Assignment and Subletting

Two different ways a tenant can hand their unit to someone else.

Assignment and subletting are different. In an assignment, a tenant transfers the whole tenancy to a new tenant and steps out entirely. In a sublet, the original tenant lets someone occupy the unit temporarily and plans to return, remaining responsible under the lease. In Ontario a landlord's consent is required but cannot be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, and there are limits on what a landlord can charge. Which one you are doing changes your rights and liability.

General information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by province; confirm the current details with the relevant authority before you rely on them.