What Is a Month-to-Month Tenancy?
If you signed a lease for a set time, like one year, and you don’t move out or sign a new lease, your rental becomes month-to-month. This means you can keep living there without signing anything new. You do not have to move out when the lease ends.
The rules from your old lease still apply. You just go forward one month at a time. This arrangement gives you more flexibility and can be especially useful if you’re unsure about your future plans.
Why Go Month-to-Month?
Going month-to-month can be a good idea for students:
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Flexible move-out: You only need to give 60 days’ written notice before you leave. This notice needs to be done using the N9 form provided by the Landlord and Tenant Board.
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No new lease: You don’t have to sign another year-long lease.
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Same rights: You still have the same legal protections as before.
It’s a great option if you’re not sure about your plans after the school year. For example, if you’re waiting to hear about a co-op placement, planning to graduate soon, or considering a sublet or move, this flexibility can save you stress and money.
What ¾ÞÈéÊÓƵ Rent and Rules?
Your rent stays the same unless your landlord gives you a proper notice to raise it. That notice must be:
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In writing
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Given at least 90 days ahead of time
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Within Ontario’s legal rent increase rules
All the other rules—like who pays for heat or what’s allowed in the unit—stay the same. You and your landlord must both follow the terms of the original lease, even if the lease term itself has ended. Your landlord needs to use a N1 form when notifying you of a rent increase.
Do all the tenants on the lease have to stay?
Yes, all the tenants named on the lease must take the same action. If one of you wants to move out, all of you must move out, or, the ones who wish to stay must sign a new lease with the landlord.
Do I Need to Tell My Landlord I’m Staying?
Open communication is always best, so you and your landlord are on the same page. If you stay after your lease ends, your tenancy continues automatically. You only need to give notice when you plan to leave, and you must give it in writing 60 days before the end of the month.
Need Help?
Still have questions about month-to-month rentals? Want someone to check your lease?
Contact your Off-Campus Living Advisors, Mary Ann or Sergio at ocla@queensu.ca.
You can book an appointment .