When it’s time to move, tenants often worry about whether they’re doing everything “by the book.” Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), tenants have clear responsibilities, but landlords do too. 

Leaving properly can prevent disputes, unexpected fees, and even damage claims that follow you after you’ve handed back the keys. In this video, my job is to share the tips you should know. 

My name is Weiting Bollu. I am the CEO at Openroom.ca where thousands of people search our court order engine for tenancy disputes so both landlords and tenants can make more informed decisions of who to rent to and who to rent from. Some of these court orders I read on the daily are about move-out disasters so you’re going to want to watch what to avoid! 

1. Giving Proper Written Notice. Spoiler: Texting “I’m out” doesn’t count.

For a month-to-month tenancy, notice must:

1. Be in writing. Typed counts, napkin notes don't.
2. Include your address and intended move-out date.
3. Be signed and dated.
4. Be given at least 60 days before the end of a rental period.

Example: If your rent is due on the 1st and you give notice March 10, your move-out date becomes May 31. How does that work?

When you give notice on March 10, your next immediate 1st of the month is April 1st. The 60 day count begins on April 1st and therefore count the 60 days, it’ll lead you to May 31st. 

It’s not dramatic, it’s math… and the law.

If you're in a fixed-term lease, like a 1-year lease, you can only give notice for the end of the term. Leaving early without permission doesn’t terminate your responsibility, meaning you can’t just throw the keys at your landlord and yell “I DECLARE FREEDOM!” 

Be careful if you want to do this because the landlord can technically take you to the LTB for missed rent payment a former tenant owes.

Ideally, you should use the N9 - Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy form that the LTB has. Give that to your landlord when you want to move out.

2. Avoiding Illegal Fees. Also Known as “Charges You Can Politely Decline”.

Let’s be clear: landlords cannot legally charge you for:

• Moving out
• Cleaning fees
• Painting fees
• Admin, processing, or vibes fees
• Anything that sounds made up on the spot

If you’ve done damage to the property beyond wear-and-tear, that’s a different story. Overall, the only deposit allowed under the RTA is last month’s rent and possibly a key deposit. That’s it. No pet deposit, and no emotional support deposit. 

Before handing back keys, clean, take photos, and fix minor wall holes.

Sometimes, your landlord or property manager might have a move-out inspection checklist that they go through. If they don’t, I’ve got one for you that you can download, revise, and use for free. Check in the description below.

3. Making Sure the Lease Is Actually Over

You are only no longer responsible when:

1. Proper notice is given.
2. You move out by the termination date.
3. The keys are returned.

If you leave early during a fixed-term lease without an agreement or assignment, you may still owe rent until the lease ends or a new tenant moves in, whichever comes first. The landlord must make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit. They can’t just sigh dramatically and leave it empty to prove a point.

That’s why I said be careful earlier because on fixed-term leases, the landlord can technically take you to the LTB for those vacant months.

Final Smart-Move Tip:

Get written confirmation that your notice was received. Keep records. Take photos. And leave a forwarding address, because nothing says closure like getting your mail sent somewhere that is not your old rental unit.

Okay, it’s time for our Rental Trio: the top 3 takeaways on this video:

1. Give proper notice in writing, identifying the landlord should use the last month’s rent for the month you will be vacating.  Keep a copy or take a photo of the notice you delivered.
2. Know what the landlord can charge you for and what they cannot. No hidden fees or charges.
3. Request a vacate inspection with the landlord and confirm everything in writing so you have proof!!!

Alright, that’s it for now. If you enjoyed this video or just like the free resources I’m giving you, give me a thumbs up and drop me a comment. Remember to subscribe for more freebies and knowledge. I mean, who doesn’t love free things?! 

I’ll see you next week!

• Form N9 - Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy: The official LTB form tenants must use to give written notice (minimum 60 days for monthly tenancies) to end their tenancy legally in Ontario.
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA): Ontario's legislation that governs rental housing and defines the rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords, including move-out rules and prohibited fees.
• LTB Brochure - How a Tenant Can End Their Tenancy: An official guide explaining tenant notice requirements, termination dates, assignment rights, and proper procedures for ending a tenancy in Ontario.
• Section 134 - Residential Tenancies Act (Prohibited Fees): The section of the RTA that lists all illegal charges landlords cannot collect from tenants, including cleaning fees, damage deposits, and moving-out fees.
• Ontario Rental Housing Offences: A government page listing illegal landlord practices including charging prohibited fees, harassment, illegal evictions, and failure to maintain rental units.
• Form T1 - Tenant Application About Tenant Rights: An LTB application tenants can file to recover illegal fees paid to landlords or address violations of tenant rights under the RTA.
• Form N11 - Agreement to End the Tenancy: A mutual agreement form both landlord and tenant sign when they agree to end the tenancy early by a specific date.
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): The tribunal that adjudicates disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Openroom Public Record Search: A free tool to screen tenants by searching court records and LTB orders related to past rental disputes and unpaid rent.
• Move-Out Inspection Checklist Template: A free downloadable checklist tenants and landlords can use to document the condition of a rental unit during a move-out inspection to avoid disputes.
• CLEO - Moving Out: Giving Notice: Community Legal Education Ontario's guide on proper notice requirements, timing calculations, and tenant responsibilities when moving out.
• Ontario Government - Renting in Ontario: Your Rights: The official government resource explaining tenant and landlord rights, deposits, eviction procedures, and dispute resolution options.