When you move, you have certain rights and responsibilities. The Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario sets out the rights and obligations of residential landlords and tenants. If you are a tenant, your rights when moving out will depend on whether there is a lease and whether you gave the landlord proper notice. You will also be responsible for leaving the unit in a satisfactory condition, or the landlord may take legal action against you.

If you want to move out, you will normally be required to give notice to the landlord in writing. The length of notice required will depend on how often you are required to pay rent. Generally, if you pay rent every month, you are required to give 60 days’ notice before the last day of the tenancy. If you pay rent on a daily or weekly basis, you are usually required to give 28 days’ notice before the last day of the tenancy.

If you have a lease that is coming to an end and want to move out on the last day of the lease, you must give written notice at least 60 days before the lease ends. If you want to stay beyond the term of the lease, you have the right to remain on a month-to-month tenancy and do not have to renew or sign a new lease. If you are bound by a lease and want to move out before the end of it, obtain your landlord’s written consent to avoid being responsible for paying the remainder of the lease. Alternatively, arrange to sublet or assign the lease to someone else, provided that your landlord agrees.

Remember that tenants also have the responsibility to leave rental premises in the same condition as they found it, except for any reasonable wear and tear. If tenants damage premises, landlords have the right to receive compensation for any required repairs or loss of rent due to damage. If tenants fail to pay, landlords have the right to sue them.

If you need help with your tenant or landlord issues, call a lawyer now.