Moving-Out Checklist for Ontario Renters

Moving out feels like the easy part — until a dispute over notice or the unit's condition follows you out the door. In Ontario, ending a tenancy the right way protects your record, your money and your peace of mind. This moving-out checklist walks you through notice, cleaning, your deposit and the loose ends renters forget.

Key takeaways

• Give proper written notice — usually 60 days before the end of a monthly or yearly term.
• Your last month's rent deposit covers your final month — there's no damage deposit to reclaim.
• Leave the unit clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear.
• Document the unit's condition with photos and a final walkthrough.
• Forward your mail, transfer utilities, and confirm any return of keys in writing.

Give proper notice

You can't just hand back the keys whenever you like. For a month-to-month tenancy, you must give at least 60 days' written notice ending on the last day of a rental period, using the LTB's Form N9. For a fixed-term lease, the same 60 days' notice applies to end the tenancy on the last day of the term — you generally can't leave mid-term without agreement.

Need to leave before your term ends? That's a different process — read how to break a lease in Ontario. For the full framework of rights and obligations, see tenant rights in Ontario.

Notice math

60 days means roughly two full rental periods. If you want to leave at the end of August, you generally need to give notice by the end of June.

Your deposit and final rent

Good news for Ontario renters: there's no damage deposit to chase. The deposit you paid at the start is a last month's rent deposit, and it's applied to your final month — you don't pay rent that month, and you don't get a cheque back. The landlord also owes you interest on that deposit for the time they held it.

Don't skip the last month

Because your deposit covers the final month, don't double-pay. Confirm in writing with your landlord that the deposit is being applied so there's no confusion later.

Clean, repair and document

You must return the unit reasonably clean and free of damage beyond normal wear and tear. Faded paint and minor scuffs are normal; a hole in the wall or a stained carpet from a spill are not. Fix what you can and clean thoroughly.

• Patch nail holes and clean all surfaces, appliances and floors.
• Remove all belongings and dispose of garbage properly.
• Take dated photos of every room as proof of condition.
• Do a walkthrough with the landlord if possible, and note any agreed items in writing.
• Return all keys, fobs and remotes — and get a receipt.

Know what's the landlord's job

You're not responsible for pre-existing problems or repairs that were always the landlord's duty. See repairs and maintenance for tenants to draw the line.

Tie up the loose ends

Before you close the door for good: transfer or cancel hydro, gas, internet and water accounts; set up mail forwarding with Canada Post; update your address on government IDs, banking and subscriptions; and cancel or transfer your tenant insurance to your new place. A tidy exit protects your money and your credit.

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