The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario
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. ACTO advances tenant rights through legal services, law reform, public legal education and community engagement.
Tenant Duty Counsel
Through the Tenant Duty Counsel Program, ACTO provides legal services to unrepresented tenants on the day of their digital hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)
The Low Income Energy Network (LIEN) is a joint program of ACTO and the Canadian Environmental Law Association. LIEN ensures low income Ontarians have access to adequate and affordable energy by promoting programs and policies that address energy poverty.
Your Way Forward
As part of the Your Way Forward project, ACTO provides legal services, case management and limited counselling to tenants experiencing housing legal issues as a result of gender based violence (GBV). To access our services, tenants must be referred to us by community agencies providing services to survivors of GBV.
Mission
ACTO works for the advancement of human rights and justice in housing for low- income Ontarians through legal advice & representation, law reform, community organizing, training and education.
Vision
Our vision is safe, well-maintained, secure and affordable housing for all Ontarians.
Values
Our choices and actions are informed by the principles of human rights and social justice. Our work is guided by the following values:
Transparency, Accessibility,
Collaboration, Accountability
Publications
Learn about ACTO’s legal and law reform work, and access our complete document library of publications, fact sheets, and reports.
Stay in the know!
Keep up with the latest in housing & human rights for renters in Ontario.
Join our newsletter
Take action
Ever wanted to join a Tenants Association? Curious about common issues with rental units, and what you can do to solve problems? Take action today and exercise your legal rights as a renter.
Board of Directors
ACTO is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Directors on ACTO’s Board come from communities across Ontario which includes tenants with low incomes, tenant advocates, staff from other community legal clinics and community organizers.
We welcome social justice and housing advocacy groups to participate in our work as Associate Members. If you are interested, please write to us using the contact form.