The N9 is Ontario's Tenant's Notice to End the Tenancy. You use it when you want to move out permanently — not when you are subletting your Waterloo apartment for a co-op term while keeping your lease. Confusing the two is one of the most common student housing mistakes every January.
When you need an N9
You generally need an N9 if you are on a month-to-month tenancy (or after a fixed term has ended and you stayed without signing a new one) and you want to leave. You must give at least 60 days' notice, and your termination date must be the last day of a rental period — usually the day before rent is due each month.
When you do not need an N9
If you are subletting while on co-op and plan to return, you typically need landlord consent for the sublet — not an N9. Ending your tenancy with an N9 means you are giving up the unit. If your goal is to come back after co-op, read our sublet guide instead.
Fixed-term leases
If you are still inside a fixed-term lease, you usually cannot end early with an N9 alone — you may need an agreement with your landlord (N11) or another lawful reason. Breaking a lease early can have financial consequences worth reviewing with legal help before you act.
How to fill out the N9
- Download the current N9 from the Landlord and Tenant Board forms page.
- Enter your name, the landlord's name, and the rental unit address exactly as they appear on your lease.
- Choose your termination date — at least 60 days from when you give notice, aligned to the end of a rental period.
- Sign and date the form. Keep a copy for yourself.
- Deliver it to your landlord using a method you can prove — in person with a witness, registered mail, or email if your landlord accepts email notice.
Common mistakes
- Giving less than 60 days' notice — the termination date may not be valid.
- Picking a termination date that is not the last day of a rental period.
- Using an N9 to "notify" your landlord of a sublet instead of requesting consent.
- Assuming you can leave a fixed-term lease early without consequences.
Ontario's rules have exceptions and your lease may add requirements. This guide is information only — not legal advice. Verify the current N9 instructions on tribunalsontario.ca and contact WUSA Student Legal Protection for your specific situation.