Collecting on a debt

Myth or fact?

If you lend money to someone and they don't pay you back, you have the right to take something they own as repayment.
  • Myth
  • Fact

Trying to collect from someone who owes you money can put you in an uncomfotable position. Especially if you made the loan in good faith, expecting you’d be repaid. Learn your options when collecting on a debt, and steps to work out problems.

What you should know

Work out the problem 

Common questions

Who can help

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in January 2020
  • Time to read: 5 minutes

Reviewed for legal accuracy by

Robert Rogers, Hamilton Duncan

Robert Rogers

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We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.