OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #13
Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series
Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: A landlord may refuse a tenant’s request to assign the rental unit in some circumstances. But Ontario law distinguishes between refusing assignment in principle and refusing a particular proposed assignee. The type of refusal can affect whether the tenant may give an N9 notice or apply to the LTB.
Sections 95 through 98 of the RTA govern assignment and subletting. A tenant must obtain the landlord’s consent before assigning the rental unit. A landlord may refuse consent to assignment generally. If the landlord agrees in principle but refuses a specific proposed assignee, that refusal must not be arbitrary or unreasonable.
Assignment transfers the tenancy to another person. It is not the same as adding a roommate or temporarily subletting while the original tenant plans to return.
What happens if the landlord refuses assignment generally?
A tenant may have a time-limited right to end the tenancy by giving an N9 after a general refusal or after the landlord does not respond within the statutory period. Timing and service rules matter, so use the current form and instructions.
Can the landlord screen a proposed assignee?
A landlord may request information reasonably connected to deciding whether to accept the proposed assignee, while following Ontario human-rights rules. A fee should generally be limited to reasonable out-of-pocket expenses connected to the request.
What if a specific person is refused?
If the tenant believes a specific assignee was refused arbitrarily or unreasonably, the tenant may be able to apply to the LTB. The evidence may include the application, screening criteria, communications and reasons given.
What should a tenant do?
- Ask for assignment in writing and make clear whether you seek general consent or approval of a named person.
- Keep the date, response and reasons for any refusal.
- Do not transfer possession before obtaining required consent.
- Check the current N9 and A2 information promptly because some options are time-sensitive.
What should a landlord do?
- Answer assignment requests promptly and in writing.
- Use consistent, lawful screening criteria and document the reasons for a specific refusal.
- Distinguish assignment from subletting and from an ordinary roommate.
- Charge only permitted reasonable expenses connected to consent.
Example
A tenant asks, “May I assign my lease?” and the landlord says no to any assignment. That general refusal may open a route to end the tenancy. If the landlord says yes generally but rejects one applicant, the reason for rejecting that person becomes important.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official Ontario sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms, instructions and filing information
Continue the “Can My Landlord?” series
Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.
General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. The outcome of a dispute depends on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.