Ontario Frequently Asked Questions

At Boardwalk, we strive to work with our Resident Members (RM) a.k.a., Tenants. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions received from former Resident Members regarding outstanding balances and the moving out process. 

How do I make payment towards an outstanding balance after I have moved out?

There are various payment options available to assist former Resident Members.

Payment can be made:

• Via online banking
  (Lease number is your account number; Payee is Boardwalk Rental Communities/Boardwalk Equities)
• By mailing a cheque or money order to the Boardwalk Head Office
  (located at Suite 200, 1501 Street SW Calgary, AB T2R 0W1 Attn: Recovery and Defaults)
• In person by attending the regional office or site office that oversaw the tenancy
• Calling the Recovery and Default department (1-877-706-6864) to process payment on a Visa or Mastercard.

I have a balance owing, but do not have the funds to pay off the balance all at once. What options do I have?

At Boardwalk we always try our best to work with our Resident Members. We offer monthly repayment plans to assist former Resident Members in clearing their balance. Additionally, when a repayment plan is set up with Boardwalk and payments are made, we turn off the interest that is applied on outstanding balances. We highly recommend setting up a Boardwalk repayment plan as soon as you move out to avoid unnecessary charges and interest.

Does my balance owed to Boardwalk affect my credit negatively?

If you have a repayment plan set up with Boardwalk and are making payments, the outstanding balance will not be reflected with the credit bureau. However, if your file has been sent to collections, the balance may have a negative effect on your credit and if there is a legal judgment against any balance owing, this may also reflect on your credit report.

When can I expect my Statement of Account after I have moved out?

We strive to complete all final accounts and send Statement of Accounts approximately 10 days from the date of moving out. This means that a former Resident Member can expect to receive their Statement of Account any time after 10 days. If a forwarding address has not been provided, the Statement of Account is usually sent to the last known address, which is typically the rental unit address.

Will my last month’s rent deposit be automatically applied to the last month of rent?

In Ontario, the last month’s rent deposit can only be applied to the last month of rent. If lawful notice was provided prior to moving out, the last month’s rent deposit will be automatically applied to the final/last month in which the unit was occupied. Please note, if there is a difference between the current rent amount and the rent deposit amount, any outstanding balance after the rent deposit has been considered, is the responsibility of the Resident Member to pay off.

I have already moved out, why am I still receiving utility bills?

As utilities are charged after consumption, utility providers remit bills in regular intervals after consumption. Sometimes a delay occurs with utility service providers issuing bills. Utility bills received after the move out date are typically for the last months of tenancy and any unpaid amounts. Usage dates on bills will indicate the time frame for the charges. It is a Resident Member’s obligation to ensure their utility bills are paid in full and Boardwalk does not have any control over bills issued directly by a utility service provider.

What is “Revenue Loss Due to Late Notice” on the Statement of Account?

This charge can occur as the result of a Resident Member not providing lawful written notice to terminate a “month-to-month” tenancy. In Ontario, a Tenant is required under governing legislation to provide lawful notice to the Landlord when ending either a ‘term’ lease agreement (12 months) or a month-to-month tenancy. Please note, after a term lease agreement has ended, a Tenant and Landlord can continue on a month-to-month tenancy.

• For ‘term’ tenancies, a Tenant is obligated to fulfil the entire term unless the Landlord agrees to end the tenancy early. Otherwise, a minimum of days of notice is required to be provided prior to the last day of the lease term.
• For month-to-month tenancies, a Tenant is obligated to provide a minimum 60 days of notice.

In both cases, the final day in which you choose the tenancy to end, must be the last day of the month (or rental period), unless the Landlord has agreed otherwise. Failure to provide lawful notice will likely result in additional months being billed. If a tenant moves out during their term lease agreement, in most cases, the Landlord is permitted to charge rent up until the date the term lease agreement expires or the date in which the rental suite is successfully re-rented. It is best practice to provide lawful notice and to discuss any concerns with the Landlord before vacating. 

Why does my Statement of Account show my last month’s rent charge even though I have already paid it?

The Statement of Account is a summary of all charges and payments in the final month of tenancy, which would include the charge for the final month’s rent. If a last month rent deposit is held, in most cases it will be applied to the charge for the final month of rent. 

Can I come back for my belongings after the move out date?

In Ontario, a Landlord can keep, sell, or throw out anything you leave behind when you move out after:

• you gave notice to your Landlord,
• your Landlord gave you notice, or
• you and your Landlord agreed to end your tenancy.

A Landlord can keep, sell, or dispose of items remaining as soon as you have moved out so it’s best not to leave anything behind, even for an extra day. Any charges resulting from the Landlord removing Tenant’s belongings from the vacated rental unit, may be added to the Tenant’s final Statement of Account.

What happens if the Sheriff enforces an Order and I am evicted, what happens to my belongings then?

In Ontario, if a termination order is enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff), the Tenant will be provided 72 hours to remove their belongings, after enforcement. During the 72-hour period, it is best to arrange with the Landlord to collect your belongings. If belongings are not removed within 72 hours, the Landlord is permitted keep, sell, or dispose of items remaining.

What condition am I expected to leave the rental unit in?

When vacating, Resident Members are expected to leave the rental unit in a condition that is ordinarily clean, free from any damages, and free from all personal items and possessions. A Move-Out Checklist is usually printed and provided with a balance letter, when a move out has been entered into the system by the site team. However, all Resident Members can request for this checklist at the site office.

Are there fees associated with damage and/or uncleanliness of a vacated rental unit?

In Ontario, a Landlord is permitted to file claims against a former Tenant for vacating a unit that has been damaged and/or left in a manner other than ‘ordinally clean’ and free from all personal possessions. On the back of the Move-In Inspection, there is a pricing guide for the Resident Member’s reference of amounts that may be charged for cleaning and/or damages. A Resident Member can also request for a copy of the price guide at the site office.

Why do I have to return all keys to the suite if I have already moved out?

Returning all keys to the Landlord signifies a Resident Member has returned possession of the rental unit back to the Landlord. Failure to return keys could result in rent being charged until lawful possession of the rental unit has been obtained by the Landlord. It can also result in charges for key replacement/lock changes and civil enforcement charges, where applicable.

Need more help? If you were not able to find the answer to your question or have further inquiries regarding an outstanding balance, please contact the Recovery and Default team at 1-877-706-6864.