The team at the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights extends its sincere gratitude to Annie Hodgins as she concludes her thirteen-year tenure with the organization, most recently serving as Executive Director from 2022 to 2025. 

Annie began her tenure designing and leading core programs, including CCHR’s legal services and public education initiatives for renters. Under her leadership, these areas expanded substantially, deepening the organization’s capacity to support individuals and families facing eviction, housing instability, and discrimination. Throughout her work, she consistently emphasized community-informed, evidence-based approaches, ensuring that frontline realities shaped program design, research, and policy contributions. 

A strategic systems thinker, Annie worked to translate lived experiences of housing precarity into responsive programs, policy engagement, and collaborative initiatives that strengthened CCHR’s effectiveness and reach. Over the course of her tenure, she led and contributed to the development of numerous funded initiatives, securing more than $15 million in support while reinforcing the organization’s long-term sustainability and ability to serve renters across Canada. 

Throughout her career at CCHR, Annie demonstrated a deep commitment to values-driven leadership grounded in accountability, inclusion, and strong governance. She helped modernize internal policies, performance frameworks, and organizational systems to better reflect principles of fairness, and impact, supporting a resilient and mission-focused organization. 

As Executive Director, Annie provided executive oversight for a complex, multi-program portfolio of more than 20 integrated initiatives and an annual operating budget exceeding $3.2 million. During this period, CCHR continued its evolution from a primarily Ontario-based organization into a nationally recognized voice in housing rights, strengthening partnerships with governments, community organizations, funders, and sector stakeholders committed to advancing housing stability and eviction prevention. 

Importantly, Annie’s advocacy and leadership were informed by both professional expertise and lived experience, shaping a leadership approach grounded in empathy, equity, and a clear understanding of the disproportionate impact of housing insecurity on marginalized communities. This perspective contributed to her sustained focus on practical, rights-based solutions that prioritize dignity, stability, and access to safe housing. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Annie shared: 

“It has been a profound privilege to contribute to work that is ultimately about ensuring that everyone has a stable place to call home. Housing insecurity is one of the defining social challenges of our time, and meaningful progress requires sustained collaboration between communities, governments, and the non-profit sector. My commitment to housing justice has always been informed by both professional experience and lived awareness of how housing instability shapes people’s lives. I remain deeply grateful to the staff, partners, and communities whose insight, dedication, and lived expertise continue to drive this work forward.“

Annie’s leadership has left a lasting and meaningful contribution to CCHR’s mission, programs, and strategic direction, as well as to the broader housing rights landscape in Canada. On behalf of the organization, we extend our sincere appreciation for her years of dedicated service, thoughtful stewardship, and enduring commitment to advancing equitable access to housing. 

We wish Annie every success in her next chapter and are confident she will continue to make a significant contribution to housing policy, public interest leadership, and the collective effort to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. 

Thank you, Annie. 

5 Questions for Change is a monthly feature that brings you insights from the people at CCHR working on the frontlines every day to advance the right to housing. 

This month, we are talking to Ayesha Adamjee, Manager of Education and Community Initiatives

1. What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?

Security of tenure is the first big issue I see tenants struggling with. I see so many tenants who live in constant fear of eviction, or who have been evicted, often multiple times. In many cases, tenants have done nothing to warrant an eviction. Rather landlords would like to increase the profit from their investment and will file evictions for own use or extensive renovations. 

I’m also seeing more and more tenants who are exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This is usually when tenants share a kitchen or a bathroom with their landlord. I’ve had a few cases now where the landlord will learn about this exemption and make the unit look like it’s RTA-exempt. 

2. What are the most common questions or myths you hear from renters and service providers? 

The most common myth I see by far is that all lease clauses are valid. For example, many leases will include a clause that says that tenants are responsible for maintenance, or for putting a certain amount of money towards maintenance. I’ve seen leases that require tenants to move out at the end of the lease term, that says they’re not allowed guests or pets, and it’s important for tenants to know that you can’t “contract out” of your rights. This means that if your lease has a clause that conflicts with the law, it is invalid and unenforceable.  

3. What is one resource, either from CCHR or other sources, you find yourself referring people to most often – and why? 

I almost always have the Steps to Justice resources and guided pathways open. They are absolutely invaluable in helping tenants understand and enforce their rights. In today’s housing crisis, where most legal professionals are prioritizing evictions, the guided pathways are especially useful in making tenant applications accessible to tenants who can’t afford to hire a legal representative. 

4. If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be? 

Learn about your rights and share them with your community! So many landlords exploit tenants who don’t know their legal rights, or who are isolated from their communities. Since they control your housing, landlords are in a position of power over you. Knowledge is power and you are always going to be stronger together. My best advice is to get as organized and as educated as possible. 

