Lease renewal in Ontario.

The default: month-to-month

In Ontario, when your fixed-term lease ends (usually after 12 months), it doesn't actually end. By default, it automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms. You don't need to sign anything new. You don't need the landlord's permission.

This is one of the strongest tenant protections in Canada. Many tenants don't know it and end up signing renewals or moving out when they didn't have to.

Your right to stay

The landlord cannot force you to sign a new fixed-term lease. If they pressure you ("you have to renew or move out"), they're wrong. You can simply continue paying rent month-to-month indefinitely.

The landlord also cannot end your tenancy just because the fixed term ended. They need legal grounds — see below.

Rent at renewal

• Rent can be increased only once every 12 months.
• For rent-controlled units, the increase is capped at the annual guideline. (See the Rent Control guide.)
• You must get 90 days' written notice of any increase, on the proper LTB Form N1.
• If the landlord offers a new fixed-term lease at a higher rent, you can refuse and stay month-to-month at your current rent (subject to the same N1 increase rules).

If the landlord wants you out

A landlord can only end your tenancy on specific legal grounds, with the proper LTB notice form:

• N4 — Non-payment of rent
• N5 — Damage, disturbance, or too many occupants
• N12 — Landlord, purchaser, or close family wants to move in (requires one month's rent compensation)
• N13 — Demolition, major repairs, or conversion (requires three months' rent compensation or right of first refusal)

If you want to leave

• Give 60 days' written notice on Form N9.
• The end date must be the last day of a rental month (e.g., the 30th or 31st).
• For fixed-term leases, the earliest end date is the day after the fixed term ends.
• You can also end early by mutual agreement with the landlord (Form N11), or by assigning/subletting (with the landlord's reasonable consent).

This guide is informational, not legal advice. For your specific situation, talk to a paralegal, a community legal clinic, or the LTB directly.