LTB, Disputes & Enforcement

Commercial Landlords in Ontario: Why Bailiff Enforcement Beats the LTB

By CRESI Property Management · Published July 12, 2026 · Updated July 12, 2026 · 2 min read

Commercial tenancies in Ontario fall outside the Residential Tenancies Act, so commercial landlords can use a licensed bailiff to resolve non-payment in days, not months — without waiting on an LTB hearing.

Commercial tenancies in Ontario aren’t governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, so commercial landlords aren’t stuck waiting months for a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing over unpaid rent. A licensed bailiff can help resolve a commercial non-payment situation in days, using enforcement options that simply don’t exist for residential landlords.

How commercial landlords get more power in Ontario

Because commercial leases sit outside the RTA, commercial landlords have direct remedies a residential landlord doesn’t — no LTB hearing required.

Picture this: your tenant hasn’t paid rent in weeks. As a residential landlord, you’d have to wait for the Landlord Tenant Board. But commercial landlords in Ontario have better options. Kevin Breitner and Nolan Revin discuss why the rules for business rentals give landlords more control.

Meet the professional every commercial landlord needs

A licensed bailiff can resolve a commercial rent problem in days rather than months.

When rent problems pop up, you need quick fixes. That’s where bailiffs come in. Nolan Revin, a licensed bailiff in Ontario, explains how commercial landlords can resolve payment issues in days, not months.

Two ways to fix problems fast

The goal of commercial enforcement isn’t just speed — it’s resolving the issue while preserving the relationship and protecting your income.

There are two straightforward ways to handle tough situations as a commercial landlord. These methods help you:

Keep good relationships with your renters
Protect your money
Solve problems quickly

Best of all, you won’t have to wait as long for answers as you would with a residential rental.

Talk to an expert before you act

Commercial landlording carries real advantages over residential — but the remedies available come with their own legal requirements, so get advice before using them.

Being a commercial landlord in Ontario can be great, but make sure to talk to experts before you start. This guide gives good starting tips, but there’s more to know before you jump in. For enforcement help with a commercial property, consult a licensed bailiff or legal advisor familiar with Ontario commercial tenancy law.

This guidance draws on the CRESI Ontario Landlord Series podcast episode featuring Kevin Breitner and Nolan Revin, a licensed Ontario bailiff.

Frequently asked questions

Are commercial landlords in Ontario subject to the same rules as residential landlords?

No. Residential tenancies fall under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Landlord and Tenant Board; commercial leases are governed by the lease contract itself and general commercial law, not the RTA. That's why commercial landlords have more direct remedies available and aren't required to wait on an LTB hearing for non-payment.

How fast can a bailiff resolve a commercial rent problem compared to the LTB?

A bailiff can help resolve commercial payment issues in days, rather than the months a residential landlord typically waits for a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing and order.

What does a licensed bailiff actually do for a commercial landlord?

A licensed bailiff acts on a commercial landlord's behalf to resolve non-payment situations quickly, using methods available under commercial (not residential) tenancy rules — while aiming to preserve the landlord-tenant relationship and protect the landlord's rental income.

Should a commercial landlord handle enforcement themselves, or use a professional?

Talk to an expert before you act. Commercial enforcement remedies are powerful but come with legal requirements of their own — a licensed bailiff or legal advisor can guide a commercial landlord through the correct process rather than risking a misstep.