Ending a Lease in Quebec: Renewal, Notice & Early Exit
Quebec leases don't just end on the last day — they renew themselves. If you want to leave, the burden is on you to give notice at the right time. Miss the window and you're locked in for another term.
Leases Renew Automatically
In Quebec, a residential lease renews on its own at the end of the term, on the same conditions (subject to any rent change the landlord properly notices). The landlord doesn't have to offer renewal, and you don't have to sign anything — it just continues. To stop that, you must give notice.
Notice to Not Renew
To end a lease at its term, give written notice within the correct window:
- Lease of 12 months or more: between three and six months before the end date.
- Fixed-term lease of less than 12 months: one to two months before the end.
- Month-to-month (indeterminate): one to two months before the date you want to leave.
You Usually Can't Break a Fixed Lease Early
A Quebec lease binds you for its term. You generally can't end a fixed-term lease early just by giving notice. If you must leave before the term ends, your main options are to assign the lease or sublet — see our Quebec assignment and sublet guide.
The Limited Early-Exit Grounds
The Civil Code allows a tenant to end a lease early in specific situations, including:
- Being allocated low-rental (subsidized) housing.
- Moving to a residence for seniors or a facility because you can no longer live independently.
- Leaving because your safety or a child's is threatened by violence or a sexual assault.
- In these cases, specific notice and confirmation rules apply.
Assignment Often Beats Subletting
If you need out for good, assigning the lease (cession de bail) transfers it entirely and releases you from future obligations — usually the cleanest exit. Subletting keeps you on the hook. Either way, the landlord can only refuse for a serious reason.