Ontario Commercial Eviction Process: Lock Changes, Distress, and Court Procedures

Commercial evictions in Ontario operate under a very different framework than residential evictions. The Commercial Tenancies Act (CTA) provides landlords with powerful self-help remedies — including the ability to change locks on the 16th day of rent arrears — that are unavailable in residential tenancies.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Ontario for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Commercial vs. Residential Eviction

Remedy 1: Re-Entry (Lock Change on Day 16)

The most powerful remedy available to commercial landlords for non-payment of rent:

How It Works

1. Rent becomes due on the date specified in the lease (typically the 1st of the month)
2. If rent remains unpaid for 15 full days, the landlord may act on day 16
3. On day 16, the landlord may change the locks and effectively terminate the tenancy
4. No court order is required — this is a statutory self-help remedy
5. The landlord must make the tenant's property accessible for retrieval

Important Considerations

• This remedy only applies to non-payment of rent — not other lease breaches
• The landlord cannot exercise re-entry and distress at the same time
• The tenant may apply to the court for relief from forfeiture (asking the court to reinstate the lease)
• The landlord should have a legal opinion before proceeding to ensure proper execution

Remedy 2: Distress (Seizing Tenant's Property)

An alternative remedy for unpaid rent:

How It Works

1. The landlord (or their bailiff) seizes the tenant's personal property located on the premises
2. The seized goods are held for 5 days before they can be sold
3. After 5 days, the goods may be sold at public auction to cover rent arrears
4. Any surplus from the sale must be returned to the tenant
5. The tenant's lease continues — distress does not end the tenancy

Limitations on Distress

• Cannot seize goods that are exempt under the CTA (certain tools of trade, food, etc.)
• Cannot seize goods belonging to third parties (must be the tenant's property)
• Cannot pursue both re-entry and distress simultaneously — must choose one
• Must follow strict procedural requirements (improper distress can lead to a lawsuit)

Remedy 3: Superior Court Application

For lease breaches other than non-payment (or when a more formal process is preferred):

Process

1. Serve the tenant with notice of breach and a reasonable time to remedy
2. If the breach is not remedied, file an application with the Superior Court of Justice
3. The court may schedule a hearing and ultimately grant an eviction order
4. A writ of possession is issued and enforced by the Sheriff's office

Typical Court Timelines

Relief from Forfeiture

A critical tenant defence: even after a landlord exercises re-entry, the tenant may apply to the court for relief from forfeiture:

• The court may reinstate the lease if the tenant pays all arrears and costs
• The court considers whether the tenant's breach was minor or the forfeiture is disproportionate
• This is a discretionary remedy — the court is not obligated to grant it
• Tenants must act promptly after the re-entry to seek relief

Lease-Specific Remedies

Many commercial leases include additional remedies beyond the CTA:

• Accelerated rent — All remaining rent for the lease term becomes due immediately upon default
• Indemnity clauses — Tenant must compensate the landlord for all costs of re-letting
• Default interest — Higher interest rate on unpaid amounts after default
• Waiver of relief from forfeiture — Some leases attempt to waive the tenant's right, though courts may not enforce this

Best Practices for Ontario Commercial Landlords

1. Document rent arrears carefully — Keep detailed records of payment dates and amounts
2. Consult a lawyer before exercising self-help — Improper re-entry or distress leads to liability
3. Send a demand letter first — Even though not always required, it demonstrates good faith
4. Act promptly — Delayed enforcement may be seen as waiver of the breach
5. Photograph the premises — Before and during any re-entry process
6. Secure the tenant's property — Make it available for retrieval to avoid conversion claims

How Landager Helps

Landager helps commercial landlords track rent payment schedules, monitor arrears timelines, and manage the documentation needed for enforcement — so you can act quickly and confidently when tenants default.

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