Many students think their lease “expires” at the end of the 8-month or 12‑month term. In Ontario, that’s not how it works. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, your lease automatically continues month‑to‑month with the same terms and rent. You don’t need to sign a new lease, and your landlord cannot ask you to leave just because the term is ending.
If you want to move out, you (all tenants) must give proper notice using the N9: Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy. The N9 requires 60 days’ notice, ending on the last day of a rental period. This is the only form tenants use when they choose to move out and it can’t be used to leave early during a fixed-term lease.
If your landlord is pressuring you to sign a new lease or an N11 (Agreement to End the Tenancy), reach out to the Off‑Campus Living Advisors. We can help you understand your rights and explain how the Residential Tenancies Act works.
Students often assume:
- “My lease ends April 30, so I have to move.”
- “My landlord says I need to sign a new lease.”
- “I can give 60 days’ notice anytime.”
All three are incorrect under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.
What happens when the fixed term ends:
- The tenancy continues automatically month-to-month.
- No new lease is required.
- No one can be forced out unless the landlord has a legal reason (e.g., N12 for landlord’s own use).
- Rent stays the same until a legal rent increase is served.
When tenants can end their tenancy:
Tenants can end their tenancy by serving an N9:
- Minimum 60 days’ notice prior to the end date on their lease
- Must end on the last day of a rental period
- Cannot be used to break a fixed-term lease early
*If you are on a joint and several lease (more than one tenant), keep in mind that one tenant can’t just give notice and leave and the others stay and go month to month. All tenants are considered one person or one group. All tenants would give notice to vacate, or they would all stay and go month to month.*