Ontario Tenant Moving In and Out Guide: Key Steps & Legal Rights

Navigating a move as a tenant in Ontario can feel overwhelming—whether you're moving in, planning your first night, or preparing for your last day. Knowing your legal rights and obligations can help you avoid stress, secure your deposit, and make sure your relationship with your landlord starts and ends on the right foot. This guide covers practical tips, forms, and essential legal protections for Ontario tenants during moving in and moving out stages.

Before You Move In: Key Legal Steps

Once you've signed your lease, several important steps ensure you're set up for a smooth start:

• Rental Agreement Review: Confirm all terms and conditions and get a signed copy from your landlord.
• Rent Payments & Deposits: In Ontario, landlords can only charge a rent deposit equal to one month's rent. They cannot request a damage deposit or extra fees beyond what's legally allowed. See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more details.
• Obtain Official Receipts: Always request written receipts for any payments you make.

It's wise to get tenant insurance for theft or damage, though it's not legally required.

Initial Property Inspection

Schedule a walk-through with your landlord on or before move-in day. Document the unit’s condition with photos and notes. Completing a move-in inspection helps avoid disputes when moving out. For a checklist, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Health, Safety & Repairs

Your landlord must ensure the rental unit is safe, habitable, and complies with all Ontario health and safety standards. If you notice any immediate hazards—such as mould, pests, or broken locks—report them in writing before moving in. For an overview, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Things to Know When Moving Out

Moving out requires proper planning and legal notice. Ontario tenants must give written notice (usually 60 days in advance for monthly tenancies) using the required form:

• Form N9: Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy
  Use this to give legal, written notice to your landlord. Download Form N9 from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Provide accurate dates and keep a copy for your records. If your circumstances have changed and you need to break your lease early, see the official guide to options and forms necessary for your situation on the LTB website.

The Final Walk-Through & Deposit Return

Arrange a time with your landlord for a final inspection. Review the unit’s condition together, using documentation from your move-in. Landlords must return your rent deposit (plus interest) unless legitimate damages or unpaid rent exist. For tips, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Key Forms for Ontario Tenants

• Form N9: Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy
  Use this for regular move-out notice. Find Form N9 and instructions on the LTB website.
• Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy
  If you and the landlord agree to end the tenancy early, both parties should sign Form N11. View and download Form N11 on the LTB website.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official body managing tenancy laws and disputes in Ontario.

What Does the Law Say?

Tenant and landlord rights in Ontario are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. This law covers deposits, notice periods, eviction protection, repairs, and more¹. For a summary of your rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Additional Tips for a Stress-Free Move

• Communicate early and transparently with your landlord.
• Always give written notice—verbal is not legally valid.
• Take clear, timestamped photos during move-in and move-out.
• Update your address with utilities and service providers before moving.
• Return all keys on your last day.

FAQs: Ontario Tenants Moving In or Out

1. How much notice do I need to give before moving out in Ontario?
   For most monthly rentals, tenants need to provide at least 60 days’ written notice before the last day of a rental period, using Form N9.
2. Can my landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or damages?
   Landlords can only deduct from your deposit for unpaid rent. They cannot use it for repairs beyond normal wear and tear unless there’s significant damage caused by the tenant.
3. What should I do if the rental unit isn’t clean or safe when I move in?
   Take photos, notify your landlord immediately in writing, and keep a record. If not resolved, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to address the issue.
4. Do I need to attend a final inspection with my landlord?
   While not legally required, attending helps settle any disputes about the unit’s condition, especially relating to your deposit return.

How-To: Navigating Move-In and Move-Out in Ontario

1. How do I give notice to move out?
   Fill out Form N9, indicating your intended move-out date, and deliver it to your landlord at least 60 days before moving out. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I document my rental’s condition?
   Walk through the unit with your landlord on move-in and move-out days, take photos, and complete an inspection checklist signed by both parties.
3. How do I get my deposit back?
   If you have fulfilled all obligations, request deposit return from your landlord. If there’s an issue, you may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
4. How can I end my lease early in Ontario?
   Negotiate with your landlord. If they agree, both parties should sign Form N11. In some situations, special conditions (like family violence) allow tenants to use other forms for early termination.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Always use the right legal forms when moving in or out.
• Document everything with photos, inspection checklists, and written communication.
• Know your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and seek help when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Forms, rules, and dispute resolution
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Tenancy guides and contacts
• Steps to Justice: Housing Law – Tenant advocacy and plain-language guides
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Key provincial rights and resources

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1. See the full Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario Government)
2. Official board for disputes: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
3. Ontario tenancy forms: LTB Forms and Notices

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