Giving Notice to Your Landlord in Canada: Rules by Province

Each province sets its own rules for ending a tenancy, so the notice you owe your landlord depends on where you live. As a rule of thumb, a month-to-month tenant gives written notice at least one full rental period ahead (two months in Ontario), timed so the tenancy ends the day before rent is next due. Fixed-term leases and Quebec’s lease renewal system work differently. Check your province’s tenancy office before you give notice, because a late or wrong notice can cost you an extra month’s rent.

How much notice do I give in each province?

The rules below are for a typical month-to-month tenancy with rent due on the first of the month. They are a summary, not legal advice; follow the official source for your province.

• Ontario: at least 60 days’ written notice, ending on the last day of a rental period, usually with the Landlord and Tenant Board’s Form N9. A fixed-term lease cannot be ended before its end date unless your landlord agrees. LTB forms
• British Columbia: written notice that your landlord receives at least one clear month before the end date, and before the day rent is due. Email or text alone may not count. Options for a tenant to end a tenancy
• Alberta: written notice of at least one full tenancy month for a monthly periodic tenancy, with the address and the end date. Residential tenancies in Alberta
• Quebec: most leases are for a fixed term and renew automatically. To leave at the end of a lease of 12 months or more, send a notice of non-renewal 3 to 6 months before it ends. If your landlord sends you a notice of rent increase or a change to the lease, you generally have one month from receiving it to say you will not renew. Tribunal administratif du logement
• Manitoba: one full rental period’s written notice before the last day of the rental period. To move out on July 31, for example, give notice by June 30. Residential Tenancies Branch
• Saskatchewan: one month’s notice, given the day before rent is due at the latest; the tenancy then ends the day before rent is next due. Giving notice to end a tenancy
• Nova Scotia: for a month-to-month tenancy, at least one month before the end of the month you want to move out, using the Tenant’s Notice to Quit. Year-to-year leases need more notice. Form C

What if I have a fixed-term lease?

In most provinces a fixed-term lease runs to its end date, and you cannot end it early on your own unless the law allows it in your situation. If you need to leave early, talk to your landlord about a written agreement to end the tenancy, a sublet or an assignment. Each province’s tenancy office explains which options apply.

How should I deliver notice?

In writing, using a method your province accepts, such as handing it to your landlord or sending it by mail, and keep proof of the date. Allow extra days for mail. Do not rely on a text message alone.

How do I time the move?

Match your move date to your end date and your new move-in date, and try to leave a day of overlap. The end and start of the month are the busiest days for movers everywhere, and in Quebec, the days around July 1 are the busiest of the year; see the best time to move. Leave time to clean and return the keys.

What about the deposit and the inspection?

Deposit rules differ by province. Ontario landlords commonly collect a last month’s rent deposit, which is applied to your last month. In many other provinces, a damage or security deposit is returned after move-out, minus any allowed deductions, and a move-in and move-out inspection report is part of the process. Take dated photos of the unit when you leave and ask your landlord how the deposit will be handled.

Your moving checklist

Give notice, book movers, update your address and cancel or transfer utilities. See how to change your address and how to budget for a move. When your date is set, request a quote.