10 Essential Moving In & Out Facts for Ontario Renters

Getting ready to move in or out of a rental in Ontario? Knowing your rights and steps can make the process much smoother — and help you avoid costly mistakes. This guide highlights the 10 most important facts every Ontario tenant should know about moving in, moving out, inspections, deposits, forms, and more, all under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. Whether you’re just signing a lease or preparing to leave, these tips will ensure you’re protected and informed.

Understanding Your Lease Agreement

Before you move in, carefully review your lease (residential tenancy agreement). Make sure you understand all terms, including your responsibilities, rent amount, and termination conditions.

• Ontario uses a standard lease form. Landlords must provide this for most new leases.
• If something in your agreement contradicts the law, the law takes priority.

Deposits: What You Can (and Cannot) Be Asked For

In Ontario, most landlords can only require:

• First month's rent as a deposit (not last month's rent in advance, even if called this—it can only be used for the last rental period’s rent).
• Key deposit (may not exceed the actual cost of a key replacement and cannot be non-refundable).

Get more details about deposit rules in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Prepare for Your Initial Inspection

Doing a walkthrough inspection protects both you and your landlord from disputes over property condition. Document everything with photos and a checklist before moving in and when you move out. For a guided process, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Your Right to a Healthy and Safe Home

Landlords must ensure your unit meets health, safety, and maintenance standards at all times. If you discover issues, notify your landlord in writing promptly.

Forms: Key Documents Every Tenant Should Know

• N9 Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy — Use this to legally end your tenancy if you’re leaving.
  Download N9 from LTB. Fill it out and provide proper notice (usually 60 days for monthly rentals). Example: You want to move out at the end of June; give your N9 before the end of April.
• N11 Agreement to End the Tenancy — If you and your landlord agree for you to end your lease early, use this joint form. Download N11 from LTB.
• Standard Lease — All new Ontario leases since 2018 must use the Standard Form of Lease. Ask for a copy!

Notice Periods for Moving Out

Most fixed-term (e.g., yearly) leases require at least 60 days’ notice before the end of your term if you're not renewing. Month-to-month agreements also need 60 days’ notice. Use the N9 form above.

Your Security Deposit and Return of Funds

Ontario landlords may only collect last month’s rent deposit, not a “security” deposit for damage. When you move out, your last month’s rent deposit must be applied to your final month — plus interest, usually calculated annually. For step-by-step tips, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

The Final Inspection

Before leaving, request a move-out inspection with your landlord. This helps prevent disputes over cleaning or damages. Take photos as proof you left the unit in reasonable condition. For more, read The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out.

Responsibility for Repairs and Cleaning

• Landlords: must maintain the property, do major repairs, and ensure basic services work.
• Tenants: must keep the unit reasonably clean and repair any damage you or guests cause.

Getting Your Deposit/Last Month’s Rent Back

Your last month's rent deposit can only be used for rent, not cleaning or repairs. Ask for accrued interest if your deposit has been held for over a year. Document your request in writing.

Additional Ontario Resources

Ontario tenants benefit from clear legal protections and resources. For full details, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Want to easily compare rental options? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for your next move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice do I need to give before moving out in Ontario?
   Most tenants must give at least 60 days’ written notice before the end of their lease. Use Form N9 for this purpose.
2. Can my landlord keep my last month’s rent deposit for cleaning or damages?
   No. This deposit is strictly for rent only. Landlords can apply to the LTB if there are damages beyond normal wear and tear.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t return my deposit or pay interest?
   First, request it in writing. If not resolved, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for help.
4. Do I have to do a move-in or move-out inspection?
   It’s not legally required, but strongly recommended for your protection. Documenting the unit’s condition can prevent disputes.
5. Where do I find official forms for moving in or out?
   Visit the LTB Forms page for the latest, officially recognized documents.

How-To: Key Actions for Ontario Tenants

1. How to end your tenancy the right way:
   
   • Complete Form N9 and submit it to your landlord with at least 60 days’ notice.
   • Confirm the correct timeline for your lease type (monthly or fixed-term).
   • Keep a copy for your records.
2. How to conduct a move-in/move-out inspection:
   
   • Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord.
   • Take timestamped photos of every room and appliance.
   • Complete and sign an inspection checklist. If possible, have your landlord sign as well.
3. How to get your last month’s rent deposit (with interest):
   
   • Submit a written request to your landlord at move-out for the interest owed.
   • If they refuse, file a complaint with the LTB using the appropriate application.

Key Takeaways

• Review your lease and use the proper forms when moving out.
• Document inspections to prevent future disputes.
• Only first/last month’s rent may be required as a deposit—not extra security deposits.

Planning, documentation, and knowing your rights make moving in or out of any Ontario rental much easier and safer.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Official body for rental disputes, forms, and applications
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario: Tenant rights, eviction information, and more
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO): Tenant legal support and resources

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)

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