Basically my advice is this. If they have already gone two full months without paying you need to stop ignoring the situation because it is only going to get worse. Nobody likes conflict, however you will like paying their bills and cleaning up their mess even less I can assure you. The longer they stay without paying, the more they will abuse your property and keep you awake at night. Life is too short for garbage like this. Another really important thing to remember is that your tenants are now proven liars at this point. Everything they tell you, everything they agree to do at this point you really have to assume is a bold faced lie. You need to act accordingly.

You need to immediately begin the eviction process.(regardless of whatever your tenants tell you) You need to follow through on every step as fast as is legally possible in your Jurisdiction.

Some other information might be useful so we can offer you more specific advice.

I assume your property is in Ontario? Yes?
Exactly how far behind are they?
Do you have a damage deposit equal to at least one months rent?
What is your gut feel about these tenants?

I just had a look at the ORHT Web site. It would seem you have to give them 14 days notice to leave
called
(Form N4)

Once that is complete you file a Application to Terminate a Tenancy for non-payment of Rent and for Collection of Arrears of Rent
(Form L1)

And you probably will have to go to a hearing and give evidence (similar to small claims court)

I have attended at least a dozen hearings like this here in Saskatchewan. Just show up prepared. Have all the documents, (bounced cheques, lease agreements anything else related), take pictures or video of any damage, and stay calm and level-headed. No yelling, no swearing, you get the picture. When you are dealing with your tenants the same rule applies. No yelling, no profanity, no threats. Just say "Hey guys, I have a mortgage to pay, and I cannot afford to have you living here for free. Sorry.

Another piece of advice would be try and get in contact with a Landlord in the business (ask around, everyone knows somebody who is a "slumlord") and get them to walk you through the process. All Landlords hate it when somebody gets taken advantage of. Just ask and I promise you that 9 times out of 10 they will be more than willing to help you out. If need be even offer them a couple hundred bucks to help you out. If you can't find a landlord try these guys out

www.landlordselfhelp.com


Modified by darren bird at Wed, Dec 07, 2005, 01:19:46