You're not necessarily trapped until the lease ends.
Breaking a fixed-term lease has consequences, but you have real options — proper notice, assigning, or subletting. And your landlord can't unreasonably block a sublet. Here's how to leave the right way.
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In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- You generally can't just walk away from a fixed-term lease with no consequences — but you do have legal options to get out.
- You can assign the lease (hand the whole tenancy to someone else) or sublet it (someone takes over while you plan to return). Your landlord can't unreasonably refuse.
- To end a month-to-month tenancy, you give 60 days' written notice with Form N9, ending on the last day of a rental period.
- When a fixed term ends, it automatically becomes month-to-month. You don't have to sign a new lease or move out.
- Survivors of domestic or sexual violence can end any lease with just 28 days' notice using Form N15, with a confidential process.
The steps your landlord must follow
Check your notice options first
If you're month-to-month, you can give 60 days' written notice (Form N9). For a fixed term, notice can't end the lease before the term is up — so assigning or subletting may be your route to leave sooner.
Ask your landlord about assignment or subletting
Assigning hands the whole tenancy to someone new; subletting means someone takes over temporarily. Your landlord can charge only their actual costs and can't refuse unreasonably.
Use your rights if the landlord won't cooperate
If you ask to assign to a specific person and the landlord unreasonably refuses or ignores you for 7 days, you can end your tenancy on 30 days' notice. File that notice within 30 days of asking.
Don't just abandon the unit
If you leave with no notice, you can owe rent until it's re-rented — but your landlord has to genuinely try to re-rent it (they can't just let it sit and bill you).
Know the survivor of violence option
If you're fleeing domestic or sexual violence, you can end any lease with 28 days' notice (Form N15) and a confidential statement. Start a free PLAIN session and we'll point you to support.
What to do next
- Confirm whether you're fixed-term or month-to-month.
- For month-to-month, give 60 days' notice with Form N9.
- Ask your landlord in writing about assigning or subletting.
- Find a suitable replacement tenant if assigning or subletting.
- Know the landlord can only charge their actual costs.
- Don't abandon the unit without notice.
- Remember a fixed term auto-renews month-to-month.
- If fleeing violence, look into the N15 (28 days).
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I can break my lease anytime by paying one month's rent. | There's no general 'one month and you're free' rule. You need to give proper notice, assign, or sublet. |
| I'm trapped until the lease ends. | You're not. You can assign or sublet (with the landlord's consent, which can't be unreasonably refused), and survivors of violence can use the N15. |
| My landlord can refuse a sublet or assignment for any reason. | No. Consent can't be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, and they can only charge their actual out-of-pocket costs. |
| I have to sign a new lease when my fixed term ends. | No. It automatically continues month-to-month on the same terms. You don't have to sign anything or move out. |
| If I leave early, I owe the whole rest of the lease no matter what. | Not automatically. Your landlord has a duty to try to re-rent the unit, which limits what you owe. |
| The landlord keeps my last month's deposit as a penalty. | No. Your last month's rent deposit can only be applied to your last month — never kept as a penalty or used for damage. |
| Subletting means I never have to come back. | That's assignment. A sublet means you plan to return, and it has to end before your own lease term ends. |
| I can sublet or assign secretly without telling my landlord. | You need the landlord's consent. If you do it without consent, the landlord can apply to end the tenancy. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
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