Intent To Renew Lease Letter Template for Canada

An Intent To Renew Lease Letter is your formal way of telling your landlord that you want to stay in your rental property beyond your current lease term. This document is essential for protecting your tenancy rights and ensuring you comply with provincial notice requirements across Canada.

When do you need this document?

You should send this letter well before your lease expires, typically 60 to 90 days in advance, depending on your province's requirements. The document is particularly important when you're in a month-to-month tenancy and want to secure a longer-term lease, when your fixed-term lease is approaching its end date, or when you want to negotiate new terms such as rent amount or lease duration. In competitive rental markets, sending this letter early demonstrates your commitment and gives your landlord time to consider your renewal request rather than seeking new tenants.

Key legal considerations

Your Intent To Renew Lease Letter must include specific information to be legally effective. Always reference your current lease details, including the property address, lease start and end dates, and current rent amount. Clearly state your intention to renew and propose specific terms such as the desired renewal period and any requested modifications. Be aware that landlords are not obligated to accept your renewal request, but they must follow proper procedures if they decide not to renew. Include your preferred contact method and request a written response by a specific date. Remember that verbal agreements for renewals may not be enforceable, so written documentation is crucial for protecting your rights.

Legal requirements in Canada

Each Canadian province has its own Residential Tenancies Act that governs lease renewals and notice periods. In Ontario, tenants must provide at least 60 days' notice, while British Columbia requires 30 days for month-to-month tenancies. Some provinces automatically convert fixed-term leases to month-to-month arrangements unless proper notice is given by either party. Your letter must comply with provincial notice requirements and should reference the specific legislation governing your tenancy. Additionally, the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights codes protect you from discrimination during the renewal process. If your landlord refuses to renew based on prohibited grounds such as race, religion, or family status, you may have legal recourse. Keep copies of all correspondence and note response times, as these may be important if disputes arise.