Are tenants obligated to pay rent during COVID-19?

Yes, tenants must continue to pay their rent. If they are having trouble paying their rent due to self-isolation or restrictions which have prevented them from working, they can consider doing the following things:

• taking a loan from a financial institution or family member
• applying for the relief programs offered by both Federal and Provincial governments
• asking the landlord for payment deferral
• asking the landlord if you can have an additional tenant move in temporarily to help pay the rent
• moving to a place that is more affordable
• applying for social assistance
• applying for assistance through your local service manager

Can landlords issue eviction notices?

The issue of eviction notices is decided by provinces and territories. Many have suspended evictions during the pandemic. Visit Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for more information and links to provincial sites.

Can the landlord raise your rent during pandemic?

Yes, regular rent increases can be made unless the provincial government mandates otherwise.

Do landlords have to keep paying property taxes and other expenses?

Yes, even if tenants do not pay rent, the landlord is responsible to pay property taxes, and other expenses that are normally paid by the landlord.

For up-to-date information on Coronavirus COVID-19, visit Health Canada, the World Health Organization, and our related links and resources.

								
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