OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #45
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Sometimes. Sixty days is the common notice period for monthly and fixed-term tenancies using an N9, with additional termination-date rules. Different periods or routes may apply to daily or weekly tenancies, assignment refusal, mutual agreements, domestic or sexual violence, landlord notices and LTB orders.
Section 44 of the RTA contains the ordinary tenant-notice rules. A fixed-term N9 generally cannot end the tenancy before the last day of the term. Form instructions and statutory exceptions must be followed carefully.
A tenant can leave physically at any time, but that does not necessarily end rent responsibility. The landlord must take reasonable steps to minimize loss.
Can the parties agree to less notice?
Yes. A voluntary N11 can set a mutually agreed termination date. Neither party should be pressured to sign.
What if assignment is refused?
A general refusal or failure to respond to an assignment request may create a shorter, time-limited N9 option. Exact dates matter.
What about safety-related termination?
The N15 process can allow qualifying tenants experiencing sexual or domestic violence and abuse to end a tenancy with a shorter notice period and confidentiality protections.
What should the tenant do?
- Identify the tenancy type and correct termination date.
- Use the current form and service method.
- Keep assignment requests, responses and any N11.
- Do not assume returning keys alone ends liability.
What should the landlord do?
- Check the form, date and service before treating notice as valid or invalid.
- Document reasonable re-rental efforts.
- Do not seek double rent after a replacement tenancy begins.
- Respect N15 confidentiality requirements.
Example
A monthly tenant ordinarily gives at least 60 days ending on the last day of a rental period. A tenant using a valid statutory assignment route may have a different deadline.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.