7 Free Resources for Tenant Legal Assistance in Ontario

Author
Weiting Bollu
| Published at
September 15, 2024
| Updated on
July 23, 2024
Author
Weiting Bollu
Published at
September 15, 2024
Updated on
July 23, 2024
Tenants have rights. There are organizations that can provide guidance on certain cases

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Ontario Tenants, Don't Let The Landlord Walk All Over You!

In Ontario, there are rights for both Landlords and Tenants. Many Landlords operate compliantly, abide by the agreement, and respect Tenants wholeheartedly.

And then, there are some Landlords and/or Property Managers who treat Tenants unfairly. At Openroom, that is not something we stand for.

We believe that responsible Tenants will work with responsible Landlords to ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful relationship on reasonable grounds. It's common sense, right? Well, sometimes common sense isn't so common. In cases when Tenants find their Landlords have operated questionably, there are resources available to help them navigate this absurdly complex rental ecosystem.

It makes us react with 🤯, and that's precisely why we want to provide some quick deets for you. Let's go through two common examples where some Landlords try to do things under the table, and that's not okay.

Example Case: Did You Get an Abnormally High Rent Increase?

A Landlord raises rent by an abnormally high amount. What is abnormally high? The government of Ontario sets a limit on the permitted rent increase. Learn more about Residential Rent Increases from the Ontario Government.

For 2023 and 2024, it is 2.5% per year on top of the existing lawful rent - and no more than that if the unit is rent controlled. There are a few special cases such as renovations that warrant a slightly higher increase but not the case for the standard rental unit.

Ah, we know what's on your mind! Now you are thinking: "is my rental unit on rent control"? Go on, take a read and stay informed.

Example Case: Were You Asked to Give Damage Deposits?

Another example, a Landlord cannot collect damage deposits from Tenants. The typically deposit collected at the beginning can only be used for Last Month's Rent (LMR) payment.

Learn more about Rent Deposit in Bullet Point #8 from the Ontario Government.

Resources for Tenant Rights Questions

There are many other common violations that occur in the rental ecosystem. As a tenant, when you're in a position you aren't sure about, it's always best to double check. It's free to explore so there is no harm in explaining your situation and getting more educated. These resources are a starting point. Nothing beats being prepared.

Please note that the hours of operation below may change at any time and it's advised that you check the organization's website to confirm.

Learn more from the organizations

Tenant Duty Counsel (TDC)

TDC helps Tenants who do not have a legal representative present on the day of their hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

⏰ By appointment in advance or try to call at least 30 minutes early into your hearing.

Learn More

Pro Bono Ontario – Free legal advice hotline

The hotline offers 30 minutes of free legal help and advice over the telephone on civil law matters such as housing.

📞 Toll Free 1-855-255-7256

⏰ Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST

Learn More

Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)

Tenants facing eviction can get information about the eviction process and services. CCHR’s human rights services include helping tenants who: are being discriminated against when looking for housing, are being harassed, need accommodation for a human rights reason, such as a disability, want general information about human rights or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

📩 cchr@housingrightscanada.com

📞 416-944-0087 | 1-800-263-1139

⏰ Phone lines: Monday to Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm EST, Friday: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm EST | Live chat: Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 pm EST

Learn More

Tribunals Ontario – Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves: disputes between residential landlords and tenants, and eviction applications filed by non-profit housing co-operatives. The LTB also provides information about its practices and procedures and the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act. Note: LTB isn't legal advice but can share information on the Residential Tenancy Act.

📩 LTB@Ontario.ca

📞 Phone 416-645-8080 | Toll-free 1-888-332-3234 | Toll-free TTY 1-800-855-0511 (Bell Relay Service)

⏰ Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST

Learn More

Law Society Referral Service

The Law Society of Ontario has on online Law Society Referral Service that gives you the name of a lawyer or licensed paralegal who will give free legal advice for up to 30 minutes in any area of law.

📩 lsrs@lso.ca

📞 1-855-947-5255 or 416-947-5255

⏰ Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST

Learn More

Ontario Legal Information Centre

The Ontario Legal Information Centre offers free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer to understand your legal situation. Consultations available in French and English for matters such as Landlord and Tenant issues.

📞 1-844-343-7462

⏰ Monday to Friday 9:00 to 12:00 pm EST, Monday to Thursday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST

Learn More

Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA)

ACSA Legal Assistance Centre provides assistance to those who need legal support and assistance in filling out forms. You can book a free 20 minute legal consultation online.

📩 hubreception@agincourtcommunityservices.com

📞 (416) 292-6912 ext. 335

⏰ Varies depending on appointment

Learn More

Tenant
Paralegal
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Weiting Bollu
Co-Founder & CEO, Openroom

About the Author

Weiting's entrepreneurial journey began with a costly lesson in rental property management, where she experienced losses exceeding $35,000 due to non-paying tenants. Determined to prevent others from facing similar challenges, she built Openroom to pave a future towards a transparent and connected rental ecosystem.

Drawing from her extensive background in software product management spanning education, telecommunications, insurance, and artificial intelligence, Weiting has become a trusted advisor to founders of venture-backed companies. Beyond the tech sphere, Weiting managed properties for over a decade and made significant contributions to community leadership. She’s served on the Board of Rotary District 7070 and chaired various organizational committees.

Weiting balances her professional endeavours with being a parent of two kids under two. Alongside thousands of other parents, she was awarded participation trophies in innovative improvisation, ever-changing expectations management, daily roadmap planning, and hardcore patience!

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