As well, several Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal decisions have recognized the Code’s supremacy and special status in their rulings. The Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA) contains a provision that states that the Act will override any other Act that may conflict with it, except for the Code. This primacy is recognized specifically in the context of rental housing. This means that if another piece of legislation contains a provision that conflicts with or contravenes the Code, the Code will prevail. The Code has primacy over all other legislation in Ontario, unless the other legislation specifically states that it applies despite the Code.
Every person in Ontario has a right to equal treatment with respect to housing without discrimination. As stated in its Preamble, the purpose of the Code is to create a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person, so that each person feels a part of the community and feels able to contribute to the community. The Code states that it is public policy in Ontario to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination.