Can I sublet my apartment in Canada?

In most provinces, tenants have the right to sublet their unit with the landlord's consent. The landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent. The key exception is Quebec, where subletting also requires consent, but the rules differ. Alberta requires landlord consent but the threshold for denying is unclear.

What is the difference between subletting and assigning a lease?

When you sublet, you temporarily transfer occupancy to a subtenant while remaining on the lease and remaining responsible for rent and any damage. When you assign your lease, you permanently transfer your tenancy to someone else and exit the lease entirely. Assignment requires landlord consent in most provinces.

Can my landlord refuse to let me sublet?

In Ontario and BC, your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a sublet request. If they do, you can apply to the tenancy board. Valid reasons to refuse a sublet might include the proposed subtenant having a poor rental history. Personal dislike or desire to rent at a higher rate are not valid reasons.

Am I still responsible for rent if I sublet my unit?

Yes. When you sublet, you remain the head tenant and are legally responsible for ensuring rent is paid, even if your subtenant pays you directly. If your subtenant doesn't pay, the landlord can pursue you for the rent. You are also responsible for any damage your subtenant causes.

Can my landlord charge more rent to a subtenant than I pay?

Generally no. In Ontario, charging a subtenant more than the lawful rent (what you pay your landlord) is illegal rent-charging above the regulated amount. If you charge someone more for a sublet than what you pay, you could be ordered to repay the difference.

Subletting Rules in Canada: What Tenants Need to Know

Whether you’re travelling, temporarily relocating for work, or simply need someone to take over your place for a few months, understanding your subletting rights in Canada will protect you from making a costly legal mistake.

Subletting vs. assigning: the key distinction

Before anything else, be clear on what you are doing:

	Sublet	Assignment
Duration	Temporary — you intend to return	Permanent — you are leaving for good
Lease responsibility	You remain responsible	New tenant takes over
Landlord consent	Required in most provinces	Required in most provinces
Your liability	Continues during sublet period	Ends (if assignment approved)
Rent	Subtenant pays you; you pay landlord	Assignee pays landlord directly

If you are move out permanently and want someone else to take over, you want an assignment, not a sublet.

Subletting rules by province

Ontario

Tenants have the right to sublet with landlord’s consent
Landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent
If landlord refuses without valid reason, apply to the LTB — you may be allowed to sublet or receive compensation
Subletting for more than the lawful rent is illegal
You remain on the original lease; subtenant must vacate when you return
Unauthorized subletting (without telling landlord) can be grounds for eviction

British Columbia

Tenants may sublet or assign with written consent from the landlord
Landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent
If refused, tenant can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch
The original tenant remains responsible for the unit throughout a sublet

Alberta

Subletting requires landlord’s written consent
The Residential Tenancies Act does not explicitly state that consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, giving landlords somewhat more discretion than in Ontario or BC
Head tenant remains liable for rent and damage during the sublet

Quebec

You may sublet or assign with written notice to your landlord
Landlord has 15 days to refuse — must provide a serious reason
If the landlord refuses without serious reason, the Tribunal administratif du logement can authorize the sublet
Charging a subtenant more than you pay is prohibited

Manitoba

Subletting requires landlord’s consent
Landlord can refuse if they have reasonable grounds
Head tenant remains responsible

Saskatchewan

Written consent of the landlord is required
Head tenant remains liable throughout the sublet period

How to request subletting permission

Always make your request in writing. A text or email preserves the record if the landlord later denies having received your request.

Your written request should include:

Your intention to sublet and the proposed dates
The proposed subtenant’s name and contact information
A request for their written response by a specific date

Provide enough information about the proposed subtenant (references, employment status) that the landlord can reasonably assess the request.

Finding a subtenant

List on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Craigslist as a sublet
Post in local housing groups or university boards (for student housing)
Inform friends, colleagues, and neighbours
Use apps like PadSplit or app-based housing marketplaces

Screen your subtenant as you would expect your landlord to screen you: ask for references, check if they are employed, and trust your instincts.

Protecting yourself as a head tenant

Risk	Protection
Subtenant doesn’t pay rent	Require post-dated cheques or e-transfer authorization upfront
Subtenant damages the unit	Take photos before and after; consider a subtenant deposit (permitted in some provinces)
Subtenant refuses to leave	Handle through provincial tenancy process — you cannot perform a self-help eviction either
Landlord claims you violated the lease	Keep all written permission from your landlord

What happens if you sublet without permission

Subletting without consent is typically a material lease violation. Your landlord may:

Serve you with a notice to vacate
Apply to the tenancy board for eviction
In some provinces, terminate the tenancy with relatively short notice

If you are in a situation where you need to leave urgently (job relocation, illness), apply to your provincial tenancy board proactively rather than subletting without permission and hoping it goes unnoticed.

Key takeaway

In most Canadian provinces, you have the right to sublet — but you need your landlord’s consent, and you remain responsible for rent and damages throughout. Always make your request in writing, vet your subtenant carefully, and stay on the right side of the law to protect your tenancy.