5. What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR? 

We’ve all said that housing is a human right, and that everyone needs a safe place to call home. But housing for me goes so far beyond just someone’s home. Everything in a person’s life is completely dependent upon the adequacy of your housing. It’s impossible to be happy and healthy without a safe and well-maintained house. You can’t be expected to maintain a job if you don’t have a place to go home to at the end of the day.  When your rent is too expensive, it’s hard to afford groceries, gas or leisure activities. Without adequate and affordable housing, a person’s whole life falls apart. So to me, there is nothing more important than helping our community stay safely and securely housed. 

Note: The information provided in this message is legal information only. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact CCHR’s Legal Services team, a lawyer, or your local community Legal Aid clinic.

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The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the right to housing and supporting tenants across Canada, has launched its search for a new Executive Director. 

The posting is now available here: https://housingrightscanada.com/get-involved/join-us/work-with-us/

The Board has established a search committee to lead a comprehensive recruitment process and is seeking a leader who will build on CCHR’s mission and continue strengthening its programs, partnerships, and impact.  

The Board also announces with deep gratitude the departure of outgoing Executive Director Annie Hodgins. Annie is concluding a 13-year tenure with the organization after leading a significant phase of strategic growth and development. 

During Annie’s tenure at CCHR, the organization expanded from a small Ontario-based organization into a nationally recognized leader in housing rights, growing its budget five-fold, building new departments, and launching many new initiatives with national reach. Annie played a central role in this transformation, advancing the organization’s policy impact and systems-change work, strengthening community engagement and fundraising, and building institutional capacity and effectiveness. 

Annie is a trusted voice in the housing sector, who has worked closely with governments, funders, and community partners to advance systemic solutions and human rights-based approaches that promote housing security for all. She is widely respected for her strategic, collaborative leadership style, her commitment to evidence-based policy, and her ability to lead organizations through periods of growth and increasing complexity.  

The Board thanks Annie for her significant contributions and lasting impact on the organization and the sector and wishes her every success in her next chapter. We are confident she will continue to create significant social impact and foster a better Canada, where everyone has the right to housing. 

5 Questions for Change is a monthly feature that brings you insights from the people at CCHR working on the frontlines every day to advance the right to housing. 

This month, we are talking to Victoria Wan, a Lawyer from our Client Services team.

1. What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?

The two most common issues I see right now are Above Guideline Increase (AGI) applications and maintenance issues. I talk to tenants in Toronto due to our legal services program, but I know these two issues are common throughout Ontario.

AGI applications are based on circumstances where a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to raise the rent above the guideline amount. Each year, the Ontario government sets a “rent increase guideline”, which is the percentage that a landlord is allowed to increase the rent for rent-controlled units. Rent-controlled units are defined by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Maintenance issues within the rental unit or in the building are very common as well, especially for older buildings in Toronto and in Ontario. Always document and write to your landlord when you have a complaint about a maintenance issue. If the landlord is not responding, contact the Property Standards for your municipality, which is usually the phone number 311.

2. Is there a recent case or experience that stayed with you and what did it reveal about renters’ realities? 

In our current economic reality, an extreme rent increase is very difficult for renters. As I mentioned above regarding rent-controlled units, there are more and more rental units that do not have rent control. Rental units that are not rent controlled include new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and most new basement apartments that are occupied for the first time for residential purposes after November 15, 2018.

I worked on a case that involved an extremely high rent increase of $600 in one year, on top of a current monthly rent of $3,000. Because the rental home was newly constructed and rented for the first time around 2021, the landlord is legally permitted to increase the rent to any amount. Despite attempts to negotiate with the landlord, the landlord was not willing to permit a lower increase amount.

The problem is with the rent decontrol laws set by the Ontario government in 2018. If you disagree with these rent decontrol laws, talk to your Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament.

3. When you represent tenants at the LTB, what’s the most common misconception you encounter- either from renters or landlords? 

When I represent tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board, a common misconception that I see from landlords or their representatives are that tenants are trying to be “annoying” to landlords and their representatives. Standing up for your legal rights as a tenant is not “annoying.” Being able to know and enforce your tenant rights is part of advancing the human right to housing in Canada. We live in a real world, where there are real human beings and families struggle to pay rent and afford food for themselves and their family. Learn more about CCHR’s work on the right to housing in Canada here.

4. If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be? 

Learn your rights as a tenant in your province. Seek free legal advice on tenant rights where you can get it. Read the municipal and provincial websites with the summaries on your rights as a tenant. CCHR has a resource for renters facing eviction for each province and territory in Canada here: Resources for renters facing eviction – Canadian Centre for Housing Rights.

If you are lucky to have secure and safe housing, try to support other tenants who are facing difficult challenges.

