OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #31
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: No. An Ontario landlord generally cannot require a tenant to provide post-dated cheques or agree to automatic debit as a condition of the tenancy. The parties can voluntarily agree to either method, but the tenant must have a meaningful choice.
Section 108 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) prohibits a landlord from requiring post-dated cheques or automatic debit for rent. Ontario’s standard lease reflects this rule.
The parties may agree on another method, including e-transfer, ordinary cheque or cash. Once a payment method has been agreed to, neither side should assume it can be changed unilaterally without considering the agreement and circumstances.
Can the tenant voluntarily provide them?
Yes. A voluntary arrangement is different from a requirement. The tenant can offer post-dated cheques for convenience, and both sides should record how they can be replaced or cancelled.
Can a landlord refuse cash or e-transfer?
The RTA does not prescribe one universal rent-payment method. The lease and established practice matter. Any method should allow reliable payment and receipts where required.
What if a cheque is returned?
A failed payment can create rent arrears. Permitted NSF-related charges are different from an arbitrary late fee and must remain within Ontario’s rules.
What should a tenant do?
- Do not hand over post-dated cheques merely because an application says they are mandatory.
- Ask for the accepted alternatives in writing.
- Keep proof of every payment and request receipts where needed.
- Document any pressure or threatened penalty connected to refusing automatic payment.
What should a landlord do?
- Offer at least one lawful payment option that does not require post-dated cheques or automatic debit.
- Record the agreed method in the standard lease.
- Keep payment records and issue receipts as required.
- Do not confuse a convenient voluntary method with a mandatory condition.
Example
A landlord offers e-transfer, ordinary cheque or voluntary post-dated cheques. That provides choice. Saying the keys will not be released unless twelve post-dated cheques are delivered is different.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.