In the summer and fall of 2007, the Commission held a public consultation on discrimination in rental housing. Commission staff are now reviewing the large amount of information received from community groups, organizations and individuals across Ontario.
Almost 130 organizations and over 100 individuals have taken part in consultation meetings held across the province. The Commission has also received more than 60 formal submissions, and over 100 individuals have written to us or completed our survey.
The extensive input we have received is substantive and thoughtful. We will share the findings publicly in 2008, and will use what we learned to create a set of policy guidelines that will help tenants, landlords, government and other responsible institutions and service providers to address housing discrimination.
In the meantime, the Commission continues to promote and advance understanding of human rights in housing. On October 19, 2007, Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall met with Mr. Miloon Kothari, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Housing, and also took part in his public session. She gave an overview of the Commission’s work and listened to concerns from the community. The Chief Commissioner has also made presentations on housing and human rights to a wide range of groups, including the Canadian Federation of Students, the Canadian Condominium Institute and the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association. She continues to meet with individuals and groups concerned with human rights and housing.
For more information about this issue, please refer to the following documents: