As a company that replicates keys and key fobs for anyone in need, we frequently get questions about tenancy rules. One question we recently came across is: “How late can you pay rent in Ontario?” It’s a common concern for renters, so we’re here to provide clarity on this topic.
Rent Due Dates in Ontario
Rent is typically due on the date specified in your lease, which is often the first of the month. However, many landlords may offer a grace period of three to five days after the due date, but this is not required by law. Rent is still officially due on the agreed date, and if you’re consistently late, your landlord can take legal steps to address the issue.
What Happens if You’re Late on Rent?
If you’re late on rent, your landlord may eventually serve you with an N4 Notice, which is a Notice to End Tenancy Early for Non-Payment of Rent. This doesn’t mean you’ll be evicted right away, though. You’ll have 14 days to settle the overdue rent if you pay monthly or yearly. If you pay within that window, the notice becomes void and you can stay.
If the rent remains unpaid after 14 days, the landlord can apply to the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) for an eviction hearing. This process can take several months, and as long as you pay the rent before the final order from the LTB, you can stop the eviction. However, keep in mind that any unpaid rent can still lead to legal action.
(This is not legal advice—if you’re facing difficulties with rent, consider seeking professional legal guidance.)
How Late Can You Pay Rent in Ontario? Is Eviction Immediate?
Technically, rent is considered late as soon as the due date passes, but eviction is not immediate. The process from the time your landlord files an N4 notice to the time of a hearing can take months. During that period, as long as you can pay what’s owed, the process can be halted.
If you’re struggling with payments, it’s best to communicate with your landlord and try to work out an agreement before the situation escalates to formal eviction proceedings.
Tips to Avoid Late Rent Payments
- Set up automatic payments: Many banks allow you to schedule recurring payments.
- Check your payment reminders: Whether it’s setting up a calendar alert or using a finance app, reminders help avoid late payments.
- Create an emergency rent fund: Saving a little each month can provide a buffer in case of an unexpected financial crunch.
Need Extra Keys or Key Fobs for Roommates, Cleaners, or Family?
If you’re sharing your space with a roommate, cleaners, or family members, you might want to have spare keys or fobs on hand. At FobToronto and MiniFob, we offer quick and reliable key duplication and fob copying services—done within minutes and guaranteed to work perfectly. Having a backup key is also a smart idea in case you ever lose yours.
Conclusion: How Late Can You Pay Rent in Ontario?
To sum up, rent is due on the agreed-upon date, and while some landlords may offer a grace period, there is no legal obligation for them to do so. If you’re late, your landlord can issue an N4 Notice, but you’ll still have a chance to pay the overdue rent and avoid eviction. By staying proactive with payments and communicating with your landlord, you can avoid serious issues.
If you need extra keys or key fobs for your living situation, we’ve got you covered—visit us at FobToronto or MiniFob for fast, reliable service.

Can i pay a $500./$550. downpayment for my 815.Jan.1st rent now on the 3rd..then receive my Landlord’s Rent eviction order letter N4 14 day warning for non- payment then pay the balance of rent Jan.31st by informing my Landlord same b4 a Rent eviction order given me?-Or can I be evicted b4 the 31st?-I am a Senior on perm.Wsib+OAS+CPP & have been here 31 yrs.abd have only been behind paying full rent..with partial payments given..3 times in the past year.
Thank you for your question. In Ontario, it is possible to make partial payments toward your rent, but it’s important to communicate with your landlord as soon as possible. A down payment of $500/$550 towards your January rent could show your intent to pay, but once a Notice of Eviction (N4) is issued for non-payment, the landlord is within their rights to pursue further action, including starting the eviction process.
I e been living in my apartment and originally signed a 1 year lease and then continued thereon for the next 10 years I have no intention or gave any indication that I soon in moving and have always paid my rent on time or had one months rent already pre paid. This is the first time I e been late and I paid 700 on the 1st of Jan of the 1150 I pay for my 1 bdr and just after 8 days they issued me an N3 Notic threatening to evict me and that if I plan to vacate that I should calk the number in the notice. I have no idea why they would think I’m leaving and why would I pay more than half my rent if I was ? Remind 10 years I’ve been here and never once late or not paid and I always see people 2 even 3 weeks with their rent cheques slid under the door in main office and those tenants are always the same and I never seen them ever get any notice as some are friends and they serv me me with N4 eviction and I’ve already paid more then half it’s ridiculous and really pissed me off because I feel they are bullying or using any trick to get rid of me and “fakenovate “my place and charge 2600 like they do to the guy 2floors above me and is the same unit is nuts and just because the lake is the backyard and I been here longer then some tenants and I don’t ever plan to move but do I have any rights or seniority type graces as I’m not used to this hostile type of bussiness especially when it has to do with my home and the manager lives directly across from me and the super sees me all the time and eviction notice after 9 days I mean isn’t that harassment/ intimidation since they know I pay and already paid for well paid half the rent to bully me into an eviction thanks
We understand how important it is to feel secure and respected in your home, especially as a long-term tenant. Based on what you’ve shared, it seems there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the eviction notice. We would recommend reaching out to the property management team directly to discuss your situation in detail. They should be able to clarify why the notice was issued, especially considering your history of on-time payments and long tenancy.
It’s important to note that property management companies are required to follow specific legal processes for eviction, and you are entitled to understand the reasoning behind any notice you receive. We would also suggest reviewing local tenant laws or consulting with a legal professional to ensure you are fully aware of your rights.