Cynthia Summers Commissioner, The Office of the Commissioner of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Integrity Impartiality Independence

Cynthia Summers Commissioner, The Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (“OCHE”)

Cynthia Summers Commissioner Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (“OCHE”)

What is the OCHE’s mandate?

• Eviction prevention for Senior and

Vulnerable TCHC tenants facing evictions due to arrears of rent

Which Vulnerable Citizens does the OCHE Serve?

• Seniors are defined as 59+
• Vulnerability is defined by the City of Toronto:

As the gap between the challenges a person faces and the resources they can access when facing those challenges. Vulnerability must be assessed in context – a person’s vulnerability or resilience will depend on their circumstances, environment and resources in the broadest sense.

The two roles of the OCHE

Auditing/Oversight:

• Audits TCHC on their Loss of Rent-Geared-to-Income

(“RGI”) subsidy and Arrears Collection Process to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary evictions Case Management:

• Provides Case Management to all Tenants referred to reach

a resolution to avoid eviction

More about the OCHE

• Reports directly to the TCHC Board of Directors
• Makes recommendations to TCHC regarding Eviction

Prevention processes and best practices

• Focuses on Natural Justice and Administrative Fairness
• Final safety net for TCHC’s most vulnerable tenants.

The OCHE Process

Referral Review Resolve

The OCHE Approach

Using Positive Messaging

Addressing Underlying Issues

Accessing External Funds

The OCHE Approach

Increase Financial Literacy Select Reasonable Repayment Amounts Use Positive Messaging Engage and Empower Tenants Employ Intensive & Focused Attention Address Underlying Issues Access External Funds Use Creative and Flexible Plans Provide Information to Tenants Involve Families for Assistance

The OCHE Approach Use Positive Messaging Engage and Empower Tenants Employ Intensive & Focused Attention Address Underlying Issues Access External Funds Use Creative and Flexible Plans Provide Information to Tenants Involve Families for Assistance Increase Financial Literacy Select Reasonable Repayment Amounts

Types of OCHE Resolutions

Local Repayment Agreements Loss of Subsidy Resolved Housing Stabilization Fund Referral to Support Services Access Discounted Services Increase Financial Literacy

OCHE 2017 at a glance

Loss of Subsidy audits

443

Engaged with

94.5%

• f Households

Brokered 160

Repayment Agreements

Only 5 Households Evicted Arrears Cases Referrals

359 895

Landlord Tenant Board (“LTB”) or Not?

• Working with the OCHE is voluntary
• Wanting their “day in court”
• Wanting to file a Tenant Application
• Unable to reach the Tenant
• Multiple failed resolutions
• And…

Recommended TCHC proceed with L1 Applications for

66

Households

What is the Landlord Tenant Board (“LTB”)?

A quasi-judicial tribunal which resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants. Role:

• Mediates and adjudicates disputes between landlords and tenants,

including eviction applications from TCHC and other housing providers

• Provides information to landlords and tenants about their rights and

responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (“RTA”)

OCHE can help at the LTB

When OCHE recommends proceeding with an L1 Application we recommend that Tenants:

• Contact the Local Legal Clinic
• Speak to Duty Counsel when attending the LTB
• Mediate with TCHC at the LTB

The Commissioner’s Recommendations Report is included in all L1 Applications submitted by TCHC to the LTB

How to contact the OCHE

Phone: 416-632-7999 E-mail: www. OCHE.ca In Person: 339 Bloor Street West Suite 221