How to Give 60 Days' Notice in Ontario (Tenant Move-Out Rules for 2025)

When a tenant in Ontario wants to move out of a monthly rental unit, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) requires proper written notice. The most common requirement is 60 days' notice, but many tenants are unsure how to give notice correctly, when the notice takes effect, and what landlords can expect during the final month of the tenancy.

This article explains how 60-day notice works in 2025, which forms to use, how to calculate dates properly, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

When Tenants Must Give 60 Days' Notice

In Ontario, tenants must give 60 days' written notice when ending a:

• monthly tenancy
• yearly tenancy (at the end of the term)
• periodic tenancy

The notice must be given using the correct timing rules.

When the 60 days take effect

The termination date must align with the end of a rental period, usually the end of the month.

Example:

If a tenant gives notice on March 10, the earliest termination date is May 31.

How to Give Proper Notice

Tenants must use the official N9 — Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy form.

Requirements for a valid N9

The notice must include:

• the tenant's name
• the rental address
• the termination date
• tenant's signature
• the date the notice was completed

Accepted methods of service

• hand-delivery
• mail or courier
• leaving it in the landlord's mailbox
• email, only if both parties agreed in writing

Text messages and verbal conversations are not valid notice.

Can a Tenant Give Less Than 60 Days' Notice?

In most cases, no.

However, exceptions exist.

Exceptions where shorter notice may apply

• the landlord agrees in writing to an earlier date
• the tenant uses Form N15 for situations involving family violence or trafficking
• the tenancy is weekly or daily (requires a different notice timeline)

Absent these exceptions, 60 days' notice is mandatory.

What Landlords Must Do After Receiving Notice

Landlords have several obligations once proper notice is given.

1. Allow showings with proper notice

Landlords may show the unit to prospective tenants with:

• reasonable advance notice
• entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

2. Return deposits (if applicable)

Ontario does not allow traditional security deposits, but interest on last month's rent must be adjusted.

3. Continue maintaining the unit

Landlords must keep the unit in good condition throughout the notice period.

4. Try to re-rent the unit

This is part of the landlord's duty to mitigate losses.

What Tenants Must Do During the Notice Period

Tenants must:

• continue paying rent until the termination date
• maintain the unit in reasonable condition
• allow showings at reasonable times
• remove all belongings
• return keys on the final day

A tenant is responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Common Mistakes or Misconceptions

• "Notice starts from the day I send it." It starts based on the next rental period, not the send date.
• "Texting my landlord counts as notice." It does not.
• "I can leave early if I find a replacement." Not unless the landlord agrees.
• "60 days is optional." For monthly tenancies, it is legally required.
• "I must give 60 days even at the end of a year-long lease." Yes—the rule still applies.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

A licensed paralegal can assist when:

• a tenant needs help calculating the correct termination date
• the landlord refuses a valid N9
• disputes arise about notice, entry, or showings
• either party needs guidance on responsibilities during the move-out period
• questions arise about early termination or assignment

Proper advice helps avoid unlawful terminations and disputes at the LTB.

Sources

1. Ontario Government — Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
   https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17
2. Landlord and Tenant Board — N9 Form Instructions
   https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/forms/
3. Tribunals Ontario — Tenant and Landlord Rights
   https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
4. CLEO "Steps to Justice" — Ending a Tenancy
   https://stepstojustice.ca/