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One should avoid entering into the turmoil of « the non-payment of rent spiral »

One should avoid entering into the turmoil of « the non-payment of rent spiral »

The non-payment of the amount of rent on the first day of each month always becomes an irritant for the landlords and managers of rental dwellings. Moreover, the fact that the rent is frequently paid late may cause you certain prejudice.

However, the best advice that can be given to the landlord in case of non-payment of the rent is that one should act rapidly to avoid conflicts and loss of money with the delinquent tenant.

It is important to talk to the tenant but not to let the situation get out of hand. Not being diligent in case of non-payment may rapidly worsen the situation when the tenant himself will less and less be able to make his payment when the following month the rent will be due.

We can introduce a request for non-payment of the rent from the moment the latter is overdue, i.e. on the 2nd day of the month. The fact of rapidly introducing the request may allow to correct the behaviour of certain tenants who wait until the 21st day of each month to pay. Nevertheless, this way of doing things is not perfect because we cannot ask for termination of the lease and expulsion of the tenant before the rent becomes overdue by more than 21 days. Consequently, if the rent is still not paid after the delay of 21 days, we must return to the Régie du logement in order to make an amendment. This amendment must, just like the request, be notified to the tenant.

It is for this reason that, in most situations, it is easier to wait until the 21 day delay is over in order to submit a request of non-payment, termination of the lease and expulsion of the occupants at the same time.

In case of non-payment of the rent, if you want to receive advice as to the measures to be taken, do not hesitate to deal with our legal service, by obtaining legal counsel for free as a regular member.

About the author

Martin A. Messier

Me Martin A. Messier a fait ses études au Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf avant de continuer ses études en droit à l'Université de Montréal. Il est membre du Barreau du Québec depuis 1992, et œuvre auprès des propriétaires de logements locatifs depuis 1993.

Il est entre autres président de l'Association des propriétaires du Québec, propriétaire d'une compagnie de gestion immobilière. Il est fréquemment invité comme conférencier dans le cadre de conférences et de séminaires juridiques et de gestion portant sur le louage immobilier.

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