Sublet and Assignment Request

Subletting and assigning are different things with different consequences. In a sublet you stay on the hook; in an assignment you generally walk away clean. Most provinces require the landlord's written consent for either, and most say that consent cannot be unreasonably withheld — which only helps you if you asked in writing and can prove the date. This page loads your province's rule and drafts the request.

What this template is for

A draft built around the details you need

Use this to request landlord consent to sublet or assign, naming the proposed occupant and the dates, so the clock on the landlord's response starts.

Sublet and assignment rules, landlord response deadlines, and remedies vary by province. Confirm with your provincial tenancy authority before relying on a deadline.

How to use it

  1. Select your province to load the consent rule and any response deadline.
  2. Choose whether you are subletting or assigning. They are not interchangeable.
  3. Name the proposed occupant and the exact dates.
  4. Send it in a way you can prove, and note the date you sent it.

A completed example

Example shown for Ontario

An Ontario tenant requesting consent to assign, which starts the landlord's seven-day response window.

2026-08-06

Hartley Property Group

Subject: Request for consent to Assignment at 44 Gerrard Street West, Unit 812 Toronto, ON M5G 2K2

Dear Hartley Property Group,

I, Joel Ferreira, am requesting your written consent to Assignment my unit at 44 Gerrard Street West, Unit 812 Toronto, ON M5G 2K2, beginning 2026-10-01.

The proposed occupant is Nadia Bousaid. She works full time as a registered nurse at a downtown hospital, has two prior landlord references, and can provide an employment letter and credit report on request.

I have accepted a position in Calgary starting in October and will be relocating permanently.

An Ontario tenant may sublet or assign with the landlord's consent, which cannot be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld. If the landlord refuses or does not respond within seven days of an assignment request, the tenant may be able to give notice or apply to the Board.

Please respond in writing. I am recording the date of this request so we both have a clear record of when it was made. Sincerely, Joel Ferreira [email protected] 416-555-0158

Make your own

Fill in your details, then download a PDF or an editable Word file.

  • Your name is required.
  • Landlord/property manager is required.
  • Rental address is required.
  • Proposed subtenant or assignee is required.
  • Proposed start date is required.

Common questions

What is the difference between subletting and assigning?

In a sublet you remain the tenant and stay responsible for rent and damage; the subtenant answers to you. In an assignment the new tenant takes over the lease and, in most provinces, you are released. If you are leaving for good, an assignment is usually what you want.

Can my landlord just say no?

In most provinces consent cannot be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, and a refusal needs a real reason connected to the proposed occupant. In Ontario, if the landlord refuses an assignment or does not respond within seven days, the tenant may be able to give notice or apply to the Board.

How does Quebec handle it?

Quebec is more tenant-friendly here. You give the landlord written notice, and the landlord has 15 days to refuse with a serious reason. Silence is consent. On an assignment, the original tenant is released from the lease.

Can the landlord charge a fee?

Provinces generally allow only the landlord's reasonable out-of-pocket costs for processing the request, such as a credit check. A flat fee for granting permission is usually not permitted.

How this template is maintained

Last reviewed
Reviewed by
Thomas TremblayFounder and editor, Canooq

Sources

See also

Practical pathways

Continue with related Canadian tasks