How Can I Get Out Of My Lease?

When a landlord and tenant sign a lease agreement, both parties are obligated to honour the entire lease term while providing a minimum of 60 days’ written notice to terminate the lease using the appropriate government-issued forms. Here’s how you can navigate ending your lease as a tenant:

Tenant Termination Process:

1. Notice Requirements: As a tenant, you do not need to provide a reason to terminate your lease. However, you must ensure the termination date does not conflict with the initial lease term agreed upon in your lease agreement. A minimum of 60 days’ written notice is required.
2. Using Government-Issued Forms: To provide notice, use the official forms issued by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). These forms ensure that your notice is legally valid and properly documented.

Landlord Termination Process:

If a landlord wishes to terminate a tenancy and the tenant is in good standing, the reason for termination must fall under specific categories set by the LTB, and they must use the N12 or N13 form:

1. N12 Form: This form is used if the landlord or their immediate family member intends to move into the property and live there for at least one year or if the landlord has signed an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and the new owner intends to move in and live there for at least one year. A minimum of 60 days notice must be provided, and the termination date must not conflict with the initial lease term.
2. N13 Form: This form is used when the landlord needs to conduct extensive renovations that require the unit to be vacant. In this case, tenants have the first right of refusal to move back in once the repairs or renovations are complete.

Auto-Renewal and Month-to-Month Tenancy:

A lease will automatically renew monthly if no further written agreements are made. Either party can terminate this month-to-month tenancy by providing the minimum required notice set out by the LTB.

For more detailed information on ending a lease in Ontario, visit the Landlord and Tenant Board’s official website: LTB – Ending a Tenancy.

But understanding your rights and obligations, you can ensure a smooth and legally compliant process when ending your lease in Ontario. Always use the appropriate forms and provide the required notice to avoid any potential disputes or legal issues.

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