IV. Social and economic status
From: Policy on human rights and rental housing
Groups that have experienced historical disadvantage and who are identified by Code grounds are more likely to experience low social and economic status.[75]
In housing, the Code protects tenants against discrimination based on receipt of public assistance. “Public assistance” – more commonly referred to as social assistance – includes Ontario Works, OSAP, ODSP, Old Age Security, Employment Insurance, etc.
Some housing providers have negative attitudes towards people who are poor. They may take several steps that could contravene the Code, such as:
Relevant policy:
From: Policy on human rights and rental housing
Groups that have experienced historical disadvantage and who are identified by Code grounds are more likely to experience low social and economic status.[75]
From: Right at home: Report on the consultation on human rights and rental housing in Ontario
From: In the zone: Housing, human rights and municipal planning
The OHRC knows that low social and economic status is a common factor in many types of housing discrimination. People identified by Code grounds are disproportionately likely to have low incomes. The shelter allowance rates for people and families who receive social assistance are far below market levels.
March 2012 - The OHRC will focus its comments on the issues and barriers identified in the CRSAO’s reports that connect to the OHRC’s current priority initiatives dealing with racism experienced by Aboriginal people and other groups as well as disability, especially mental health discrimination.
From: Minds that matter: Report on the consultation on human rights, mental health and addictions
Many individuals and organizations talked about people’s experiences with poverty. Poverty is a significant concern for people across Ontario with psychosocial disabilities. Unemployment, underemployment, discrimination and the lack of affordable housing for people with psychosocial disabilities were identified as major factors contributing to poverty.
From: Human Rights and rental housing in Ontario: Background paper
Those seeking rental housing who are in receipt of public assistance, as well as other Code-identified individuals with low incomes, have been particularly affected by the application of minimum income criteria. Many landlords apply a standard guideline that a tenant applicant should be spending no more than 25-35 percent of his or her income on rent. Those who fall short of this ratio are rejected.
From: Consultation paper: Human rights and rental housing in Ontario