N9: A Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy in Ontario
A tenant who wants to move out needs to give the landlord proper written notice. In Ontario that is usually 60 days, and the end date has to line up with the rental period or the lease term.
- A tenant generally gives at least 60 days' written notice, and the date must be the last day of a rental period or of the lease term.
- A tenant in a fixed-term lease cannot usually end it early just by giving notice. The earliest date is the end of the term.
- Shorter notice is available in a few situations, such as after a landlord's own-use notice or in cases of family violence.
- Moving out without proper notice can leave the tenant owing rent until the tenancy lawfully ends or the unit is re-rented.
How the notice works
- It must be in writing, signed, and give the date the tenancy will end. The LTB's N9 form is the usual way to do it.
- For a month-to-month tenancy where rent is due on the first, the end date is the last day of a month, at least 60 days after you give the notice.
- For a fixed-term lease, the notice must be for the last day of the term, and given at least 60 days before it.
- Give the notice to the landlord or their agent and keep a copy and proof of how and when you delivered it.
Leaving before the lease ends
A fixed-term lease is a commitment for the full term. Giving notice does not end it early. The tenant remains responsible for the rent unless:
- the landlord agrees in writing to end it early (see the N11 guide);
- the tenant finds someone to take over, by assigning the lease with the landlord's consent (see the guide on subletting and assigning); or
- one of the special rules below applies.
Shorter notice
- A tenant who receives an N12 notice because the landlord, or a family member, wants to move in can end the tenancy sooner by giving at least 10 days' notice.
- A tenant who has experienced family violence or sexual violence can end a tenancy with shorter notice by using the process the Act sets out, which has its own requirements.
- A tenant admitted to long-term care, and some tenants in other special housing, can give shorter notice.
If a tenant leaves without notice
The landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit, but the tenant may still owe rent for the period until the tenancy ends or the unit is re-rented, plus any lawful costs such as unpaid utilities or damage. Before leaving, take photos of the unit, return the keys in a way you can prove, and give a forwarding address.
Common questions
Can my landlord refuse my notice?
A landlord cannot refuse a valid notice. The tenancy ends on the date if the notice is valid, but if a lease term is still running, the date must be the end of that term.
Is a text message enough?
The safest course is a signed, written notice with a clear end date. A text may not meet the Act's requirements, and you may not be able to prove it later.
What if I only gave 30 days' notice?
A short notice can be treated as invalid for that date, which would push the end date later. Count carefully and give notice to the right date.
Who can help. Licensed paralegals can represent landlords and tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
This guide 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.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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