April 1 is fast approaching and for many Londoners the ability to pay rent during this uncertain time is a source of stress and anxiety. Below is some information and resources that may help renters navigate these challenging times.
Do I Have to Pay My Rent?
The Government of Canada is calling on landlords to be as flexible as possible when it comes to collecting rents for April, as well as rethinking any planned rent increases, whether approved by the Landlord and Tenant board or not, during this time. It is important that tenants try and pay their rent if they can as it supports keeping buildings operational, clean and safe.
However; if you are a tenant struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 emergency, there are some options for you:
- Reach out to your landlord and/ or property manager by phone or online (to respect physical distancing) and explain your situation.
- Offer to pay what you can, if possible.
- Ask about government programs you might qualify for, and for the remainder, discuss a plan for how you can repay over time.
If I Can’t Pay, Will I Be Evicted?
The Provincial Government has indicated that they will work, to the best of their abilities, to ensure renters can stay in their homes during this time.
It is important to note that the Provincial Landlord and Tenant Board is not issuing any eviction orders and the Province has instructed the Sherriff’s office not to enforce any eviction orders that were issued but not enforced before the pandemic began.
Tenants can contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU) if they have been locked out of their unit or are being threatened with such an action.
The RHEU can be reached by:
Telephone: 1-888-772-9277
Email: MHO.RHEU.Info@Ontario.ca
Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/solve-disagreement-your-landlord-or-tenant
Who Can I Call or Email for Additional Support?
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit:
Telephone: 1-888-772-9277
Email: MOH.RHEU.info@Ontario.ca
Neighbourhood Legal Services:
Telephone: (519) 438 – 2890
Email: info@nlslm.com
Website: https://nlslm.com/
City of London Housing Services Division (Housing Access Centre):
Telephone: (519) 661-0861
Email: hac@london.ca
Website: http://www.london.ca/residents/Housing/Pages/default.aspx