Tenant and renter disputes over subletting or assigning a lease can be stressful. This guide explains how the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario handles sublet and assignment disagreements, what evidence to gather, and the steps tenants can take to start or respond to an LTB application. It covers the practical paperwork you may need, how hearings and mediation work, and actions to protect your rental record and finances. The language is plain and focused on what a tenant or renter should do right away if a landlord refuses consent, claims an unauthorized sublet, or if a subtenant causes problems. You will also find links to official forms and the Residential Tenancies Act so you can act with confidence.
Subletting and assignment basics
Subletting means a tenant rents part or all of their unit to another person while remaining responsible to the landlord; assignment transfers the tenant's rights and often ends the original tenant's obligations. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)[1] handles formal disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2]. Tenants should check their lease for clauses about consent and any written process for sublets or assignments.
Common reasons disputes happen
Disputes commonly arise when a landlord believes a sublet would overcrowd the unit, change who is responsible for rent, introduce risky behaviour, or conflict with building rules. A landlord may also claim the subtenant is causing damage or that the tenant misrepresented facts.
What evidence tenants should gather
- Keep dated photos showing who lived in the unit and the condition of the space.
- Save messages, emails and any written consent or denial from the landlord.
- Keep a copy of the original lease and any signed sublet or assignment agreement.
- Collect witness names and short written statements about occupancy, payments and key exchanges.
Official forms and how they are used
- Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB application form) — start a formal dispute when a landlord refuses consent or seeks eviction; for example, a tenant files after a denied assignment to ask the LTB to decide based on evidence. See the LTB forms page[3].
- Notice to End a Tenancy — Form N5 (Notice to End a Tenancy for Illegal Activity) — used by a landlord to claim serious breaches such as illegal acts by a subtenant; a tenant may respond to this notice and bring the matter to the LTB if they dispute the facts.
- Response or supporting documents — use the LTB response process to submit evidence and a written reply before a hearing; for example, upload photos and signed agreements to show consent was granted.
If you recently signed a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for steps that help avoid future sublet disputes. If you need to leave your rental before the lease expires, see What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires. If you need to find a replacement tenant quickly, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse a request to sublet or assign the lease?
- A landlord can refuse for valid reasons such as safety, overcrowding, or serious breaches, but they must follow the Residential Tenancies Act and LTB rules; you can apply to the LTB if you disagree.
- What should I bring to an LTB hearing about a sublet?
- Bring the lease, any written sublet or assignment agreement, dated photos, messages or emails, receipts, and any witness statements you can get.
- How long does an LTB decision usually take?
- Timing varies with caseload; some matters are scheduled for mediation or hearing within weeks but others can take longer — ask the LTB for expected timelines and consider requesting an expedited hearing when there is urgent risk to housing.
How-To
- File the LTB application online or by paper using the official forms on the LTB website.
- Serve the other party and keep proof of delivery such as a courier receipt or an email read receipt.
- Prepare clear evidence: photos, written agreements, messages and witness statements.
- Attend the scheduled mediation or hearing; arrive on time with originals and witnesses ready to speak.
- After the decision, follow the order or file a review/appeal if eligible under the LTB rules.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
- LTB forms and filing instructions
