If you’ve experienced eviction in Ontario, navigating your next steps can feel overwhelming. Accessing the right legal support ensures you understand your rights, address urgent housing needs, and advocate for yourself. This guide explains how to get legal aid after eviction, highlights official resources and forms, and provides contacts to help you move forward confidently in Ontario.

Understanding Eviction and Your Rights in Ontario

Evictions in Ontario are regulated under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Whether you’ve received an eviction notice or have already left your rental, you still have rights. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the provincial tribunal that oversees disputes between landlords and tenants, including eviction hearings and applications.

For a full overview of tenant protections, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Legal Aid Ontario: Your First Contact for Legal Support

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is the main source of free or low-cost legal advice for tenants facing or affected by eviction. LAO can connect you to:

• Legal clinics specializing in housing and tenancy
• Advice on landlord and tenant disputes
• Assistance with forms and hearing representation

Contact LAO by phone (1-800-668-8258 or visit Legal Aid Ontario) to find your local community legal clinic. Clinics can help if you’ve already moved out or have questions about your eviction and your future housing options.

When to Seek Legal Aid After Eviction

• If you believe your eviction was not legal or fair
• If you want to challenge a decision made by the LTB
• If you’re having trouble retrieving your property or security deposit
• If you’re seeking compensation for damages caused by the eviction

Important Forms and the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB official site) processes applications, reviews, and disputes for tenants across Ontario. After an eviction, some important forms tenants may use include:

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use Form T2 if you believe your landlord violated your rights (for example, an unlawful eviction or discrimination). You can find the form and guides on the LTB’s website.
• T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate – If you were overcharged for rent or deposits, or experienced a service reduction, Form T1 can help you apply for compensation.
• Request to Review an Order – If the LTB has made a decision you disagree with, use this form to ask for a review within the LTB; this is important if you missed your hearing or didn't present your case fully.

For most forms, submit them to the LTB in person, online, or by mail. If you’re unsure which form to use, a community legal clinic can guide you through the process.

Other Sources of Legal and Housing Support

Alongside Legal Aid Ontario, other organizations can help with eviction issues or housing emergencies:

• Community Legal Clinics: Every region in Ontario has at least one legal clinic—visit Legal Aid Ontario’s clinic locator.
• Ontario Tenant Hotline: Call 416-921-9494 for advice and referrals (run by the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations).
• 211 Ontario: Dial 2-1-1 for help finding emergency shelter or support services after eviction.

If your eviction requires you to move quickly, you might find it helpful to Browse apartments for rent in Canada or find short-term or emergency housing options.

Checklist: What to Do After an Eviction

• Gather all official documentation related to your eviction
• Contact Legal Aid Ontario for advice
• File any needed applications with the LTB, such as Form T2 or T1
• Seek temporary housing or shelter if needed

Taking action quickly ensures your rights are protected and increases your chances of a positive outcome.

For specific tips on leaving a rental, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Aid After Eviction

1. Can I still get legal help if I am already evicted?
   Yes. Legal Aid Ontario and community legal clinics can assist you even after you’ve moved out, especially if you need help with retrieving property, deposits, or appealing an LTB decision.
2. How much does legal aid cost for tenants?
   Most services from Legal Aid Ontario and community legal clinics are free for those who qualify based on income. Always confirm your eligibility when you call or visit.
3. Are there deadlines to challenge an eviction?
   Yes. For example, requests to review an LTB order or file certain forms usually must be submitted within a short time frame (often 30 days). Seek legal advice promptly to avoid missing these deadlines.
4. Where can I find official forms for the Landlord and Tenant Board?
   You can download all tenant forms, including T1 and T2, from the official LTB forms page.
5. What should I do if I believe my eviction was illegal?
   Collect all documents and contact Legal Aid Ontario or a community legal clinic right away. You may be able to apply to the LTB for compensation or review of the landlord’s actions.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Legal aid and community clinics offer free help after eviction—reach out as soon as possible.
• The LTB provides official forms and can address unfair evictions or landlord disputes.
• Act quickly—deadlines for review or appeal are short after you leave your rental.

This summary should help you know where to turn next for fair treatment after eviction.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Legal Aid Ontario – Free legal advice and referrals for tenants
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Dispute resolution, forms, and tribunal information
• 211 Ontario – Community support, housing, and emergency shelter access

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the full Act here
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Official tribunal website
3. Legal Aid Ontario: How to apply for legal assistance

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