UPDATE: On June 2, 2021, the stay-at-home order was lifted and the enforcement of evictions in Ontario resumed.
On January 13, 2021 the Ontario government announced a temporary pause on evictions that will be in effect for the duration of the current state of emergency.
This is a key relief for tenants in Ontario, as thousands have lost jobs and incomes since the start of the pandemic and have been struggling to pay rent for months.
This pause on evictions is a temporary measure. Sign up to receive our emails and we will update you about future changes to eviction processes in Ontario.
Here is what Ontario tenants need to know about evictions during the current state of emergency:
1. There is a pause on evictions
As of January 13, 2021, most residential evictions have been paused. This includes evictions that were ordered before January 13th, but not yet carried out.
2. Landlords can continue to give tenants eviction notices
Your landlord can still give you an eviction notice during the state of emergency. This includes if you are unable to pay your rent or if you do not pay your rent.
➤ What to do if you receive an eviction notice:
- You do not have to move out if you receive an eviction notice
- Seek support and advice from:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
- Call: 1-800-263-1139 or 416-944-0087
- Email: cera@equalityrights.org
- A Legal Clinic or Tenant Duty Counsel
- Steps to Justice:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
3. The Landlord and Tenant Board will continue to hold eviction hearings
The Landlord and Tenant Board will continue to schedule and hold eviction hearings throughout the state of emergency. This includes eviction hearings for tenants who are unable to pay their rent.
What to do if you have an eviction hearing:
- You must attend your eviction hearing, even if the eviction hearing is scheduled to take place during the state of emergency.
- Seek support and advice from:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
- Call: 1-800-263-1139 or 416-944-0087
- Email: cera@equalityrights.org
- A Legal Clinic or Tenant Duty Counsel
- Steps to Justice:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
4. The Landlord and Tenant Board will continue to issue eviction orders
The Landlord and Tenant Board will continue to issue eviction orders throughout the state of emergency. This includes eviction orders that can be issued without a hearing taking place at the Landlord and Tenant Board. This means you might receive an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board, even during the state of emergency.
What to do if you receive an eviction order:
- You do not have to move out and your landlord cannot force you to leave or change your locks. Only a Sherriff can evict you and change your locks.
- Seek support and advice from:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
- Call: 1-800-263-1139 or 416-944-0087
- Email: cera@equalityrights.org
- A Legal Clinic or Tenant Duty Counsel
- Steps to Justice:
- CERA’s Tenant Hotline:
Additional information:
- COVID-19 information for renters: income support, financial aid, changes to housing laws and procedures, food services, and mental health services.
- Renting changes during COVID-19 – from the Ontario Government
- Operational updates to the Landlord and Tenant Board