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 Ademofe Oye-Adeniran, Legal Services Team Lead at CCHR, who shares what she’s seeing, learning, and tackling in her work.
- What are two issues you see renters struggling with most right now?
The first issue is navigating the legal system. Many tenants do not know what their rights are or how to enforce them, and the LTB process can feel overwhelming, especially for those without legal representation. Even when tenants understand that they have rights, the process of asserting those rights can be complicated and intimidating. The second issue is affordability and housing security. We are seeing how affordability pressures are impacting almost every area of tenancy law, from Above Guideline Increase applications to eviction matters. Whether through rent increases, renovictions, or eviction proceedings, tenants are often struggling to maintain their homes in a market where finding another affordable place to live can be nearly impossible. However, when housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, tenants are forced to make difficult choices about whether they can remain in their homes and whether their current living situation continues to meet their needs. - Is there a recent case or experience that stayed with you and what did it reveal about renters’ realities?
Participating as a technical advisor at an international housing rights workshop in Uganda is an experience that has stayed with me. I had the opportunity to discuss Canada’s housing rights framework and the role that international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, play in shaping domestic protections. Many of the challenges facing renters were similar to the challenges renters face in Canada. Across countries, tenants often struggle to access legal information, navigate complex legal systems, and enforce their rights. The experience reinforced that housing is a universal human right and highlighted the importance of ensuring that international human rights commitments are translated into meaningful protections that people can actually rely on in their daily lives. - When you represent tenants at the LTB, what’s the most common misconception you encounter- either from renters or landlords?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that an informal letter or a notice to terminate a tenancy means a tenant has to move out immediately. A notice is simply the first step in a legal process. Many renters don’t realize they have the opportunity to challenge the application or seek legal advice before making a decision. - If you could offer one piece of advice to renters across the country, what would it be?
Know your rights before making any major decisions about your tenancy. Don’t assume that a notice from your landlord means you have no options. Seek legal advice early, keep records of your communications and documents, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Accessing information early can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. - What drives you to do the work you do at CCHR?
What drives me is knowing that, in times of crisis, when people feel overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of where to turn, I can use my legal expertise to provide guidance and advocate on their behalf. My commitment to this work comes from my understanding that housing is fundamental to a person’s dignity, stability, and well-being, and that it is a right recognized under international human rights law. I’ve seen how effective legal advocacy can change the outcome for an individual tenant, but I’ve also seen how strategic litigation and law reform can strengthen protections for thousands of renters. Being able to contribute at both levels, supporting individuals while advancing broader systemic change, is what makes this work so rewarding.
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.