What if your tenant is late paying rent?

As much as every landlord tries to screen their tenants, every so often renters might be late in payments. Here some useful tips I came across in one of the Property Manager's blogs on what to do if this happens:

1. Issue Form N4. You might not want to do this, but you simply MUST. Even if a tenant asks you to hold a check or pay later in the week, you should still issue the N4. This simply protects you if the tenant doesn't live up to their commitment.

When serving N4 make sure it is not posted on the door, but delivered in person, to the mail box or slipped under the door. Do not enter the property without 24 hour notice!

Read instructions on how to complete Form N4

2. File Form L1. If the tenant doesn't pay their rent by the date stated on the N4, file an L1 (see instructions) with the landlord tenant board the next day to start the eviction process. 

3. Schedule a tribunal hearing as soon as possible.

4. Attend the tribunal hearing. Be prepared with proof if the tenant has been habitually late, the lease and bring any written correspondence. It is important to note that the tenant may try to claim repairs are required, illegal entry or attempt to make a partial payment. You need to be prepared for how you would handle this.

5. At the tribunal, mediation might be a way to simplify a lengthy process. This might be a good option if you think both parties are willing to co-operate.

6. Follow the next steps for eviction as outlined by the tribunal.

At all times, remember this is a business and sensitivity must prevail. We’ve heard of people saying some pretty nasty things to tenants or landlords and it coming back to haunt them later. If you want to avoid any personal attacks, use professionals.

For do-it-yourself landlords or any questions you can always refer to Landlord and Tenant Board web site it's quite helpful, has all the forms and step-by-step instructions