Moving out of a rental raises practical tasks many tenants overlook, including giving a forwarding address. In Ontario, providing a forwarding address helps landlords return a last months rent deposit, send final bills, and serve official notices if needed. Tenants who dont share a reliable address can face delays getting deposits back, missed legal notices, or difficulty resolving disputes after vacating. This guide explains when you should give a forwarding address, how to do it safely, what evidence to keep, and which official forms and tribunals handle post-move issues in Ontario. It is aimed at renters who want clear, practical steps to protect their rights and make sure communications and money reach them after move-out.
What a forwarding address is and why it matters
A forwarding address is the contact address you provide to your landlord (or property manager) so they can send final statements, return any refundable deposits, or serve notices after you vacate. In practice this can be a new home address, a reliable mailing address of a friend or family member, or a registered mail address. Giving a dependable forwarding address reduces the chance of missed notices or lost refunds.
When and how to give your forwarding address
Theres no special government form required just to provide an address, but best practice is to give it in writing on or before the day you move out so the landlord has time to update records and calculate any refund owing. Use an easily traceable method such as email with delivery receipt, signed letter, or registered mail. Keep copies of whatever you send and a dated photo or screenshot as proof.
- Provide your forwarding address in writing on or before move-out so the landlord can close accounts and send a final statement.
- State how you want any refundable amounts returned (cheque, e-transfer, or mailed to the forwarding address).
- Ask for a written confirmation from the landlord that they received your forwarding address and how they will send refunds or notices.
- Keep records: copies of the notice, proof of delivery, final inspection notes, and receipts for any agreed deductions.
What landlords may use a forwarding address for
Common uses include returning a last months rent deposit or other security, sending the final utility or damage invoices, and serving official documents if a dispute arises. If a landlord needs to serve a legal notice after move-out, they will use the last known address unless you have provided an updated forwarding address.
Official tribunal, legislation, and forms to know in Ontario
The tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes in Ontario is the Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario).[1] The governing legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which sets out rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants in Ontario.[2] If a dispute happens after move-out, you may need to use an application form available from the Boards official forms page.[3]
Relevant official resources (what they are and when to use them)
- Landlord and Tenant Board forms (application forms): use these if you need the Board to decide on refunds, unpaid rent, or disputed deposits; for example, file an application if your landlord refuses to return a refundable amount after you provided a forwarding address and proof of entitlement.[3]
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: consult the Act to understand timelines and obligations related to deposits and notices before taking formal steps.[2]
If youre also preparing to move, consult practical moving advice such as Moving Out Tips: A Tenant''s Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit and how to handle deposits like in How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
FAQ
- Do I legally have to give a forwarding address when I move out?
- No single Ontario law forces a tenant to provide a forwarding address, but giving one is the practical way to ensure refunds and notices reach you; without it the landlord may use your last known address.
- How should I provide my forwarding address?
- Provide it in writing (email, signed letter, or registered mail) and keep proof of delivery; include how you want refunds returned (cheque, e-transfer, or mailed).
- What if my landlord doesnt return my deposit?
- If you cannot resolve the issue directly, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to claim the refundable amount, using the Boards application forms and including your evidence of a forwarding address and final inspection notes.
How-To
- Prepare a short written notice with your full name, former unit address, new forwarding address, and the date you vacated or will vacate.
- Send the notice to your landlord by email and by registered mail or deliver it in person and request a signed receipt.
- Keep copies of the notice, delivery receipts, final inspection report, photos of the unit, and any receipts for repairs or agreed deductions.
- If the landlord fails to return refundable amounts, use the Landlord and Tenant Board application forms and attach your evidence to support the claim.
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or local tenant services for help preparing an application if youre unsure how to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Provide a forwarding address in writing on or before move-out to reduce delays and missed notices.
- Keep dated proof of delivery, photos, and inspection notes to support any future disputes.
- If refunds are withheld, the Landlord and Tenant Board can resolve deposit disputes using the official application forms.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) - official tenant and landlord information
- [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- [3] Renting privately in Ontario: tenant rights and responsibilities
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