Toronto Tenant Support Program (City-funded free legal help for renters)

Current City funding term runs April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.

The City funds free legal advice and representation for Toronto renters facing no-fault evictions (N12 or N13 notices), above-guideline rent increases or repair problems, delivered by the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR), with tenant information from FMTA and CICS.

For: Tenants, tenant groups and tenant associations in private-market rental housing in Toronto; CCHR lawyers help renters in Toronto and York Region who meet CCHR's eligibility criteria.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR, formerly CERA)

Founded 1987 as the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation and renamed in 2022; provides free legal information and referrals to Ontario renters, legal advice/representation for Toronto and York Region tenants (evictions, rent increases, maintenance, rooming houses), and self-advocacy guidance on housing discrimination. Intake is by online form, response within 3 business days, no in-person meetings.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA) - Tenant Hotline

Free tenant-rights counselling hotline for Toronto tenants (weekdays 8:30-6, Saturdays 9-4) explaining what the law says and what options exist (not legal advice), plus an Outreach & Organizing team that helps tenants start building associations.

Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Housing Help Centres (find yours on the City of Toronto Housing Help map)

Community agencies across Toronto that help renters find and keep housing, with help on housing applications, eviction prevention and free legal advice; the City's online map shows the ones near you.

For: Toronto renters and people looking for a place to rent who need help finding housing or are at risk of losing their home.

Toronto · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)

Ontario's adjudicative tribunal for disputes between landlords and tenants (and co-op occupancy) under the Residential Tenancies Act; applications are filed through the Tribunals Ontario Portal. Process changes tied to RTA amendments took effect July 1 and September 21, 2026.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Legal Aid Ontario - Community Legal Clinics

Network of LAO-funded community legal clinics giving free legal help to low-income Ontarians on housing, income support, workers' rights, human rights and immigration; find yours by postal code.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Steps to Justice (CLEO)

CLEO's free step-by-step legal information site for Ontario (17+ topics, guided pathways) with a live-chat help option; not legal advice.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (report a scam or fraud)

The federal centre that takes reports of fraud, scams and cybercrime, from victims and from people who saw it happen.

For: Anyone in Canada who was targeted by a scam, fraud or cybercrime, or who saw one.

Canada-wide · checked 3 October 2026 · everything we know

Law Society Referral Service (Law Society of Ontario)

The Law Society of Ontario's referral service that gives a lawyer or paralegal name and a free consultation of up to 30 minutes by phone or in person.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Pro Bono Ontario Free Legal Advice Hotline

Ongoing; phone Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (powers of attorney mornings only, 9–1)

A phone hotline staffed by volunteer lawyers offering up to 30 minutes of free legal advice, Monday to Friday 9–5; no family, immigration or criminal law.

For: Ontarians who cannot afford a lawyer and have a civil law problem (court process, appeals, employment, consumer/debt, housing, small business/non-profit corporate matters, powers of attorney).

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know

Tenant Duty Counsel Program (ACTO, funded by Legal Aid Ontario)

Sign up as soon as you get your Notice of Hearing, before the hearing date.

Free legal advice, by phone or online, for tenants who have a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing and no lawyer, given before or on the day of the hearing.

For: Tenants in Toronto and the rest of Ontario who have received a Notice of Hearing from the Landlord and Tenant Board and have no lawyer or paralegal; priority goes to tenants facing eviction.

Ontario-wide · checked 2 October 2026 · everything we know

Law Society Referral Service (LSRS) – free half-hour lawyer consultation

Ongoing; online request form any time, phone Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm

The Law Society of Ontario's referral line: request online or by phone and receive the name of a lawyer or paralegal who will provide up to a half-hour free consultation.

For: Ontario residents with a legal question who want a referral to a lawyer or paralegal.

Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know