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What to Do If a Tenant Doesn't Pay Rent

Published Date

Do you have a tenant who gives you all kinds of reasons to delay his rental payment? Before you managed to get your current month's rent, you are approaching 2 months' rental loss. What can you do?

Rent is due on the first day of the month. According to the Residential Tenancy Act, you can serve a notice of termination as soon as the tenant does not pay rent on time. Once the termination notice is served, several situations may occur:

  1. Tenant pays rent within 5 days after service of notice as required - best scenario
  2. Tenant gives you more reasons and makes you wait for his payment again - bad sign - prepare for the next step.
  3. Apply for an arbitration hearing to obtain the Order of Possession from the Residential Tenancy Branch.
  4. If the tenant stays over and shows no sign of leaving the suite even after the serving of the Order of Possession, a bailiff will need to be arranged to have the tenant vacate the premises.

It is costly and time-consuming if a less than qualified tenant moves into your investment unit. We have procedures in place to qualify prospective tenants. If you want to unload your stress in taking care of your unit, please do not hesitate to contact our Rental Division. Our licensed Property Managers are ready to alleviate your headaches and manage your investment, so you can be worry free!

Katie Khoo, Senior Vice President, Rental & Co-op

Associa British Columbia Inc.