Landlord Duty to Accommodate Autism in Ontario Housing

Autistic tenants or families with autistic children can ask for accommodation. Common requests may include a plan for disability-related noise, a disability-related animal, sensory changes, a different unit location, or advance notice of maintenance.

The tenant must identify the disability-related need. They do not need to disclose the exact diagnosis in every case. A healthcare-provider letter may help confirm the need. The landlord must consider accommodation unless they can show undue hardship.

Disability-related behaviour cannot be the sole basis for eviction in Ontario. Under section 83 of the Residential Tenancies Act, the Landlord and Tenant Board must consider all circumstances, including whether the tenant's behaviour is related to a disability, before ordering eviction. If noise complaints, property concerns, or behavioural issues stem from autism, the landlord must explore accommodation before seeking eviction.

If you receive an eviction notice (N5 or other form) and the behaviour at issue is related to your or your child's autism, respond immediately by notifying the landlord in writing that the behaviour is disability-related and requesting accommodation. Attend the LTB hearing and present evidence of the disability connection. Contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for assistance or file an HRTO complaint if the landlord refuses to accommodate.