When a roommate gives notice
If a roommate says they want to leave early, start by checking the written lease. Joint leases usually mean all named tenants remain legally responsible for rent until the lease ends or the landlord formally approves a new tenant. Individual or room-specific agreements can shift responsibility to the leaving tenant, but you should still confirm the exact wording and any notice requirements under Manitoba law [2].
Who the landlord holds responsible
If everyone signed one lease, the landlord can usually seek rent from any remaining co-tenant or the departing roommate for the full amount until the lease ends or changes are agreed. If the leaving tenant wants to stop paying, they should give written notice and try to agree a plan with co-tenants and the landlord. For questions about dispute resolution or landlord responsibilities, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch [1].
Notice, payments and deposits
- Give written notice as required by your lease or by the Residential Tenancies Act; verbal promises are hard to enforce.
- Decide who pays rent until the lease ends or a new tenant is approved; unpaid rent can be claimed from any tenant named on the lease.
- Document the condition of the unit with photos and receipts to protect deposits and avoid disputes.
- Use the official forms for notice or dispute applications where needed to make your position clear and timely [3].
Practical options for tenants
Common solutions include: one tenant covering the shortfall, the landlord approving a replacement tenant, subletting if allowed, or formally ending the tenancy if the lease and law permit. Where a tenant must leave early, consider offering to help find a suitable replacement and agree on a clear last day in writing. You can also reference guidance on how tenants can properly end agreements for more detail: How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.
Finding a replacement
If the landlord allows a replacement, require that the new applicant complete the landlord's usual screening and be formally approved. Helping find a replacement reduces the risk that remaining tenants are stuck covering rent. You can advertise locally or try online platforms to reach renters; one helpful resource is Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can a roommate leave without paying rent for the rest of the lease?
- If the roommate is named on a joint lease, they may remain legally responsible for rent until the lease ends or the landlord approves a replacement; discuss written options with co-tenants and the landlord.
- How are security deposits handled when one person moves out?
- Deposits are held against the tenancy as a whole. Any agreement to split or refund a portion should be in writing and the landlord should be informed to record the change.
- Where can I file a complaint or get help resolving a dispute with a landlord or co-tenant?
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for information on dispute resolution and the applicable legislation [1][2].
How-To
- Review the lease carefully to confirm who is on the agreement, the notice required, and any clauses about subletting or assigning the lease.
- Ask the roommate to provide written notice with a proposed last day and keep a copy for your records.
- Notify the landlord in writing immediately and ask whether they will accept a replacement tenant or allow subletting.
- Document payments, take dated photos of the unit, and save communications so you have evidence if a dispute arises.
- Find replacement tenants via ads or platforms and consider tools such as Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to speed the process.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Branch — Forms and guides
