Moving Out the Right Way: An Ontario Tenant's Checklist

Ending a tenancy properly means giving the right notice, leaving the unit in reasonable condition, and getting back what you are owed.

1. Give the right notice

• For a monthly tenancy, a tenant usually gives at least 60 days' written notice, ending on the last day of a rental period, using form N9.
• If you want to leave early, ask the landlord to agree in writing, often on an N11.

2. Use your rent deposit

A rent deposit (last month's rent) is applied to your last month. The landlord must pay interest on it each year, at the rent increase guideline rate.

3. Prepare the unit

• Clean it, remove your belongings, and repair damage you caused (beyond normal wear and tear).
• Take dated photos and video of every room, the appliances, and the meters.

4. Hand over

• Return every key and fob, and get a receipt.
• Ask for your key deposit back.
• Give your new address in writing for any refund or correspondence.

5. After you leave

Keep your lease, receipts, photos and messages for at least two years, in case a claim comes up.

Sources

• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• LTB forms, including N9 and N11

Read next: Rent Receipts and Payment Records: Your Best Protection

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Sealed moving boxes by a window · House keys on a wooden table.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.