Safe Housing for Youth: Understanding Your Options and Rights - Youth Services Jeunesse (original) (raw)

For many young people, safe and stable housing can be a significant challenge, especially for those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe environments. In Ottawa, housing insecurity continues to affect youth, but knowing your options and understanding your rights can help you navigate these challenges. At the Youth Services Bureau (YSB), we’re committed to supporting at-risk youth with resources and services to find safe, secure housing and understand their rights as tenants.

Why housing is a critical issue for youth

Housing insecurity can have a profound effect on a young person’s mental health, education, and overall well-being. According to recent data, more than 7,000 youth in Canada experience homelessness on any given night. The reasons for homelessness vary, from family conflict to mental health or addiction issues. Finding safe housing is a basic necessity that every young person deserves.

In Ottawa, youth face specific challenges when it comes to finding affordable, safe housing, whether it’s navigating complex rental markets or dealing with people who don’t want to rent to youth. YSB works to provide options for at-risk youth by offering transitional and emergency housing options tailored to their needs.

YSB housing services: how we can help

YSB offers a range of community and housing services to help youth who are struggling to meet some of their basic needs. We are here to help them feel safe and cared for. YSB community services are designed to provide food, shelter, safety, health services — and a sense of belonging — for those who otherwise might go without. These services include:

• Emergency youth shelters: YSB operates 24/7 shelters that provide immediate, safe housing for youth in need, offering temporary refuge and essential services.
• Transitional housing: Our transitional housing programs provide a safe place to stay with semi-independent, supportive, affordable bachelor apartments for up to one year. Our staff provides support through goal planning, crisis counselling, life skills, referrals and connections to community resources.
• Long-term housing programs: The program offers participants affordable housing and the support and services required to transition to fully independent living. Each tenant has a housing-based case manager. Counsellors offer aid in achieving personal goals, like attending school or finding a job.
• Downtown Services and Drop‑in: The Downtown Services and Drop‑in provides a safe and welcoming place for youth living on the streets or in poverty. Open 365 days a year, youth can access a full range of services to help them address whatever challenges they face.
• Housing Plus Services and Trusteeship: Through Housing Services, youth learn how to search for housing effectively. They access current rental listings, make inquiries by phone, and receive help with subsidized housing applications. Most importantly, they get one-on-one support to understand tenant rights and responsibilities and to develop skills to avoid eviction.

Your rights as a tenant

If you’re moving into your first apartment or navigating housing on your own, it’s important to understand your rights as a tenant in Ontario:

1. Right to a safe and clean home: Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your home meets health and safety standards, including proper maintenance and repairs.
2. Right to privacy: Your landlord must give you a written notice of entry at least 24 hours before entering your unit, except in emergencies.
3. Right to fair treatment: Discrimination by a landlord based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected category is illegal under Ontario law.

For more detailed information on tenant rights in Ontario, you can visit the Landlord and Tenant Board’s website .

What to do if you’re in an unsafe housing situation

If you find yourself in an unsafe housing situation, either due to health hazards, eviction threats, or feeling at risk of harm, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. YSB can help you understand your options and connect you to emergency shelter services or transitional housing programs.

We are here to ensure every young person has access to safe, stable housing and the tools they need to succeed.

Questions? We’re here to help

Do you have questions about your housing situation or want to learn more about your rights as a tenant? Feel free to contact YSB’s community housing services for assistance or explore our resources online at ysb.ca/services/community-and-housing-services/.

References

Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (2023). Youth Homelessness Overview. Homeless Hub. Retrieved from https://homelesshub.ca/book/youth-employment-toolkit/overview/youth-homelessness-overview/

Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. (2024). Tenant Rights. Tribunals Ontario. Retrieved from https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Interpretation%20Guidelines/06%20-%20Tenants%20Rights.html

Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. (2024). Community and Housing Services. YSB. Retrieved from https://www.ysb.ca/services/community-and-housing-services/

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