Breaking a Lease in Ontario?
Legal Help for Ending a Tenancy Early
Need to move before your lease ends? Breaking a lease in Ontario is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) — and doing it wrong can lead to extra rent, penalties, or legal claims.
Cordaie Paralegal Services helps tenants across Ontario understand their rights, assess their options, and end a lease early safely, legally, and with minimal cost.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Tenants Across Ontario
★★★★★ Verified Google Review
“Damian provided clear guidance and left me feeling far more confident. I’m very happy with the outcome.” — Matthew H., Former Client
Not Sure If You Can Break Your Lease Legally?
Get a Free Legal Review Today.
What the Law Allows — and What It Doesn’t
| Situation | What the Law Allows — and What It Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Fixed-term lease (e.g., 1-year contract) | You’re bound to the term unless your landlord agrees to let you out early. You can’t just walk out. |
| Month-to-month / periodic tenancy | You must give proper notice — in Ontario this is at least 60 days written notice to end a periodic tenancy. The end date must align with the end of a rental period. |
| Agreement with the landlord(s) | If both you and your landlord agree, you can end the lease early by signing an Agreement to End Tenancy (Form N11). Always get it in writing. |
| Domestic violence / abuse | Victims of domestic or sexual violence may have special provisions that let them end tenancy earlier, with shorter notice. |
The Risks If You Don’t Follow the Rules
When you break a lease without legal grounds or without following procedure:
- You may owe rent until the lease ends (or until a replacement tenant is found)
- You could lose part or all of your security deposit
- You might face legal or financial claims from the landlord
- Damage to credit / renting history (if landlord sues or you leave owing money)
How We Can Help You Move On With Peace of Mind?
When you work with us, we will:
- Review your lease and assess all possible legal options
- Communicate & negotiate with your landlord to minimize your obligations
- Prepare and file all required forms correctly and on time
- Represent you in hearings if your landlord pushes back
- Help you understand any obligations after you leave (clean‑up, damages, final rent)
What You Can Do — Smart Steps Before You Move
Here’s a checklist to protect yourself:
- Review your lease carefully
- Contact your landlord early
- Use the correct forms
- Make sure the notice is valid
- Prepare documentation
Need Help Negotiating With Your Landlord?
Early lease exit strategies for Ontario tenants are only a call away.
We can help you:
- Negotiate with your landlord
- Ensure your forms are correct
- Represent you before the Landlord & Tenant Board if required
- Reduce your financial exposure
Why Hire a Licensed Paralegal with Tenant Experience
Because dealing with tenancy law isn’t simple. A small mistake — wrong notice period, missing form, bad filing — can cost you hundreds or thousands.
Here’s what we bring:
- Deep knowledge of the RTA and tribunal procedures
- Experience negotiating fair exits so you pay the least possible
- Full support: drafting documents, filing them, representing you at the Landlord & Tenant Board (LTB)
- Transparent fees — we’ll tell you up front what you can expect
Don’t Risk Costly Mistakes
Book your free consultation with an Ontario icensed paralegal today.
“I had an excellent conversation with Damian, who took the time to thoroughly listen to the details of my legal case. He demonstrated intelligence and a clear understanding of my situation, providing thoughtful guidance that left me feeling far more confident after our call. Should I require the services of a paralegal in the future, I would not hesitate to reach out to his office again. *Edit: My court case is now finished, just as I said when I made the review, I stand by it. Damian was polite, cordial and professional in how he handled my case and how he represented me. I am happy with the outcome. He is worth the time for his services & effort.”
Matthew H., Former Client
Verified Google Review
Serving All Ontario Tenants
We provide remote legal services across the entire province — and in-person representation where needed.
- Toronto & GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Durham Region, Windsor, Barrie & Simcoe County, Northern Ontario.
Wherever your located in Ontario, we’ve got your back.
FAQ — Voluntarily Ending Your Tenancy Early
This FAQ section provides clarity on the early lease termination services we offer to Ontario tenants, including negotiation support, documentation, rights assessment, and representation when a mutual or LTB-supported lease exit is required.
In Ontario, a lease is a binding agreement, but tenants may have lawful and practical options to end their tenancy before the scheduled end date. Early termination is commonly achieved through a mutual agreement to terminate, or by exercising specific rights under the RTA when applicable. Because the process involves both legal obligations and strategic communication, tenants benefit from professional guidance that ensures the request is well-positioned, properly documented, and presented effectively.
Want To Move Out Early?
The fastest way to begin is by booking a
free consultation with our team.
1. Can I end my lease early in Ontario if I want to move out sooner?
Yes, but only through lawful pathways.
The most common method is a mutual agreement to terminate, signed by both you and your landlord.
In certain situations, other RTA-based applications may apply, but you cannot unilaterally cancel a fixed-term lease without consequences unless a specific legal right or LTB order supports the termination.
2. What is an N11, and do I need one to leave early?
A Form N11 (Agreement to End the Tenancy) is the standard legal form used when a tenant and landlord agree to terminate a lease early.
It is not mandatory unless both parties consent to end the tenancy.
If you are negotiating an early exit, having an N11 prepared and signed is the cleanest and most enforceable way to document the agreement.
3. What can a paralegal do if my landlord won’t agree to let me out early?
We can help you assess your rights, build a negotiation strategy, prepare formal termination requests, review lease terms, compile supporting evidence, and communicate with your landlord in a structured and persuasive way.
If a legal application becomes necessary, we also provide full LTB representation, ensuring your request is procedurally correct and supported by the right evidence.
4. What information or documents will you need from me to start the process?
We gather only what is legally relevant to support your early exit request, such as your lease agreement, landlord communications, reason for moving, supporting records (if applicable), timelines, and any evidence that strengthens your position (for example, safety concerns, interference, or other issues covered under the RTA).
5. Are landlords allowed to charge penalties or conditions for early lease termination?
Landlords may negotiate reasonable conditions when agreeing to end a lease early, such as payment of outstanding arrears or a mutually agreed transition date.
However, they cannot impose unlawful fees, discriminatory conditions, or shut off utilities to force an early exit.
Any agreed terms should be documented clearly.
6. How do I officially start the early lease termination process with your firm?
You can begin anytime by requesting a free consultation.
We’ll review your situation, provide feedback, outline your options, and help you move forward quickly and lawfully.
From there, we assist you in taking the right steps—prepared, informed, and supported from day one.
Get Started Now —
Don’t Wait
The sooner you act, the more options you'll have - and the less risk.
Getting help early often means better outcomes, lower costs.
Contact Cordaie Paralegal Services today for a free consultation.
Let us take on the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your move — not the math of what you might owe or the fear of being taken advantage of.
