Every landlord will expect a tenant to pay their rent on time. Paying rent by post-dated cheques is convenient; however it is illegal for the landlord to demand this form of payment in some provinces.
In the event the tenant faces money problems, you might find your landlord to be understanding and help you from time to time; however tenants can face serious legal implications for failing to pay rent.
If you are constantly late in making your payments, it might force the landlord to seek compensation for that loss through courts, and they may proceed with eviction. Further problems with paying your rent can even harm your credit rating and references.
You rent is due on the actual day stipulated in the rental agreement, and your rent is considered late on the day after it is due.
It is the tenant’s best interest to pay the rent on time, because frequent late payments are grounds for non-renewal of a rental agreement.
If you run into financial difficulties, you can possibly get help from a local rent bank.
When tenants do not pay their rent, a landlord has the right to give them a notice to move. In most provinces, the landlord can give this notice as soon as the rent is late, and in others, after a 3-day grace period.
A notice of non-payment of rent must include: the amount of rent that the tenant owes, the date the tenant is to move out, and the statement that says the tenant can disagree with the landlord’s notice.
In the event the tenant does not move, or pay the rent, the landlord can request help from the provincial or territorial rental authority to order the tenant to move.
To make it simple, make your payments on time and in full, and you will not see yourself with these problems.
Heleen Jacobsen
Broker of Record with InfoMarket Group GMAC Real Estate
www.infomarketgroup.com
