Falling behind on rent? You’re not alone. With the rising cost of living, more Canadians are facing the difficult reality of choosing between paying rent and managing debt. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt and rent, it’s important to know you’re not alone – and there is help available. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if you’re behind on rent payments in Canada, your legal rights, and how a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can support you through financial recovery.
Can rent arrears lead to eviction?
Yes – but not immediately. In Canada, eviction laws vary by province, but landlords are typically required to follow a formal process if a tenant falls behind on rent. This often includes:
- Sending a written notice (e.g. Notice to End Tenancy for non-payment)
- Providing a grace period to pay the overdue amount (usually 5-14 days)
- Filing with a provincial tribunal if payment isn’t made
Spergel tip: don’t wait until you receive an eviction notice. If you’re falling behind, speak to your landlord early. Many landlords are open to repayment plans.
What to do if you can’t afford rent due to debt
If debt is the reason you’re behind on rent, take the following steps:
1. Assess your financial situation
Make a list of:
- How much you owe (credit cards, loans, etc.)
- Monthly income
- Essential expenses (like rent, groceries, and transportation)
This gives you a clear picture of your shortfall and can help in planning next steps. You might want to use our FREE Budget Template to help you lay out your finances clearly.
2. Prioritize rent over unsecured debt
While it’s important to make all your payments, housing is a critical need. Falling behind on rent has more immediate consequences than missing a credit card payment. If needed, consider making minimum payments on other debts to free up cash for rent.
3. Talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT)
If you’re juggling debt and rent with no clear way forward, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you explore legal debt relief options like:
- Consumer proposal – consolidate your debt into a single monthly payment you can afford, often for up to 80% less than you owe.
- Bankruptcy – a last-resort option that provides a legal reset when debt is unmanageable.
Both options can stop creditor calls, wage garnishments, and help you get back on track – without automatically affecting your rental housing. Licensed Insolvency Trustees are the only professionals legally able to file all forms of debt relief, making them an ideal first port of call if you’re struggling with debt and rent.
Your rights as a tenant in Canada
Every province has tenant protection laws, including limits on when and how landlords can evict you. Here are some key rights:
- You cannot be evicted without proper notice
- You have the right to dispute an eviction notice
- Your landlord cannot change the locks or remove your belongings without a legal order
Need help understanding your local rights? Contact your provincial landlord-tenant board or tenancy authority:
- Ontario: Tribunals Ontario – Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
- British Columbia: Residential Tenancy Branch – Government of BC
- Alberta: Service Alberta – Landlords and Tenants
- Quebec: Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL)
- Manitoba: Residential Tenancies Branch
- Saskatchewan: Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
- Nova Scotia: Residential Tenancies Program – Access Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies Tribunal
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Residential Tenancies – Digital Government and Service NL
- Prince Edward Island: Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission – Residential Rental Property
- Yukon: Residential Tenancies Office
- Northwest Territories: Rental Office – Justice NWT
- Nunavut: Residential Tenancies Office
Emergency rent help in Canada
Several government and community programs offer temporary support if you’re struggling with rent:
- Rent subsidies or housing benefits (varies by province)
- Local housing help centres
- Charities and non-profits offering rent relief grants or food assistance
Visit 211.ca to find help in your area.
Real story: how Richard turned things around
Richard, a father from Ontario, was overwhelmed by payday loan debt and had fallen two months behind on rent. He contacted Spergel and worked with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to file a consumer proposal. This reduced his monthly debt payments and stopped the cycle of borrowing. Within weeks, he was back on track with his landlord and could finally breathe again.
“Spergel didn’t just help me with my debt – they helped me keep my home.” – Richard. Discover more of our Success Stories, or look through our 3,500+ client reviews.
How Spergel can help
At Spergel, we understand the stress of choosing between debt and rent. Our caring team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees will work with you to:
- Review your full financial situation
- Protect you from creditor pressure
- Create a realistic plan to get you back on track
You don’t have to face this alone. We’ve helped over 100,000 Canadians stay housed while tackling debt.
Talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee today
If your debt and rent situation is becoming unmanageable, take the first step toward a fresh start. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with a Spergel LIT today. We’re here to help.
What to read next
- Rent assistance: what are my options?
- How much should you spend on rent in Canada?
- How rent increases are impacting Canadian households – and what you can do about itHow much should you spend on rent in Canada?
- How to reduce your current bills: tips to save money
- If your parents die with debt, who pays it?
