If you have fallen behind on your rent in Ontario, you’re not alone—and you have rights and options under the law. The province’s tenancy rules give tenants opportunities to negotiate reasonable repayment plans for rent arrears, along with clear steps to resolve late payments while protecting your rental home. Understanding how repayment plans work can help you avoid eviction, reduce conflict, and restore your financial stability.

What Are Rent Arrears Repayment Plans?

Rent arrears means owing rent that wasn’t paid by the due date. In Ontario, a repayment plan is a formal or informal agreement between a tenant and landlord on how overdue rent will be paid back, usually in installments over a set period of time. These plans help tenants catch up while staying housed, and may sometimes be arranged before or after an eviction application has been submitted.

Repayment plans aren’t required by law, but Ontario strongly encourages landlords and tenants to negotiate in good faith. If you receive a notice for unpaid rent, acting early to propose a repayment arrangement may prevent eviction.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Ontario tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1], which lists both tenant responsibilities and landlord requirements during rent disputes. You have the right to propose a repayment plan and to ask for reasonable terms based on your ability to pay. Landlords must consider fair repayment options but don’t have to accept if an agreement cannot be reached.

• If you agree to a repayment plan, always get the details in writing (amount, schedule, consequences of missed payments).
• Continue paying ongoing rent in full while sticking to your payment plan.
• If an eviction application has already been filed, you still have a chance to resolve the matter by settling the arrears before a hearing or at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearing itself.

For more on what’s expected from both sides, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Landlord and Tenant Board Applications and Forms

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official organization responsible for resolving rent arrears disputes and handling eviction applications in Ontario.

• Form N4 – Notice to End your Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent
  This is the first form landlords use if you are behind on rent. It tells you how much is owed and gives 14 days’ notice (7 days for weekly rentals) to pay or move out. Download the N4 from the LTB.
• Form L1 – Application to Evict a Tenant for Non-payment of Rent and to Collect Rent the Tenant Owes
  If arrears are not paid after the N4 notice, landlords may file this application with the LTB. You will be notified of a hearing and can still pay the full rent (and any fees) up until the eviction order is enforced. See the L1 on the LTB website.
• Form S2 – Request for a Repayment Plan
  At your LTB hearing, you can ask for a payment plan so you can catch up, especially if your circumstances have changed. Tell your side, propose a realistic schedule, and bring documentation about your finances.

How to Arrange and Use a Repayment Plan

• Contact your landlord as soon as possible about any rent arrears and request a private discussion.
• Negotiate a fair payment schedule you can keep, considering monthly amounts and deadlines.
• Get the agreement in writing and signed by both sides. Clarify what happens if you miss a payment.
• Continue paying your regular monthly rent on top of arrears payments.
• If your landlord refuses or you can’t agree, the matter may go to the LTB, where a Board Member could set a payment plan as terms for you to remain.

Repayment plans can be set up any time before an eviction order is enforced, including during mediation or a hearing at the LTB. Being proactive can make a significant difference in your case outcome.

What If You Miss a Repayment?

If you miss a payment under an agreed or ordered repayment plan, your landlord may seek to enforce the eviction order or request a hearing at the LTB. Honest communication is crucial—explain your circumstances and propose an amended plan if needed. Remember, protections may differ if your landlord applies for enforcement after a missed payment, so act quickly to get legal support.

Tips to Avoid Rent Arrears in the Future

• Budget for rent as your top monthly priority.
• Understand your rent payment responsibilities—see our Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Ask your landlord for help as soon as you foresee a payment problem.
• Consider setting up automated payments with your bank or credit union.

To learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities, as well as other rental concerns, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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1. Can my landlord refuse to offer a repayment plan for rent arrears in Ontario?
   Landlords are not legally required to accept every repayment proposal, but the Landlord and Tenant Board can order a plan at a hearing if it’s reasonable and you demonstrate good faith.
2. What happens if I pay back all my rent arrears before my eviction hearing?
   If you pay all the arrears and reasonable costs before the eviction order is issued, the landlord’s application will usually be cancelled and you may remain in your home.
3. Can I get help negotiating a repayment plan?
   Yes. Tenant advocacy organizations and community legal clinics can offer advice, review your options, or even mediate discussions with your landlord. You may also present your proposed plan at the LTB hearing.
4. Where can I find the official legislation protecting Ontario tenants?
   See the full Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for all current rental rules in Ontario.
5. Can I stay in my rental if I keep to my repayment plan?
   If you stick to the agreed or ordered terms, you can remain in your home. Missing a scheduled payment may place your tenancy at risk, so always communicate and seek support if you foresee a problem.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Hearing schedules, forms, and general information
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Tenant Rights in Ontario
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): Guides on rent repayment and tenant rights
• Legal Aid Ontario: Free legal advice for qualifying tenants
• Contact your local Housing Help Centre or legal clinic for practical assistance.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
3. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Renting in Ontario

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