Are you a tenant in Ontario who needs to end your lease early? Breaking a lease can feel overwhelming, but Ontario law provides clear ways to do this legally and safely. Whether it’s due to unsafe conditions, discrimination, job relocation, or a major life change, understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid penalties and unnecessary stress.

Understanding Your Lease and Legal Options

In Ontario, most residential leases are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1] Breaking a lease means ending it before the agreed term has ended. If you leave without following the proper steps, you could still owe rent or lose your deposit. It’s always important to know your rights and consider talking to your landlord before making a decision. For more details, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Common Legal Reasons to Break a Lease

• Agreement with Your Landlord: The simplest legal way is by getting your landlord’s written agreement to end the lease early. Use Ontario’s official form, the Agreement to Terminate a Tenancy (Form N11).
• Assigned or Sublet Your Unit: With your landlord’s approval, you can formally transfer (assign) your lease to someone else, or sublet temporarily.
• Special Tenant Circumstances: Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, those requiring accessibility accommodations, and some others may end a lease early with the right notice and forms.
• Serious Repairs or Health & Safety Issues: If your rental unit is unsafe or not maintained as required under the law, you may be permitted to break the lease. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Having a clear reason and using the correct forms is key to avoiding financial penalties.

Key Forms, Examples, and Steps for Ontario Tenants

1. Agreement to Terminate a Tenancy (Form N11)

• When to use: When you and your landlord both agree in writing to end the tenancy on a certain date.
• Where to get: Download from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) official site.
• Example: If you have found a new place and your landlord agrees, fill out Form N11 together.

Get Form N11 on the LTB website

2. Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form N9)

• When to use: If you are on a monthly lease (or have completed a fixed-term lease) and want to give your landlord written notice to end the tenancy.
• Advance notice required: At least 60 days, ending on the last day of a rental period.
• Where to get: LTB forms page.
• Example: If you are moving for work and want to end a monthly lease, provide your landlord a completed N9 form at least 60 days in advance.

3. Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy Because of Fear or Safety (Form N15)

• When to use: If you or a child living with you are at risk due to sexual or domestic violence.
• Advance notice required: At least 28 days.
• Where to get: Official LTB forms.
• Example: If your safety is at risk, you can end the lease early by providing Form N15 to your landlord with proper documentation.

For other special circumstances (disability accommodation, government relocations, long-term care moves), see additional LTB forms and check the official LTB forms page.

What if the Landlord Refuses Early Termination?

If your landlord refuses to end your lease, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for an order to end the tenancy using Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights. Make sure your reason falls under those allowed by law (such as harassment, illegal entry, or major repairs not being made).

Risks of Breaking Your Lease Improperly

Leaving a rental early without landlord agreement or using the proper process could lead to:

• Owing rent for the remainder of your lease
• Losing your security deposit
• Negative rental history affecting future rentals

Tips to Minimize Costs and Disputes

• Communicate openly with your landlord as early as possible
• Look for a new tenant (assignment) if your lease allows it
• Document property conditions and return all keys

Transitions can be smoother by following proper procedures and understanding both your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. For more, read What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need a new place quickly.

FAQs: Breaking a Lease in Ontario

1. Can I break my lease early without penalty in Ontario?
   In some specific situations—like landlord agreement, danger to personal safety, or major breaches of health and safety—you might be able to break your lease without penalty. Otherwise, you usually need landlord agreement or must follow legal notice rules.
2. What happens to my security deposit if I move out early?
   If you leave before the lease ends without following legal steps, your landlord may keep some or all of your deposit. Always end your lease according to the law to maximize the chance you'll get your deposit back.
3. What if the landlord won’t let me break my lease?
   You can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) explaining your situation. If your reason meets legal criteria, the Board may issue an order to end your tenancy.
4. How much notice do I need to give before leaving?
   Usually, tenants give 60 days' written notice (Form N9) for monthly leases. Some exceptions allow just 28 days (Form N15) depending on circumstances.
5. If I find a new tenant, do I still have to pay rent?
   If you assign your lease with landlord approval, you are no longer responsible for future rent after your assignment. Get everything in writing, using the proper forms.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Legally breaking a lease in Ontario usually requires landlord approval or a legal reason—with the right forms
• Always use official forms from the Landlord and Tenant Board for your protection
• When in doubt, get support from provincial tenant resources and review Tenant Rights in Ontario

Remember, following the proper legal steps helps you avoid penalties or housing problems in the future.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Get forms, guides, and dispute resolution support
• Ontario: Renting in Ontario - Your Rights: Provincial information about renting and tenant protections
• Tenant advocacy groups: Contact your local Legal Aid Ontario or Tenant Duty Counsel for guidance
• For more info on deposits when moving out, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. LTB forms and termination notice rules: Landlord and Tenant Board - Forms
3. Official tenant rights information: Ontario.ca - Renting in Ontario: Your Rights

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