02/05/2026
Signing a New Lease vs. Month-to-Month Tenancy under the RTA
• In Ontario, most leases start as fixed-term (e.g., 12 months) and automatically become month-to-month when the term ends—no new lease is required.
• Landlords in London cannot require you to sign a new lease once your fixed term ends.
• Month-to-month tenancy gives you more flexibility, allowing you to move with 60 days’ written notice, while keeping the same tenant protections.
• Rent cannot be increased just because your lease ends or because you are asked to sign a new lease.
• Legal rent increases are allowed only once every 12 months, require 90 days’ written notice, and must follow Ontario’s rent increase guideline.
• Signing a new lease may make sense if you plan to stay long-term and the terms and rent remain the same, but always read carefully before signing.
• Whether fixed-term or month-to-month, your rights under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act stay the same.
• If you’re unsure, get advice before signing anything.
