Rent Arrears Collection in Ontario
Recover unpaid rent — the legal way.
Late or missed rent doesn’t have to mean lost income. Ontario landlords have clear legal tools to recover unpaid rent — whether the tenant remains in the unit or has moved out. We guide you through the right process at the right time, helping you recover what you’re owed while protecting your rights and your investment.
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What is “Rent Arrears” Under the RTA?
Rent arrears are simply unpaid rent that a tenant owes — money that should have been paid by a specific date but wasn’t.
Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords can legally pursue these unpaid amounts through several forms with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
It’s important to follow the correct process: serve notices properly, file the right application, show your evidence, and (if needed) enforce the order.
Doing this wrong can delay or even nullify your claim.
Your Collection Options: Which LTB Application to Use
| Tenant Status | What Application to File | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant still in unit, you want to collect arrears and evict if not paid | L1 Application(but serve Form N4 first) | If the tenant does not pay within the notice period, you can apply for an eviction order and an order to collect the rent owed. |
| Tenant still in unit, but you want to collect arrears only | L9 Application | Allows you to obtain an order requiring the tenant to pay the rent owed, while the tenancy continues if they comply. |
| Tenant has moved out (after Sept. 1, 2021) and still owes rent or damages | L10 Application to Collect Money a Former Tenant Owes | Lets you collect arrears, unpaid utilities (if flat rate), and damages. Must be filed within 1 year of the tenant moving out. |
Key Rules & Deadlines You Can’t Ignored
When using Form N4, you must give the tenant a termination date:
- If rent is monthly (or more than monthly lease), the N4 notice must allow 14 days before that termination date.
- If rent is weekly or daily, at least 7 days notice.
- You cannot file the corresponding L1 application until after the termination date has passed.
- For former tenants (L10), you have one year from the date the tenant moved out (if that was Sept. 1, 2021 or later) to file your application.
What You’ll Need:
Evidence & Supporting Docs
To be successful, your case must be well‑supported:
- A Copy of the lease / tenancy agreement showing rent amount, due dates, and obligations.
- The N4 notice: how much is owed, termination date, method of service.
- Records of rent payments / arrears: bank transfers, receipts, ledger.
- Any utility bills, damage costs, or other “costs owed” if applicable (e.g. if tenant owes more than just rent).
- For former tenants: proof when they moved out; current address; how attempts to serve the documents were done.
What Happens At the LTB Hearing?
- Once you file the app, a Notice of Hearing is sent to the tenant (or former tenant).
- You must present your case: show how much is owed, how notices were served, and why the amount is valid.
- Tenant will have a chance to raise defences (e.g. amount claimed is wrong, proper notice not given, issues with condition of unit, etc.).
- The LTB Member issues an order: can require arrears to be paid, can cancel or reduce what you requested; in L1 applications you may also get eviction if tenant doesn’t comply.
Ready to Recover What You’re Owed?
Don’t Leave Your Unpaid Rent Hanging.
With our paralegal expertise, you can:
- Get the right forms filed correctly.
- Maximize the chances the LTB order is enforced.
- Save time, avoid costly mistakes.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your rent arrears situation.
Enforcing the Order and Collections After Winning
Getting the order is only half the battle.
Here are enforcement tools:
- Use the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff) to enforce the LTB order if tenant doesn’t pay.
- Garnishment (wages or bank accounts), seizure of assets, or placing liens (depending on what’s available).
- Reporting arrears or judgment to credit bureaus. (Does not replace legal order, but can put pressure on tenant).
How Cordaie Paralegal Services Can Help You
We’ll ensure your rent arrears claim is strong, correct, and enforceable:
- Assess which application fits your situation.
- Prepare and serve N4 notice properly.
- Assemble all your evidence: lease, payment records, arrears ledger, utility bills, etc.
- Represent you or guide you through the LTB hearing process.
- Help with enforcement after the order is granted.
“I recently used Damian for his L&T services. He offers services at a very reasonable cost in comparison to other paralegals. He is very knowledgeable, professional and responds quickly (even responded to my email on a Saturday evening). I have already referred him to a friend and will continue referring him going forward. Extremely satisfied with Damian and everything he did for me.”
Melissa E., Former Client
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Proudly Serving Landlords Across Ontario
Whether you’re a landlord in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, or anywhere in between — Cordaie Paralegal Services is here to help.
We proudly represent landlords in every corner of Ontario, offering expert legal support for eviction cases, rent arrears, and all Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) matters.
With secure virtual consultations and fast communication, you can get the same dedicated, professional service no matter where you live or manage property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Arrears and LTB Applications
We know the rent arrears process can feel overwhelming — especially with strict rules, forms, and deadlines under Ontario’s
Residential Tenancies Act.
To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions landlords ask about recovering unpaid rent, filing the right LTB application, and enforcing orders after winning your case.
Don’t see your exact situation here?
Every case is unique — we’re happy to review yours personally and guide you step-by-step.
1. Can I start eviction immediately for unpaid rent?
Not without following the legal process.
You must serve a valid N4 notice, wait until the termination date, then if not paid you may file the appropriate LTB application to seek eviction and arrears.
2. What if the tenant moves out without paying?
You can use the appropriate application (if they moved out on or after Sept. 1, 2021) to collect what is owed, but you must do it within one year.
Otherwise, you would have to pursue the debt owing through Small Claims Court.
⚠️Important: Limitations also apply.
3. Is there a maximum I can claim?
The LTB has limits depending on the claim type.
For example, under an L10 you cannot claim more than $50,000.
4. Can I report unpaid rent to a credit bureau?
Yes, once you have an enforceable order, and under some services you can report debts.
⚠️Important: Be sure the order is valid and amounts are accurate.
5. How long does the whole process take?
It depends on how fast you serve notices, prepare your application, and schedule the hearing. Also whether the tenant responds or challenges things.
Good preparation speeds up things significantly.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Time or Money
Here's what you need to avoid
- Giving invalid N4 notice (wrong dates, wrong amount, insufficient notice period).
- Filing the wrong form (e.g. using L9 when you need eviction or using L10 after more than a year post‑vacancy).
- Failing to serve documents properly (or not document how they were served).
- Lack of clear arrears records (missing receipts, confusing ledger).
- Not showing up at hearing or failing to submit evidence in advance.
