Information leaflets

How should the rent be paid? If the rent agreed upon is a sum of money, payment can be made in cash (Canadian funds), by money order, certified cheque, bank draft or an official cheque of a bank, trust company or credit union. If the landlord is able to process it, payment could even be made by credit card or transfer of funds.

It is important to pay the rent in full. Landlords are not obliged to accept partial payments.

What about paying with an ordinary cheque? Ordinary cheques are generally accepted because they are a convenient method of payment for everyone. Do note that a landlord is not obliged to accept a cheque unless there has been an agreement to that effect. Technically, the rent is paid when the cheque has been cleared by the financial institution.

If the rent agreed upon is in a form other than money, such as services, these must be delivered in the way specified in the lease.

The law provides that the tenant has the right to demand a receipt proving the rent has been paid, whatever the form of payment. Such a receipt is useful because in cases of litigation it is up to the tenant to prove the rent has been paid. Written proof is therefore important.