What is ACTO?
The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) is a specialty community legal clinic with a provincial mandate to advance and protect the interests of low-income tenants. We specialize in housing issues related to tenants in Ontario. Learn more about Our Work.
Is ACTO a government organization?
No. ACTO is a non-partisan and non-governmental advocacy organization. We are governed by an independent board of directors who are representatives of the communities we serve.
How is ACTO funded?
ACTO is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). LAO receives funds from Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney general under the Legal Aid Services Act. That law mandates LAO to “promote access to justice throughout Ontario for low-income individuals”. This is accomplished through funding poverty law services delivered through a network of 76 independent, community-based legal clinics. ACTO is one of those clinics.
Should I call ACTO if I’m having a problem with my landlord?
ACTO does not provide individual service to tenants. Some landlord problems can be dealt with by calling the office of your city or town. In some places, they can be reached by dialing 311. If you are a low-income tenant, contact your local legal clinic to see if they can provide free legal advice. Otherwise, if you need legal advice you should contact a lawyer or licensed paralegal.
How does ACTO decide which cases to take up?
ACTO focuses on systemic housing issues that affect tenants with low-incomes and people who are homeless. The cases we take are appeals and test cases. These cases are usually referred to ACTO by legal clinics and tenant/housing advocacy groups across Ontario. We do not provide direct services to tenants who contact the clinic.
Is ACTO hiring?
Please refer our Staff page to see current job openings at ACTO.
How can I support ACTO’s work?
We need your support to push for law reform in Ontario and in Canada. Check out our campaigns and Take Action today.
How can I stay informed about ACTO’s work?
Sign up to our email list to get updates about our work or to support our community campaigns.
I’ve joined ACTO’s email list. How can I update my contact information?
You can update your contact information on our secure form.
I have a complaint about ACTO and/or the Tenant Duty Counsel Program. Who do I send my complaints to?
We value your feedback about our services. If you have any complaints you wish to communicate to us, please first read the ACTO Complaint Policy and TDCP Complaint Policy. (both policies are PDF documents)
Then send us an email.