The Consequences of Not Paying Rent in Ontario

6/1/20232 min read

brown wooden tool on white surface
brown wooden tool on white surface

As a tenant in Ontario, it's important to understand the consequences of not paying rent. While it may seem like a temporary solution to financial difficulties, failing to pay rent can have serious repercussions. Here are some of the potential consequences of not paying rent in Ontario:

  • Eviction: If you don't pay rent, your landlord can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to evict you. If the LTB approves the eviction, you will have to move out of the rental unit. This can be a stressful and disruptive experience, especially if you don't have another place to live 1.

  • Damaged Credit: If your landlord reports your overdue rent to a credit reporting agency, it can negatively impact your credit rating. This could make it more difficult for you to obtain credit in the future, such as a loan or credit card 2.

  • Legal Action: Your landlord can take legal action to recover the unpaid rent. This could result in a court order to garnish your wages or seize your assets. If you have a history of not paying rent, it could also make it more difficult for you to find housing in the future 3.

  • Fraud Charges: If your landlord believes you provided false information to obtain the rental unit or misrepresented your ability to pay rent, they can file a claim against you for fraud. This could result in criminal charges and a criminal record, which could impact your future employment and housing opportunities 4.

It's important to communicate with your landlord if you are having trouble paying rent. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or make other arrangements to help you avoid eviction and legal action.

In summary, not paying rent in Ontario can have serious consequences. It's important to prioritize rent payments to avoid eviction, damaged credit, legal action, and potential fraud charges. If you're having difficulty paying rent, talk to your landlord as soon as possible to work out a payment plan or explore other options.

References:

Sources:

  1. "If a Tenant Does Not Pay Rent - Tribunals Ontario." Tribunals Ontario, Government of Ontario, https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/If%20a%20Tenant%20Does%20Not%20Pay%20Rent%20(EN).html. ↩

  2. "I can't pay my rent. Will this affect my credit? - Steps to Justice." Steps to Justice, CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario), https://stepstojustice.ca/questions/housing-law/i-cant-pay-my-rent-will-this-affect-my-credit/. ↩

  3. "What Happens If You Don't Pay Rent in Ontario?" National Pardon Centre, National Pardon Centre, https://nationalpardon.org/what-happens-if-you-dont-pay-rent-in-ontario/. ↩

  4. "Offences and Penalties under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006." Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Government of Ontario, https://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page14850.aspx. ↩