It can be very frustrating dealing with people who either can't or won't pay the rent. There are basically two choices for commercial landlords, distrain or terminate. Although it is explained simply enough below, it is a very complicated act to work with. A good lawyer who is very knowledgeable in the "Commercial Tenancies Act" is the first thing to have on your side. There are many rules and regulations that have to be followed. "Lockouts" are just like a poker hand, every one is different. Although we are very familiar with the Act we can not give legal advice.

"Distrain" (most often used) means we seize certain goods and chattels of the tenant, allowing them to continue to carry on business for a short period of time while the debt plus costs are repaid.

"Terminate" means the locks are changed and the tenant is allowed to remove all the goods and chattels. Your recourse to recoup the unpaid rent, taxes, costs, etc. is now done through the courts.