5. What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR? 

I really do admire and appreciate my coworkers at CCHR, and I am inspired by the work they do to advance good housing policies and recommendations at every level of government. I am also driven by supporting affordable housing, and learning and working to find better solutions for renters in Ontario, and across the country. I hope to help in advancing the work for every Canadian to know that housing is a human right recognized by the United Nations.

Note: The information provided in this message is legal information only. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact CCHR’s Legal Services team, a lawyer, or your local community Legal Aid clinic.

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5 Questions for Change is a monthly feature that brings you insights from the people at CCHR working on the frontlines every day to advance the right to housing. 

This month, we are talking to Rose Vandermeer, Senior Engagement and Education Advisor.

1. What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?
   
   Beyond affordability, many renters are living in poorly maintained buildings with repair issues that go unresolved. At the same time, the legal system does not work well for tenants experiencing maintenance issues, with limited access to legal help, weak by-law enforcement, and long delays at the Landlord & Tenant Board for tenant applications. 
   
   2. What are the most common questions or myths you hear from renters and service providers? 
   
   A common misunderstanding is that tenants think they have to sign an agreement to end their tenancy (an N11) because the landlord tells them to. These forms are voluntary and should only be signed if the tenant actually wants to move out. Many tenants assume landlords or their agents are legal experts, but it’s important for tenants to understand their own rights and get legal advice before signing anything.  
   
   3. What is one resource, either from CCHR or other sources, you find yourself referring people to most often – and why? 
   
   Local legal clinics.
   Many people don’t realize that there is free legal help available for tenants throughout Ontario. Most of their services are for low-income people but usually any tenant can get legal information and that can really help in understanding and enforcing their rights!
   
   4. If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be? 
   
   If you can afford your current place, try your best not to move. Truly affordable rentals are disappearing fast, and finding another one can be extremely difficult. If your landlord tells you that you have to leave, get free legal advice before you do anything. 
   
   5. What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR? 
   
   I do this work because the stakes are incredibly high for renters. Most tenants have far fewer resources than landlords to enforce their rights, yet everyone needs a safe, stable home they can rely on. This is a human right. For landlords, housing is often an investment; for tenants, it is their lives. When things go wrong, tenants don’t just risk money, they can lose their homes, neighbourhoods, schools, support networks, and community. If we are going to let private capital supply housing, then we must also have people who stand up to capital in defence of human rights.
   

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5 Questions for Change is a monthly feature that brings you insights from the people at CCHR working on the frontlines every day to advance the right to housing. 

This month, we are talking to Julie Matheson, a Lawyer from our Client Services team.

1. What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?
   
   Many renters are concerned about the impact of Bill 60 on their rights as a tenant; the changes it will bring are largely geared towards tenants who have fallen into arrears, which is a position no one expects to be in, but is a very real threat for many people in this affordability crisis. Knowing that a landlord will be able to file for eviction just seven days after your rent is late is a very scary position when costs are rising and wages and benefits are not keeping up. 
   
   Similarly, Above Guideline Increases, or AGIs, are another threat to tenants being able to afford their rent, as the law permits landlords to pass on the cost of certain “capital expenditures” to tenants in rent-controlled buildings. This can feel very unfair to tenants, as they are already paying their rent, and the landlord is legally obligated to maintain their buildings. But with AGIs, landlords can get permission to raise the rent up to 9% over three years – on top of the guideline rent increase – which adds up quickly and drives rent prices up. 
   
   2. Is there a recent case or experience that stayed with you and what did it reveal about renters’ realities?  
   
   The Landlord and Tenant Board only has jurisdiction over tenancies that are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act – unfortunately, this category excludes some of the more vulnerable renters. A few different cases in recent months have involved situations where it was unclear whether the Act applied, or where the Landlord unfairly claimed it did not. This can be a complicated legal issue that needs to be determined by the Board based on the specific facts, but many renters unfortunately take their landlord’s claim that they are not a tenant as a fact without getting legal advice. If your landlord takes actions like moving in after you’ve already signed a lease; claiming to live with you while also living somewhere else; or starting to share the kitchen or bathroom with you when they never have before – get legal advice ASAP! 
   
   3. When you represent tenants at the LTB, what’s the most common misconception you encounter- either from renters or landlords? 
   
   I often see both landlords and tenants assuming that they can contract out of their rights under the RTA. But even if it’s in your lease, if a clause isn’t lawful – then it isn’t binding. Things like extra charges for roommates, illegal rent increases on rent-controlled units, pet prohibitions, or requirements that Tenants pay a fee for maintenance/repairs are not binding even if the parties sign a lease agreement that includes them. It’s always a good idea to seek legal advice before signing a lease that has clauses that aren’t legally allowed, or that otherwise makes you uncomfortable – but even if you have already signed it, it isn’t too late to get legal advice. It is still possible to fight back against many unfair rules, because the law is clear that you cannot sign away your rights. 
   
