I Can’t Pay My Rent

What happens if I can’t pay rent?

A renter who does not pay his or her rent in full on the agreed day: is in default as of the next day. This means that the landlord can, as of that time, file an application with the Tribunal Administratif du Logement ( formerly known as the Régie de Logement; Quebec housing board that oversees legal matters regarding housing rentals) to recover the rent owing, interest and the costs related to the application.

• More than three weeks late: Not only can the landlord request that the Regie du Logement order the lessee to pay the rent and other costs, but also the cancelation of the lease and the eviction of the renter and the other occupants. 
• Frequent late payments: The landlord can also request the cancellation of the lease if the rent is frequently paid late. However, in addition to proving the late payments, the landlord must show that serious prejudice – such as a large financial loss stemming from the frequent late payments – was suffered.
• If the rent is still not paid: the Tribunal Administratif du Logement can cancel the lease and order the eviction of the occupants, even in winter. 

https://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/being-a-lessee/paying-the-rent 

What should I do if I can’t pay my rent? 

• First, speak to your landlord and see if you can work out a payment plan or if they would be willing to accept the payment late. Try to speak to your landlord as early as possible about your situation (don’t wait until the day rent is due). If your landlord agrees, this is often the simplest method. 
• Reach out to your social worker to see if they can help you with budgeting or can help you find other ways to save money.