Facing eviction can be overwhelming, but tenants in Ontario have access to dedicated advocacy groups and resources. This guide explains where to find post-eviction help, what services are available, and how tenant organizations can support you after leaving a rental home.

Understanding Post-Eviction Support in Ontario

After an eviction, tenants often grapple with finding a new place to live, securing belongings, and understanding their legal and financial rights. Tenant advocacy groups in Ontario focus specifically on helping renters during this difficult transition—whether you need emergency shelter, legal advice, or information about your obligations and next steps.

Key Ontario Tenant Advocacy Groups

Several organizations across Ontario offer support to tenants both after eviction and during disputes. Their services include legal information, representation, and referrals to vital housing and health resources. Here are some you can contact:

• ACTO (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario): A specialty legal clinic offering provincewide support, legal advice, and public legal education for low-income tenants. Learn more at ACTO.
• Local Community Legal Clinics: Funded by Legal Aid Ontario, these clinics provide free legal services in areas like housing, social assistance, and benefits. Find your local clinic.
• Tenant Associations: Many cities have tenant groups (like the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations in Toronto) offering advocacy, tenant hotlines, and referrals for those facing or recovering from eviction.

Tenant advocacy organizations can help you understand your rights, connect you with housing resources, and may even advise if your eviction was done according to the rules set by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

What to Do After an Eviction: Practical Steps

If you have just been evicted or are at risk, here are immediate actions to protect your rights and find help:

• Contact a local advocacy group or legal clinic for advice right away.
• Request written decisions or documents from your former landlord or the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Explore emergency accommodation and income support options through municipal services.
• Keep detailed records of your communications, personal property status, and any payments.

These steps can provide stability, clarify your rights, and open paths for appeal or compensation in some cases.

Relevant Ontario Forms and How to Use Them

Tenants challenged by eviction may need to apply for relief, request information, or dispute tribunal decisions. Here are some important forms:

• Request to Review an Order (Form S2): Used if you believe the Landlord and Tenant Board’s order was made in error or without your knowledge. Submit as soon as possible if you want to reopen the eviction case. Download Form S2 from the LTB.
• Motion to Set Aside an Ex Parte Order (Form S2): If an order was made without a hearing (for example, if you were absent), this form lets you ask for another chance to present your case. Learn more at the LTB form page.
• T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate: If you believe you are owed money back from your landlord after moving out (for example, from a deposit or illegal charges), use this application. Access Form T1.

Submitting these forms can help you challenge unfair decisions, recover money you are owed, or get another hearing. The Landlord and Tenant Board oversees these processes—visit their official site for detailed filing instructions.

Know Your Rights Under Ontario Law

Your rights—and many advocacy group services—are defined by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which sets rules for evictions, deposits, maintenance, and more. You can also review Tenant Rights in Ontario for a plain-language breakdown.

How Tenant Advocacy Groups Can Assist After Eviction

Post-eviction, tenant advocacy groups do more than provide legal advice. They often:

• Guide tenants on how to safely reclaim their belongings left behind
• Connect individuals to social services, emergency shelters, and financial aid
• Help complete necessary forms or applications for relief
• Offer education on avoiding future disputes—for example, by reviewing the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
• Support applications for tenant rebates or challenge unlawful eviction processes

Many groups also collaborate with municipal programs to help tenants find affordable housing and transition smoothly into a new rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I appeal an eviction order in Ontario? Yes, you may be able to file a Request to Review (Form S2) with the Landlord and Tenant Board if the order involved an error or was made without your input.
2. Where do I find emergency housing if I'm evicted? Contact local tenant advocacy groups or your city’s social services department for referrals to emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.
3. Will advocacy groups help recover my belongings? Many groups can advise tenants on your right to collect personal items after eviction and steps to do so lawfully.
4. Is there financial help for tenants after eviction? Some community agencies and social service programs offer temporary financial assistance, especially if you’re at risk of homelessness.
5. Do advocacy groups only help with legal problems? No—they also support with housing searches, referrals, and understanding next steps after leaving a rental.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Tenant advocacy groups offer practical and legal assistance after eviction, including appeals, emergency housing referrals, and financial aid guidance.
• You can challenge some eviction orders by completing specific Landlord and Tenant Board forms, with help available from legal clinics.
• Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and stay informed using resources like Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Connecting early with advocacy organizations gives you more control and support as you move forward.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – For forms, filing, and appeal information.
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) – Legal support and education provincewide.
• Legal Aid Ontario – Community Clinics – Free legal advice and support services.
• City or municipal offices – For emergency and transitional housing programs.
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings – Find new rental listings quickly anywhere in Ontario.

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1. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
4. Legal Aid Ontario – Community Clinics

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