Hi,

I'm coming to McMaster on exchange just for one semester and I'm having some serious issues finding any 4-month leases. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the laws were in Canada regarding terminating leases before the end of their term? Because I was thinking I might have to just sign an 8-month lease and then give them a notice of termination when I have to leave... :S

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by smojer

Hi,

I'm coming to McMaster on exchange just for one semester and I'm having some serious issues finding any 4-month leases. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the laws were in Canada regarding terminating leases before the end of their term? Because I was thinking I might have to just sign an 8-month lease and then give them a notice of termination when I have to leave... :S

Thanks!!

My understanding is that unless there are extenuating circumstances, if you sign an 8-month lease then you must pay for the full 8 months, even if you're only living there for 4 months. You sign a contract, and you are responsible for fulfilling it for the entire term you have signed for. You could try to find a sublet for those 4 months you won't be there, though.

You can only terminate a pre-set lease before your lease is over, but you either need the landlord's agreement, or the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board (which is pretty hard to get).

http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Info...02_111862.html

Originally Posted by smojer

Hi,

I'm coming to McMaster on exchange just for one semester and I'm having some serious issues finding any 4-month leases. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the laws were in Canada regarding terminating leases before the end of their term? Because I was thinking I might have to just sign an 8-month lease and then give them a notice of termination when I have to leave... :S

Thanks!!

You might want to wait until around the middle of August.

Around that time, landlords with unfilled rooms will start to get desperate and accept short leases if it means getting rooms filled for at least a little while.

If you can't find a 4 month lease, your best bet probably would be to sign an 8 month lease and then sublet your room for the second semester. Your name will still be on the lease though and it'll be up to you to find a subletter.

Most landlords won't be too happy with you signing an 8 month and then terminating it halfway through since they'll have to scramble to find someone.

Actually, a better idea than signing an 8 month lease and then trying to sublet your room is to be the person subletting. There's always people that need to fill a spot, such as when they're going on exchange. A plus for this is that you'll probably be able to get it pretty cheaply since they're just looking to get some money for it.

Thanks guys! I think I'll just have to take what I can get and keep my fingers crossed for a subletter!!