Canada · Rent collection guide
How to Collect Rent by Interac e-Transfer
Interac e-Transfer is how most Canadian tenants already pay rent: no card fees, no cheques, and money lands in your account quickly. This guide covers setting it up properly, receipts, transfer limits, and the habits that keep rent on time.
Why landlords use it
No card fees
Tenants send from their own bank, and both sides get a dated confirmation of every payment.
Set up Autodeposit first
Autodeposit sends incoming e-Transfers straight into your account without a security question. It removes the most common failure (a tenant typing the wrong answer) and the delay of accepting each transfer by hand. Turn it on in your bank's online banking for the email address you give tenants.
Receipts: the confirmation email isn't always enough
A bank confirmation shows that money moved, but it may not meet your province's receipt rules. In Ontario, for example, landlords must give a free rent receipt when a tenant asks, and it should identify the unit, the tenant, the amount, the date and what the payment was for.
Keep your own record of every payment against the right unit and month, and issue a proper receipt when asked.
Transfer limits
Banks set daily and weekly e-Transfer limits for each customer. If a tenant's rent is higher than their limit, they can ask their bank to raise it, or send the rent in two transfers on consecutive days. Agree on this up front so it isn't a surprise on the first of the month.
Staying safe
- Give tenants one dedicated email address for rent so payments never get mixed with other mail.
- Check the sender name and amount against the tenant and unit before marking rent as paid.
- Be wary of emails claiming you've received money that ask you to click a link or log in; confirm the deposit in your banking app instead.
The one weakness: tenants have to remember
Unlike pre-authorized debit, an e-Transfer only happens when the tenant sends it. That's why late rent with e-Transfer is usually a reminder problem, not a money problem. Automatic reminders a few days before and on the due date do most of the work.
A simple monthly routine
- 1
Share one rent email
Give every tenant the same Autodeposit-enabled email address and the amount due.
- 2
Remind before the due date
Send a reminder a few days before rent is due, and another on the day.
- 3
Match each payment
When a transfer arrives, record it against the right tenant, unit and month.
- 4
Issue a receipt
Provide a receipt with the unit, tenant, amount, date and purpose when a tenant asks, or automatically.
- 5
Follow up on late rent
Check who hasn't paid after the due date and follow up promptly and in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I require tenants to pay by e-Transfer?
Payment method rules vary by province and lease terms, so agree on the method in the lease and confirm what your province allows before insisting on one method.
Does an e-Transfer confirmation count as a rent receipt?
Not always. In Ontario a receipt should identify the unit, tenant, amount, date and what the payment was for, so keep your own records and issue a proper receipt on request.
What if rent is more than the tenant's transfer limit?
The tenant can ask their bank for a higher limit or split the payment across two days. Agree on the approach in advance.
Do tenants pay a fee to send rent by e-Transfer?
Many bank accounts include e-Transfers at no charge, but some charge a fee. It depends on the tenant's bank and account.
e-Transfer rent, without the spreadsheet
Automanagement sends automatic rent reminders, lets you confirm each e-Transfer against the right tenant and unit, and generates receipts. Built for Canadian landlords.
General information for landlords, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm the current requirements with Interac. Last reviewed 2026-09-28. Official source