I have been a tenant at [Your Full Address] since 2018. Although we did not sign a written lease, I have paid rent consistently via e-transfer (EMT), with my landlord’s full knowledge and acceptance. Our family has lived peacefully, always on time with rent, and has maintained the unit respectfully and responsibly for many years.
In 2024, I returned to Canada pregnant. My baby was born in March 2025. Since my pregnancy and especially after giving birth, my landlord has repeatedly targeted me with unreasonable rent demands, discriminatory remarks, and behavior that appears to be retaliation for asserting my rights.
⸻
Incident 1: Discriminatory “Per-Person” Rent Increase
Shortly after my baby was born, the landlord informed me that my rent would be increased by $350 per month because of the baby — calling it a “per head charge.” This demand was clearly based solely on the addition of a newborn to my family.
The landlord did not provide 90 days’ notice, did not issue the standard N1 rent increase form, and did not comply with Ontario rent control guidelines. More importantly, charging extra rent because of the presence of my baby is discriminatory under the Human Rights Code, which protects family status.
⸻
Incident 2: Reprisal After I Objected
After I sent a respectful written message explaining that the rent increase was not legal and might constitute discrimination, the landlord responded by insisting again on the $350 increase — this time saying, “because we share the kitchen, I can charge anything I want.”
This second increase request, made immediately after I objected to the first, is a reprisal under section 8 of the Human Rights Code. I was being punished for trying to exercise my legal rights.
⸻
Incident 3: Harassment and Unauthorized Entry
My landlord also began harassing me via late-night messages. Despite repeated requests to stop contacting me at night — especially while I was recovering from childbirth and taking care of a newborn — I received messages past midnight and early morning, disturbing my rest and worsening my postpartum condition.
There were also two separate occasions when my landlord entered the upper floor of our unit without permission — one at 3 a.m., and another during our baby’s bedtime. These events caused great fear and anxiety.
⸻
Incident 4: Pressure to Leave During Postpartum & Cultural Pressure
During my pregnancy, the landlord demanded a rent increase from $1100 to $1300. When I negotiated for $1250, I was told to leave if I didn’t accept the increase. At the time, I was 8 months pregnant and unable to move easily.
After childbirth, the landlord pressured me to leave the house for postpartum recovery, citing “Fuzhou cultural traditions” as justification for not allowing my baby to stay in the home for the first month. We had no choice but to leave for 30 days, even though we paid full rent during that time. This cultural argument was used to justify pushing us out temporarily and treating our family unequally.
⸻
Ongoing Stress and Discrimination
Since returning, the landlord has continued to target my baby. They have cited occasional crying (which is natural for an 80-day-old infant) as further justification for increasing rent or asking us to leave. This has put incredible psychological and emotional stress on me as a new mother, and on our entire family.
We have never missed a rent payment, have always maintained the unit well, and have been responsible tenants. But the presence of my baby has triggered repeated acts of discrimination, threats, and now retaliation.
⸻
Relief Sought
1. Find that my landlord discriminated against me based on my family status (having a child) and took reprisal against me for asserting my rights.
2. Order the landlord to cease all discriminatory and retaliatory behavior.
3. Award damages for injury to my dignity, feelings, and self-respect.
4. Order reimbursement for any improperly charged rent (including the month I was forced to live elsewhere postpartum).
5. Provide any additional relief the Tribunal sees fit.
⸻
I am prepared to provide:
• Screenshots of messages showing rent increase demands;
• EMT records of consistent rent payment;
• A timeline of events and documentation of harassment;
• Witness testimony if needed
