Ontario mortgage help

Mortgage arrears and power of sale in Ontario

Act immediately after a missed payment or enforcement notice. The mortgage terms, registered interests, notice method, and stage of enforcement affect the available options and deadlines.

Reviewed September 1, 2026Published by Ontario Mortgage HelpHow we review

What to do first

  1. Contact the mortgage provider and request the arrears amount, default charges, legal costs, reinstatement amount, and next deadline in writing.

  2. Keep every payment record, letter, email, voicemail, notice, courier receipt, and registered-mail envelope together.

  3. If you receive a notice of sale, demand letter, statement of claim, or other legal document, obtain independent Ontario legal advice immediately.

  4. Build a realistic plan using verified funds and dates; do not transfer title or sign a rescue agreement without your own lawyer reviewing it.

Important considerations

Do not calculate your deadline from a general articleOntario's Mortgages Act contains notice rules, but the contract, service, default, registered interests, and procedural history must be reviewed for the actual matter.

Costs can grow during enforcementArrears, default interest, legal fees, property expenses, and other enforcement costs may be added subject to the mortgage and applicable law.

Distress creates fraud riskBe cautious of anyone promising to stop enforcement in exchange for title, an upfront payment, or signing documents you do not fully understand.

Official sources