Residential Tenancies Branch
FACT SHEET
Giving Notice: Information for Tenants
Most tenants eventually move out. You can give notice that you are moving out either orally or in writing. A written notice must include:
- the address of the rental unit
- the date the tenancy is to end
- the signature of the person moving out
How much notice must tenants give?
The amount of notice needed to end a tenancy agreement or lease depends on:
- whether the tenancy agreement is week-to-week,month-to-month or year-to-year
If you pay your rent from week-to-week or month-to-month, it's called a periodic tenancy. Before moving out, you must give one full rental payment period's notice. A payment period begins on the day rent is due, and ends the day before the next rent is due. Here's an example:
Let's say you rent on a month-to-month basis, from December 1 to December 31, and you want to move out on January 31. You must tell the landlord that you are moving out before December 31.
A rental payment period doesn't have to be a calendar month. You might pay your rent in the middle of each month. For example, it could be from December 15 to January 14. In that case, you must tell the landlord by January 14 that you are moving out on February 14.
If your lease ends on a certain date, it's called a fixed term tenancy agreement. It's usually for one year. You are responsible for the rent until the year is over unless you assign the agreement.
When will I get a new lease?
You must get your new lease from the landlord three months before the old one ends. If you plan to stay, sign the lease and give it back to the landlord within one month of receiving the lease.
An example:Your lease is from October 1 to September 30. By June 30, you must get a new lease from the landlord. By July 31, you must return the signed lease to the landlord.
What happens if you don't sign and return the new tenancy agreement?
If you don't sign and return the new lease to the landlord within one month, the landlord may think that you are moving out on the last day of the old tenancy agreement.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
In special cases, you may be able to move out before your lease is up. For example:
- if you have the landlord's permission to rent your unit to someone else
- if you've been accepted into a personal care home. To end the tenancy, just give notice of one rental payment period. This could be one tenancy week or one tenancy month.
Can I move out if I'm having trouble with the landlord?
Under special circumstances, you may have the right to move out before your lease is up. For example, you may be able to give notice if your landlord does not make necessary repairs to your rental unit. First, you must give the landlord a chance to correct the problem. If, after receiving a written request from you, the landlord does not correct the problem, you should contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for more information on ending your tenancy.
For more information
This fact sheet is only a brief explanation. For more information contact:
The Residential Tenancies Branch
For Branch offices click here
