Eviction Prevention Resources in Toronto

Are you having trouble paying your rent? There may be help available. The City of Toronto and other community agencies offer a number of programs that can help tenants threatened with eviction.

If you are facing problems and need help, the following resources are available to you:

• Centre for Equality Rights in Accomodation (CERA) provides information, referral, and advice on eviction prevention. Call (416) 944-0087 ext. 27
• Community Information Toronto provides referrals to many community and government programs and services. Call 211.
• Legal Aid Ontario funds free community legal clinics. To find your nearest clinic, call (416) 979-1446.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board provides information about the Residential Tenancies Act and resolves disputes between most residential landlords and their tenants. Call (416) 645-8080 or visit www.ltb.gov.on.ca
• The Municipal Licensing & Standards Office investigates problems with repair, safety, and heating in apartments and buildings. Call (416) 396-7071 for the Scarborough office.
• The Toronto Rent Bank provides interest-free loans to low-income tenants who have overdue rent and are in immediate danger of eviction. Call the Neighbourhood Information Post at (416) 924-2543 or the Scarborough Housing Help Centre at (416) 285-8070.
• The Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit fund provides support to individuals and families receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits to help pay off rental arrears or one-time housing-related costs. Contact your OW/ODSP caseworker.
• The Winter Warmth Fund provides up to $450 for gas or hydro arrears. Call (416) 924-2543.
• The Emergency Energy Fund provides one-time assistance to low-income households not receiving social assistance that have utility arrears. Call (416) 338-3332.
• The Hardship Fund can assist low-income households not receiving social assistance with special needs (e.g. vision and dental care), prescription drug costs, and funeral and burial costs. Call (416) 392-2956.
• The YMCA December 6 Fund provides interest-free loans to women in Toronto and Peel Region who are trying to escape domestic violence. Loans are for moving-related expenses such as rent, hydro or telephone deposits. Call (416) 652-7176.
• The Trillium Drug Program can provide help in covering prescription drug costs for Ontario residents with a valid Ontario Health Card. Call (416) 642-3038 or 1-800-575-5386.