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Rent Arrears and Collection

Resolving Rent Arrears and Collection Disputes

Rent arrears and collection disputes strain landlord and tenant relationships and often create significant financial pressure on both sides. We act in these matters for landlords and tenants alike.

For landlords, we assist in recovering unpaid rent through negotiation, mediation, or an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board, ensuring that all procedures comply with the Residential Tenancies Act. The goal is to resolve arrears with minimal disruption to your property management.

For tenants, we provide a defence against claims of rent arrears that are inaccurate or improperly brought, and help you navigate the process so that your position is properly put before the Board.

Arrears cases frequently turn on records. Where documentation is informal or incomplete, the evidence needs assembling before an application is filed rather than after.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my tenant is consistently late with rent payments?

If a tenant consistently pays rent late, you may serve a Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent (Form N4). If the issue persists, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to collect the arrears or terminate the tenancy.

Can a landlord charge interest on late rent payments?

No. In Ontario, landlords cannot charge interest or late fees on overdue rent. A landlord can, however, seek an eviction order or payment of arrears through the Landlord and Tenant Board where a tenant repeatedly fails to pay rent on time.

What are my options if my tenant refuses to pay rent?

Where a tenant refuses to pay, the landlord can issue a Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent (Form N4). If the tenant still does not pay, the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an eviction order and a judgment for the unpaid rent.

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The initial assessment is free. Fixed-fee options are available where the matter allows.

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