I am fairly new to Canada and need to move.
I have found a place I would like to rent but don’t want to have a one year lease.
I plan to buy a place in roughly nine months. If I sign a lease and break my lease and move out early what can the landlord do to me?
Does he just keep the last months rent?
I can deal with loosing some rent money but not months of rent.
Can they come after me legally?
I am not a deadbeat, I have good credit but just don’t want to commit to a year long lease.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
It is great that you are looking into this type of information before signing a lease. It is very important to be aware of what your rights and obligations are before you sign a lease.
You can find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org How can I end my tenancy early? article.
Generally, if you break the lease, you’re breaking a contract, and the landlord can hold you responsible for paying the rent until the end of your lease term.
This could mean that if you, for example, want to break your lease for the last few months of your lease, you could end up on the hook the amount of the last few months of your lease or until the unit is re-rented.
We strongly suggest that you contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for some additional information and for some advice before you sign a lease.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org