3. Get help
Question and answer
What can happen if I do not pay my rent on time?Get help paying rent
If you can usually pay your rent but you're having a problem right now, you might be able to get help from organizations in your community.
Some communities have rent banks that lend people money to help pay their rent. Rent banks do not charge any fees or for these loans. For more information about rent banks, contact your local housing help centre.
Rent banks might also have other rules. For example, some rent banks are not available to people who have rent. And you cannot use the rent bank program if more than half your income is from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works (OW).
Ask your ODSP or OW worker what other help is available. If you owe a small amount of rent, you might be able to get help from other programs that try to help people keep their homes. These are sometimes called homelessness prevention programs. Call 211 or check the 211 website to find programs in your area.
Get legal help
It's always best to get legal advice about eviction problems.
If you have a low income, contact your local community legal clinic. Be sure to tell the clinic if you have an eviction hearing scheduled.
If you cannot get help from a community legal clinic, you can call Pro Bono Ontario's Free Legal Advice Hotline. Or you can contact the Law Society Referral Service for a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer or paralegal.
You can also contact JusticeNet, a non-profit organization that can connect you with a lawyer or paralegal who has agreed to work for reduced fees.