Information for Tenants Affected by the Fire at 11 Thorncliffe Park Drive and 21 Overlea Blvd
The following is from Don Valley Community Legal Services (DVCLS). It is information only, not legal advice.
Questions about Insurance
- If you have questions regarding your home, condo, or tenant insurance, please contact your insurance company directly.
- Please note DVCLS does not practice insurance law, and we do not provide legal advice on real estate law, condominium law, and insurance law matters.
- The Insurance Bureau of Canada Consumer Information Centre can help address consumers’ general questions about their home, business or vehicle insurance policies. This includes questions about additional living expenses for those who have been displaced. Call 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or email ONCIC@ibc.ca. Read IBC’s update here.
Information for Condo Owners
- If you own your condo unit (not a renter), please contact your Condo Board of Directors. DVCLS is not able to provide legal advice or representation.
- The Condominium Authority of Ontario states:
“Responsibilities for repairing damage to units and common elements depend on what is outlined in the Condominium Act and the condo corporation’s governing documents. Understanding the definitions of a standard unit and common elements is particularly important because of insurance implications.” - Please check with the Condominium Authority of Ontario for more information.
www.condoauthorityontario.ca
Information for Tenants (you rent from a condo owner)
- If you have access to your unit, take photos of your unit and items that have been damaged or need to be replaced.
- Keep a written record and receipts of your out-of-pocket expenses, such as accommodations, storage, and items you have had to replace.
- Pay your monthly rent in full and on time, as you are still considered responsible for monthly rent even in incidents of fire or damage to your unit.
- If you think you may struggle to pay your rent in full and on time, then consider getting your landlord’s consent in writing to stop or defer your rent payments.
- Remember that you must have written confirmation from your landlord to stop or defer your rent payments. If not, your landlord could file for eviction for rental arrears.
- Your landlord is responsible for repairing your unit and providing you with alternate accommodation. Since this may take time, consider writing to your landlord to ask them for a timeline for repairs, to request a pause in your rent payments, and to either be reimbursed for or provided with alternate accommodation.
- If your landlord does not repair your unit or provide you with alternative accommodation, you may be able to file a Tenant Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to re-coup these costs. Please note DVCLS does not assist with Tenant Applications.
- If you have tenant insurance, contact your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers. This could potentially assist you with your out-of-pocket costs.
Other Resources
City of Toronto
For information on City of Toronto Services, please contact 311 or your local City Councillor.
Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin
Telephone: 416-395-6408
Email: Councillor_ChernosLin@toronto.ca
Steps to Justice – Housing Law
The Steps to Justice website is run by CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario) has step-by-step legal information for tenants.
www.stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/housing-law
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU)
The RHEU is part of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Its job is to try to make sure landlords and tenants follow the law. If you believe your landlord has broken a rule under the Residential Tenancies Act, call the RHEU at 416-585-7214 or toll-free at 1-888-772-9277.
www.ontario.ca/page/solve-disagreement-your-landlord-or-tenant
Toronto Rent Bank
Toronto Rent Bank provides grants to eligible residents who are behind on their rent or need help with a rental deposit.
Call the Rent Bank at 416-397-RENT (7368)
www.toronto.ca/RentBank
Don Valley Community Legal Services
We are a community legal clinic funded be Legal Aid Ontario. Our services are free. We handle housing law for tenants only (not landlords or homeowners). If you are facing eviction or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. Due to the high volume of calls we receive, you will be asked to leave a message – you will not get a live person. Our Intake Team will call you back within 3 business days. Please check our website for information on our hours.
www.DonValleyLegal.ca