Sometimes plans change before a lease ends — new job, moving cities, unexpected life changes, or just realizing the space isn’t right for you. If you rent in Ontario, you can end your lease early, but there are rules to follow so you don’t end up paying extra fees or facing a dispute with your landlord. Let’s walk through how it works.
Can You Break a Lease Before It Ends?
In Ontario, tenants can’t just walk away from a lease. You’re still legally responsible for rent until the term ends unless you follow one of the allowed options:
Assigning the Unit
- You find someone who will take over your lease under the same terms and price.
- The landlord must allow it unless they have reasonable grounds to refuse.
- Once assigned, you’re no longer responsible for rent.
Mutual Agreement with the Landlord
- Sometimes landlords agree to end a lease early.
- You’ll want this in writing, signed by both you and the landlord.
Ending Due to Special Circumstances
There are specific scenarios such as domestic violence where tenants can legally terminate early using special forms. More details are available through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
If none of the above options are used and you just leave, you may still owe rent until the landlord re-rents the unit, which can get expensive.
What Landlords Can (and Can’t) Do
Landlords in Ontario can’t penalize you unfairly for requesting an assignment. They also can’t refuse without a valid reason, like the new tenant having poor references or not meeting income requirements.
They can:
- Charge a reasonable administration fee
- Screen the new tenant
They cannot:
- Charge you more rent to approve a new tenant
- Block you because they simply don’t want to deal with the process
If they refuse without reason, you can take the issue to the LTB.
Should You Sublet Instead?
Subletting is another option, but it’s different from assigning a lease:
- You stay on the lease, and the subtenant temporarily occupies the unit.
- You’re still responsible for rent and damages.
- It’s useful if you plan to return after a few months.
If you’re not coming back, an assignment is usually the safer choice.
Think Ahead: Keys, Fobs, and Access
If you’re assigning or subletting your unit, make sure it’s clear how many keys, fobs, and remotes must be returned. Replacements from the building can cost anywhere from $50 to $400+, so it’s smart to:
- Collect every copy from roommates, cleaners, or helpers.
- Double-check before handing the unit over.
- If lost, have it deactivated immediately by your building.
If you’re preparing for a new tenant and they’ll need extra copies, services like MiniFob stores and our FobToronto headquarters can duplicate keys, building fobs, and garage remotes quickly (as long as you have a working one). It makes onboarding a new tenant easier and avoids expensive building fees.
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