Facing domestic violence is incredibly difficult—and worrying about your housing should never make things harder. In Ontario, tenants dealing with domestic or sexual violence have the right to break their lease early for their safety, thanks to special protections in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1] This article guides you through your rights, what you need to do to end your lease safely, and where to turn for confidential help.

Your Rights as a Tenant Experiencing Domestic Violence

If you or a child living with you are facing domestic violence or sexual violence, Ontario law lets you end your rental agreement early—without penalty. Your landlord cannot refuse your request or retaliate for using these protections. All details and paperwork provided to your landlord must remain confidential by law.

Official Protections Under Ontario Law

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 includes special rules for tenants at risk due to domestic or sexual violence.
• "Domestic violence" means abuse by a partner, spouse, family member, or someone you are dating.
• You can give as little as 28 days’ written notice, no matter your lease type (including fixed-term leases).

More details about Ontario tenant protections can be found on Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How to End Your Lease Early: Required Forms and Steps

Ontario provides a special process and official forms to break your lease quickly and safely.

Step 1: Fill Out the N15 - Tenant's Notice to End my Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse

• Form Name & Number: N15 – Tenant's Notice to End my Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Get the form here: Landlord and Tenant Board – Download N15 form
• You must honestly state that you or your child have experienced or been threatened with sexual or domestic violence.

Example: If you are renting an apartment for one year, but need to leave in 6 months due to an abusive situation, giving the N15 notice lets you move safely with only 28 days’ notice.

Step 2: Give Notice and Provide Verification

• Deliver the completed N15 form to your landlord. You must also include one of the following:
• Either a court order for protection (such as a restraining order), or fill out the "Tenant’s Statement About Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse" form (available with the N15 instructions).
• After giving notice, your lease legally ends after the 28-day period.

What Happens Next?

• Once notice is given, you are not responsible for rent after the 28 days.
• Your security deposit (if taken as last month's rent) must be applied to your final rent payment.
• You are still responsible for leaving the property in good condition. For more information on moving out, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

The Landlord and Tenant Board is the official tribunal overseeing residential tenancies and disputes in Ontario.

What Is Considered Domestic or Sexual Violence?

According to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, abuse includes:

• Physical, emotional, or financial abuse from a spouse, partner, family member, or someone you are dating
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Threats of violence or stalking

Ontario’s laws recognize various scenarios to ensure your safety comes first.

Keeping Your Information Private

Landlords must handle all forms and notices confidentially. They cannot share your information with anyone—except as required by law. Retaliation or eviction attempts because of your use of these protections are not allowed under Ontario law.

Related Tenant Issues: Safety and Landlord Responsibilities

If you have ongoing concerns regarding your rental’s safety, or if needed repairs and security measures aren’t being maintained, you have additional rights. Visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to understand more about landlord obligations and tenant remedies for related safety issues.

You may also want guidance on the legal process of ending your lease—visit How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant for details.

Finding a new, safe place to live can be daunting, but Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a variety of listings, including confidential options across Ontario and beyond.

FAQ: Domestic Violence and Early Lease Termination in Ontario

1. Can I break my lease early in Ontario if I’m facing domestic violence?
   Yes. Ontario law allows tenants experiencing domestic or sexual violence to give as little as 28 days’ notice—no matter what kind of lease you have.
2. What form do I use to end my lease due to domestic violence?
   You must use the N15 – Tenant’s Notice to End my Tenancy Because of Fear of Sexual or Domestic Violence and Abuse, available from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Do I need to go to court or provide evidence to my landlord?
   No court appearance is needed. You only need to provide either a court order or the Tenant’s Statement form with your N15 notice. The landlord must keep your information confidential.
4. Will my landlord or other tenants be told about my situation?
   No. Landlords are legally required to keep everything private. They cannot disclose why you are leaving.
5. What happens to my deposit if I break the lease this way?
   If you’ve paid a last month’s rent deposit, it will be applied to your final month in the unit.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Tenants facing domestic or sexual violence in Ontario have a clear legal right to break their lease early with only 28 days' notice, using the official N15 form.
• Your landlord must keep your situation confidential and cannot penalize or retaliate against you.
• Support is available to help you navigate this process safely and quickly, so you can focus on your well-being and finding safe housing.

Early lease termination in these cases is a protected right. For more details, check Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): For guidance, forms, and support, visit Landlord and Tenant Board or call 1-888-332-3234.
• Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888, available province-wide, 24/7.
• Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH): Find local women's shelters and advocacy resources—OAITH website.
• Legal Aid Ontario: Free and confidential legal advice for those fleeing violence: Legal Aid Ontario.
• Ontario Government: Domestic Violence Help: Official resource page.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act here.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board – Information on lease termination for domestic violence: Landlord and Tenant Board official forms.

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