Paying Rent

Your lease should state when rent is due, usually the 1st of the month. Tenants are required to pay rent in full and on time. If you do not pay your rent in full, the landlord can apply for an Eviction Order. More information in Ending a Tenancy.

If you do not pay your rent on time, the landlord can charge you a late penalty – but only if your lease states that there is a penalty for late rent and how much the penalty is. A late payment penalty can’t be more than 1% of the total rent you pay each month.

You must pay rent by one of the methods listed in your lease. Even though cash is legal tender, if it’s not listed as a method of paying rent your landlord does not have to accept it. Your landlord can only change these methods (e.g. switch from paying by cheque to paying by EFT or through the company payment portal) by giving you 4 months’ notice of a change in rules. More information on change of rules here.

    • Do not pay your rent in cash. Even if you get a receipt, it's hard to prove that the money actually went to your landlord.

    • There is no legal framework for tenants to withhold their rent, even if they have good reason. Always pay your rent on time and in full to avoid being evicted.

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