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You are here: Home / Leases and Agreements / FAQ – What happens at the end of a fixed term lease?

FAQ – What happens at the end of a fixed term lease?

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) assumes a tenant will move out at the end of the lease unless the landlord and tenant make other arrangements. Under the RTA, neither the landlord or tenant needs to provide each other with a written notice when ending a fixed term lease. But it is considerate for both landlords and tenants to provide notice before ending a fixed term lease.

At least one month before the lease end date, the tenant and landlord should discuss whether the tenant wants to stay. If the tenant wants to stay, they should sign a new lease with the landlord. However, the landlord does not have to agree to a new lease. The tenant must move out by the lease end date if the landlord does not agree to sign a new lease.

There are two situations where a tenant can continue to stay in the rental unit without signing a new lease. The first is where the original lease includes a provision that allows the tenancy to be renewed without notice after the lease ends. If the tenant chooses to stay, the tenancy becomes a periodic tenancy. The second situation is where a tenant continues to lives in the rental property after the lease ends and the landlord continues to accept rent from the tenant. The fixed term lease becomes a periodic tenancy in this situation.

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  • About
    • About CPLEA and Disclaimer
    • Copyright Statement
  • Topics
    • Legislation
    • Leases and Agreements
    • Security Deposits
    • Inspection Reports
    • Responsibilities
    • Shared Accommodation
    • Repairs
    • Notices
      • Eviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)
      • Notice of Objection to an Eviction Notice
      • Notice of Entry by the Landlord
      • Notice of Landlord
      • Notice of Rent Increase
      • Notice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable Reasons
      • Notice to End a Periodic Tenancy
      • Tenant’s 14 Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy
    • Dispute Resolution
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Glossary
  • Find Help
    • Forms
    • Legal Advice
    • Government & Court Services