I hear from many residents of London West who rent their homes and need help to keep their housing or to address issues. I have compiled information here that will help you to better understand your rights and what you can do when there are problems.
My staff is also available to help you access available resources and tools. Please contact my community office at 519-657-3120 or [email protected] if you need help. Please note than my office cannot offer legal advice or attend Landlord & Tenant Board hearings.
Quick Links to Tenant Resources
If you have a problem, the first thing you should do is contact your landlord and ask them to fix it. Many problems can be solved this way.
Steps to Justice
Steps to Justice provides easy to understand information about rights and responsibilities, and step-by-step guides to help you through landlord and tenant issues.
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (1-888-772-9277)
If you have already tried to resolve an issue with your landlord, and have not been able to, the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit may be able to help. You can call them at 1-888-772-9277. They will ask you questions about what is happening, and if it is illegal, they will contact your landlord to try to resolve it.
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Public Health inspectors can help if there are health hazards in your home. That may include not having safe drinking water, no heat, poor air quality, major pest infections, mould, or lead. If you have these issues and they are not fixed, contact the Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2300.
City of London Property Standards
Property Standards may be able to help if your building has safety or structural issues, like a leaky roof or broken windows, garbage issues, unsafe trees, pests, or no head, hydro and water. Contact 519-661-4660 or [email protected].
Landlord & Tenant Board
The Landlord & Tenant Board resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants. You can find information about its role and procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, on the LTB website.
Neighbourhood Legal Services
Neighbourhood Legal Services provides free legal services to low-income residents of London and Middlesex. You can reach them at 519-438-2890, or stop in to speak to Tenant Duty Counsel Wednesday mornings or on Thursdays and Fridays. This is a very popular service, and is first-come, first-serve.
Housing Stability Bank
The Housing Stability Bank offers financial assistance to low income Londoners to obtain and retain their housing and offers financial assistance to those at risk of homelessness to remain housed.
London Tenants' Association
The London Tenants' Association is a community organization that can help you learn how to organize your own neighbours.
Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing
Anova
Anova operates emergency shelters, second stage housing, transitional outreach and a telephone helpline for women and their children. If you are a woman in crisis, call Anova at 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576.
Emergency short-term shelter for abused women and their children:
- 450 Clarke Rd (at Dundas St)
- 101 Wellington Rd (at McClary Ave)
Anova also operates a rent-geared-to-income 25 unit apartment complex in South London offering housing to women and children who require safe, medium security housing. To inquire about applying for Second Stage Housing, call 519-642-3000.
Atlohsa Family Healing Services Zhaawanong Women’s Shelter
The Zhaawanong Women's Shelter at 256 Hill Street, London is a shelter for women and children belonging to the First Nations community who are at high risk of abuse in their family home. If you are in crisis, call 1-800-605-7477.
Men’s Mission
Operated by Mission Services of London, the Men's Mission at 459 York Street (York at Maitland) offers emergency shelter and transitional housing for homeless men 16 years and older. Daily registration begins at 3:30pm. 24-hour emergency admission is available. Call 519-672-8500.
Rotholme Women and Family Shelter
Operated by Mission Services of London, Rotholme at 42 Stanley Street (Stanley at Wharncliffe) is an emergency shelter for parents and their children, and homeless single women with no shelter options. Call 519-673-4114.
The Salvation Army, Centre of Hope
Shelter and short-term housing of up to one year (reviewed on a case-by-case basis) for single men and women 16 years and older. Services for residents include clinic, medication distribution, referrals, counselling, outreach, spiritual care, and case management. Food, clothing, and other material aid provided as necessary. Located at 281 Wellington St (at Horton St). Call 519-661-0343.
Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London
Emergency shelter and transitional housing for people 18 years and older. Services include food, clothing, crisis intervention, advocacy, and housing support. Daily 24-hour emergency admission. Located at 717 Dundas St E (at Lyle St). Call 519-433-8700 ext. 0