Are you worried about getting evicted in Ontario for joining a tenant union or participating in tenant organizing? Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you stand up for yourself and respond confidently if your landlord tries to evict you because of union activities. This article covers Ontario law, what you can do if you receive an eviction notice over tenant advocacy, and where to turn for support—in plain language.

Is It Legal for Landlords to Evict for Tenant Union Activity?

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) protects tenants from being evicted for joining or helping to organize a tenant union. Landlords cannot legally threaten you with eviction or take any negative action against you because you are part of, or supportive of, tenant organizing or advocacy.^[1]

• Landlords may not issue an eviction notice as punishment for union activity.
• Retaliation—like raising rent without cause or refusing repairs because of union membership—is not allowed.
• Your right to join a tenant union is protected by provincial law.

Understanding Your Key Tenant Rights

The Residential Tenancies Act states that tenants have the right to form and join tenant associations, as well as to participate in advocacy or meetings about rental issues. Landlords cannot interfere with these rights.

• Joining a union or group is not a valid reason for eviction.
• If a landlord tries to evict you and you suspect it’s because of your union activity, you have legal options to challenge the eviction.

What Should You Do if You Receive an Eviction Notice?

If your landlord gives you an eviction notice (for example, Form N5 or N6) and you believe it’s linked to union organizing or advocacy, do not panic. In Ontario, a landlord cannot evict you without an official order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Here are the steps to protect yourself:

• Do not move out just because you get a notice; you do not have to leave unless ordered by the LTB.
• Carefully read the notice to understand the reasons given for eviction.
• Gather evidence (emails, letters, meeting notes, witnesses) showing that the eviction might be because of your union participation.
• Prepare to present your side if you receive a notice of hearing from the LTB.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Termination (Form N5, N6, N7): If the landlord gives you this, review the "reason" section. If you believe the reason is false or retaliation for union activity, you can dispute it.
• Tenant Application about Maintenance, Repairs, or Other Issues (Form T2): Use this if your landlord is threatening or harassing you, or is interfering with your legal rights, including your right to organize.
  Example: If your landlord posts warning letters or restricts access to common areas to prevent meetings, complete Form T2 and submit to the LTB.
  Get official LTB tenant forms here.
• Notice of Hearing: If the LTB sets a hearing, you’ll receive a notice by mail or email. Prepare your defence, showing evidence that the eviction is retaliatory.

Tip: Always keep copies of any documents exchanged with your landlord and record details of any conversations or meetings related to your tenant union involvement.

How Do Hearings and Evictions Work in Ontario?

All eviction hearings must go through Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB will set a date for you and your landlord to explain your sides.

• Tenants can bring witnesses, submit evidence, and make arguments showing the eviction is retaliatory or without proper cause.
• If the Board finds that the landlord is acting because of your union activity, they can dismiss the eviction.

For more on your legal protections in Ontario, read Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Your Obligations and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you still have an obligation to follow your rental agreement and Ontario law—including paying rent and not disturbing other tenants. Landlords cannot use union activity as a reason to ignore their responsibilities, such as making repairs. Learn more in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What If Your Landlord Retaliates in Other Ways?

Besides eviction threats, retaliation might include:

• Refusing repairs or maintenance
• Harassment or intimidation
• Trying to raise rent unfairly as punishment

All of these actions could be challenged at the LTB. If you face health or safety risks because of landlord retaliation, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For tenants searching for new rental homes or facing housing insecurity due to eviction, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and safely.

FAQ: Tenant Eviction and Union Activity in Ontario

1. Can my landlord evict me for talking to neighbors about tenant rights?
   No. Discussing tenant rights or forming a tenant group is legally protected in Ontario. Landlords cannot evict you for these activities.
2. What should I do if I receive a Notice of Termination that seems retaliatory?
   Read the notice carefully, keep all records, and consider disputing it at the Landlord and Tenant Board. Seek legal help if needed.
3. What forms do I use to make a complaint against my landlord for interference or harassment?
   Use Form T2: Tenant Application about Maintenance, Repairs, or Other Issues, and submit it to the LTB with as much supporting evidence as possible.
4. Is it safe to join a tenant union while renting?
   Yes. Ontario law specifically protects your right to join or organize a tenant union or group.
5. Who can help if I have questions about my rights or need legal advice?
   Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or local tenant advocacy organizations for support and information.

Key Takeaways

• Your right to join a tenant union in Ontario is legally protected under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• If you receive an eviction notice and believe it is retaliatory, do not move out—challenge it at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Keep detailed records of any landlord interactions and seek help from tenant advocacy organizations if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario) – Hearings, forms, and general information
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario) – Read the full law
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) – Legal advice for tenants
• See full details of your rights at Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario). See legislation – Rights of tenants to organize and protections from retaliation.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario). Official website.
3. LTB Tenant Application Forms. Get forms and instructions.

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