Non-Resident Landlord Services

Own Ottawa Property, Live Anywhere in the World

Living outside Canada doesn't mean giving up on your Ottawa investment. We provide complete property management for non-resident owners — including CRA compliance, tax withholding, and everything else you need to own Canadian property from abroad.

30+ Years Serving Overseas Owners

  • Complete hands-off management — We handle everything
  • CRA compliance — Tax withholding and reporting handled properly
  • Communication across time zones — We adapt to your schedule
  • Emergency coverage — 24/7 response, no matter where you are
  • Regular updates — Know what's happening with your property
Tax Compliance

Understanding CRA Requirements for Non-Residents

Withholding Tax

By default, your property manager must withhold 25% of gross rent and remit it to CRA on your behalf. This is a legal requirement.

Section 216 Election

You may be able to reduce withholding by filing a Section 216 election (NR6 form), which allows withholding on *net* rental income instead of gross. This can significantly reduce the amount withheld.

Annual Tax Filing

Non-residents must file a Canadian tax return (Section 216 return) reporting their rental income and expenses. This allows you to recover excess withholding.

Complete Service

Everything You Need, Managed Remotely

CRA Withholding & Remittance

We calculate, withhold, and remit required taxes to CRA on your behalf.

Documentation for Tax Filing

Complete records of income, expenses, and withholdings for your tax return.

Full Property Management

Tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance, inspections — everything.

24/7 Emergency Response

Emergencies handled immediately, regardless of your time zone.

Regular Communication

Monthly statements and updates. We adapt to your schedule and preferences.

Tenant Relations

We're your local presence — tenants deal with us, not you.

Staying Connected From Anywhere

  • Email updates — Detailed written communication you can read anytime
  • Scheduled calls — We'll find a time that works across time zones
  • Owner portal — 24/7 access to statements, documents, and property info
  • Emergency protocols — We handle urgent issues immediately, notify you after
  • Decision thresholds — Pre-agreed limits for expenses we can authorize without calling you

Ottawa as a Non-Resident Investment

Former residents

Relocated for work but kept their Ottawa property

Family connections

Property near children attending Ottawa universities

Investment diversification

Canadian real estate as part of a global portfolio

Future return

Planning to return to Canada eventually

Inherited property

Received Ottawa property from family

Client Stories

Testimonial

★★★★★
"We have been associated with Centa Property Management Division for over 30 years. Even though we were overseas for a good portion of that time, all issues — some serious — were handled expertly and to our complete satisfaction. We highly recommend Centa Property Management."
Richard and Marilyn Archer
Overseas owners since 1994

What We Need to Get Started

  • Property information — Address, type, current status (vacant or tenanted)
  • Residency status — Where you currently live for tax purposes
  • Current tenant info — If tenanted, lease details and tenant contact
  • Banking information — Canadian or international account for deposits
  • Tax professional contact — Your accountant for coordination (recommended)
  • Communication preferences — Best way and time to reach you
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Canadian bank account?
It's easier with a Canadian account, but not strictly required. We can work with international transfers if needed, though there may be additional fees and delays.
How much tax is withheld from my rent?
By default, 25% of gross rent. With a Section 216 election (NR6 form), this can be reduced to 25% of net rent, which is significantly less.
Do you file my tax return?
No. We provide all the documentation you need, but you should work with an accountant for actual tax filing. We can recommend professionals familiar with non-resident taxation.
What if there's an emergency and you can't reach me?
We have pre-agreed thresholds for emergency action. For true emergencies (burst pipe, no heat, security issue), we act immediately to protect the property and notify you after.
Can I visit my property when I'm in Ottawa?
Of course. Just let us know when you're coming. We can arrange for you to inspect the property (with proper notice to tenants if occupied).
What if I become a Canadian resident again?
We simply adjust our processes. The property management continues; we just stop the non-resident tax withholding once your status changes.
Services

Complete Property Management for Non-Residents

Property Management

Full-service property management including rent collection, maintenance, and reporting.

Rent Collection Maintenance Reporting
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Property Reporting

Detailed statements and documentation for tax filing purposes.

Monthly Statements Tax Documents Owner Portal
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Own Ottawa Property From Anywhere?

Let's discuss how we can manage your property while you're abroad. We've been doing this for over 30 years.