   4. If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be? 
   
   Document everything! And don’t wait until everything has gone wrong; even if everything is going well, it doesn’t hurt to keep a record of communications with your landlord about anything regarding your home. Consider keeping a running Google doc of dates, times, events, and even put in screenshots of any emails and texts as you go – if you need to organize evidence for a hearing later on, you’ll be in a much better position. If you think you might have to take legal action, get legal advice early to help narrow down what kind of evidence you should be gathering, and any other steps you can take to set yourself up for the best possible outcome.  
   
   5. What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR? 
   
   Housing is a human right, and working at an organization that truly practices that approach to housing is deeply rewarding. The law guarantees many rights to tenants, but the reality is that they are sometimes difficult to enforce. Having the ability to empower tenants with the information and advice that will help them be treated fairly is a responsibility and privilege that I greatly value. While not all cases can be winning cases, helping someone make sure that they have the best chance possible of keeping their tenancy or making sure their landlord follows the law is what motivates me to keep doing this work. 
   
   

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To mark National Housing Day, we’re launching 5 Questions for Change, a monthly feature that brings you insights from the people at CCHR working on the frontlines every day to advance the right to housing. 

This month, we’re talking with Brightson Okenwa, Senior Legal Education Specialist.

1. What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?
   
   Affordability and housing security: Across Ontario, rising rental prices are pushing many people to make difficult choices about where and how they live, often leading to overcrowded and less desirable housing arrangements such as rooming houses.  
   
   Many tenants experience ongoing insecurity due to the fear of eviction; particularly those who share kitchens or bathrooms with their landlords and are therefore not fully covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This lack of legal protection makes it hard to feel stable or safe in one’s home.  More broadly, renters often aren’t fully aware of their rights or where to seek support when common issues arise. These combined pressures highlight the importance of organizations like CCHR, which help tenants understand their rights, navigate housing challenges, and work toward secure, affordable housing. 
   
2. What are the most common questions or myths you hear from renters and service providers? 
   
   One of the most common myths I hear during most CCHR’s tenant training, is that “if I don’t have a written lease, I’m not protected under the Residential Tenancies Act.” (RTA) 
   
   In reality, a rental agreement does not have to be in writing to be legally valid. As long as a tenant is paying rent, not sharing the kitchen/bathroom with the landlord or the landlord’s family and has the landlord’s permission to occupy the unit, they are generally covered under the RTA and entitled to the same rights and protections as someone with a written lease. This includes rules around rent increases, eviction notices, and maintenance responsibilities. Many tenants/renters are unaware of this, which can lead to confusion and fear about their legal standing. Helping people understand that verbal or implied tenancies still carry legal protections is an important part of promoting housing stability and tenant confidence. 
   
3. What is one resource, either from CCHR or other sources, you find yourself referring people to most often – and why? 
   
   One of the most common resources I refer people to is CLEO’s Steps to Justice website which provides clear, step-by-step information about tenants’ rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act. It covers a wide range of topics: from rent increases and repairs to eviction notices to mention a few and helps in empowering renters to advocate for themselves, understand what protections apply to their situation, and seek fair outcomes when issues arise with their landlords. 
   
4. If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be?
   
   Stay informed and keep records! Knowing your rights is your strongest protection and documenting your interactions; like maintenance requests, or taking pictures, can make all the difference, if disputes arise. I’d also encourage renters to reach out for help early. CCHR and other housing advocacy organizations are ready to assist, but too often, people wait until a small issue becomes a crisis. You’re not alone in navigating the housing system, meaningful support, is out there!
   
5. What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR?
   
   I’m driven by the belief that housing is more than a basic need; it’s a foundation for dignity, security, and opportunity to thrive. Very often, I see how access to fair and stable housing transforms lives. Working at CCHR allows me to be part of that positive change; helping people understand their rights, challenge systemic barriers, and build stronger, more equitable communities. It’s deeply rewarding to know that CCHR’s work contributes to making “home” a reality for more people, especially those who are often marginalized or underserved.
   
   

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The Canadian Right to Housing Research Fellowship program supported two independent research projects led by Brittany Cormier and Monika Imeri. 

Between 2023-2024, the research fellows each examined a topic that aimed to advance understandings of the housing landscape in Canada – one in the Capital Region of Prince Edward Island, the other in Ottawa. The reports below present the findings and analysis from their projects. 

The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) was proud to provide ongoing research support to each fellow throughout the program. The fellowship program was funded by the P and L Odette Foundation, with additional support from the Safe and Affordable Place to Call Home project for the completion of Monika Imeri’s research. CCHR and the research fellows thank these funders and partners for their generous support. 

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Fellowship reports

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Learn more about the fellows

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