A tenant in Ottawa, Ontario, consistently pays rent late. As a property manager, what would be the most appropriate initial step to address this ongoing issue, assuming the tenant is otherwise cooperative?

Question: A tenant in Ottawa, Ontario, consistently pays rent late. As a property manager, what would be the most appropriate initial step to address this ongoing issue, assuming the tenant is otherwise cooperative?

Answer options:

• Issue a Notice to Terminate a Tenancy for Non-payment of Rent (N4 notice).
• Charge a late payment fee as per the tenancy agreement. ✅ Send a written reminder about the rent due date and potential consequences of late payment.
• Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to evict.

Correct answer: Send a written reminder about the rent due date and potential consequences of late payment.

Explanation: While an N4 notice is an option for persistent late payment, an initial written reminder or communication is a best practice to resolve the issue amicably before resorting to formal eviction procedures under the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.