Resources for Tenants
On the municipal website you can access a range of materials, supports, phone numbers and programs aimed at supporting Hamiltonian tenant needs. This website also houses the Tenant Guide and additional resources needed to manage tenant landlord disputes and other materials that may be useful.
The HCLC or Hamilton Community Legal Clinic supports and advocates for Hamiltonians across multiple legal requirements. One of the many things that they seek to provide is assistance in the fight for Tenants Rights. Through their portal attached below you can access legal support and services, garner tips on how to protect yourself, and get connected with other useful programs and tools throughout the city. https://hamiltonjustice.ca/en/services/housing-rights/.
A support group, ACORN is in charge of the new TSP (Tenant Support Program) that is available in the city. The program is dedicated to four main pillars or areas of support which include helping individuals stay housed, prevent possible eviction, support their case at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and reduce opportunities for the occurrence of homelessness. The website can also connect tenants with other important supports available throughout the city. https://acorncanada.org/hamilton-tenant-support-program/
The Housing Help Centre in Hamilton is dedicated to supporting at risk and currently unhoused population in Hamilton. Through one on one meetings Housing Help Centre Hamilton helps constituents find and maintain housing, access subsidized and supportive housing, prevent evictions, and learn about tenant rights. Some other things they can assist with include Financial Assistance Programs, Ontario Electricity Support, and Issues for things such as Unlawful Eviction or Issues with Bed Bugs. https://www.housinghelpcentre.ca/financial-portal.html.
Hamilton By-law is in charge of adjudicating or determining the breach of law related to tenants rights. In order to be more aware of what laws are in place relating to housing and tenants rights navigate to the following page. https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/by-laws-enforcement.
The ACTO or Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario provides support at the provincial level for tenant needs. Through their online portal tenants can access the Tenant Duty Counsel Program, Tenant Rights, as well as key information and updates on Housing Laws at the provincial level. https://www.acto.ca/
The HSP and HEF are two separate resources dedicated to the active support of tenants rights in Hamilton. The HSP or Housing Support Program links tenants with different groups and supports available throughout the city including Tenant Services Coordinators and Food Security supports https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/cityhousing-hamilton/tenants/housing-support-programs. The HEF or Housing Emergency Fund supports the Ontario Support Disability recipients and low income groups maintain their existing housing or in the establishment of a new permanent residence. The application and supports connected to it can be found here – https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/housing-shelter/housing-supports/housing-emergency-fund
The COHB or Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit provides direct, monthly benefit to eligible households in support of paying their rent. Currently this resource is not open to the public and is being targeted at persons who experience chronic homelessness, are victims of abuse and in households whose housing allowances are ending. If you are one of these groups please follow the link to find what resources need to be prepared in order to submit an application. https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/housing-shelter/housing-supports/canada-ontario-housing-benefit
The CCHR or Canadian Centre for Housing Rights is a national support for Housing and Tenants Rights. This high level website is dedicated to supporting tenants rights across the geographical spectrum. Clear linkages to research, policy advocacy, and other recommendations are available. For Hamiltonians seeking direct support this would be a potential final space of access following the materials already listed above. For those wishing to support and act as an advocate for others this website offers way to get involved and stay informed. https://housingrightscanada.com/
Hamilton Tenant Resources 