Terminating a Lease to Move into Senior Living

Moving marks often a new beginning and should not be a source of stress. Terminating a lease to settle into senior living is a significant step. The key is to be well-informed and supported to properly notify your landlord of your intention to terminate your lease. Here are some tips to help you ensure a smooth transition.

Lease Termination for Moving into Senior Living

If your health condition requires you to leave your current home to move into a senior living where you can receive nursing care or personalized assistance, you have the right to terminate your lease at any time. In this case, your landlord cannot oppose the termination.

However, you must notify them in writing within the legal deadlines:

• If your lease is for 12 months or more:Notice must be given at least 2 months before your departure
• If your lease is for less than 12 months or is an open-ended lease: Notice must be sent 1 month before your departure

To formalize this process, 3 documents are required:

1. A written notice of departure and lease termination addressed to your landlord 
2. An admission certificate confirming your acceptance into  senior living
3. A medical certificate from a healthcare professional stating that you meet the admission criteria for senior living

To assist you with this process, the Tribunal administratif du logement (formerly the Régie du logement) provides an official form to submit to your landlord. 

Once these steps are completed, you will be able to sign a lease with the senior living of your choice. This contract specifies the obligations of both parties, as well as the services included, such as meals, assistance, medication management, and nursing care.

Changing Senior Living or Moving to a CHSLD

The same procedure applies if you need to leave your current senior living for another one, or if you need to move into a CHSLD due to your health condition.

If you simply do not wish to renew your lease in a private senior living, you must notify your landlord within the following deadlines:

• 12-month lease or more: Notice must be sent 3 to 6 months before the lease ends
• Lease of less than 12 months or an open-ended lease: Notice must be sent 1 to 2 months before the lease ends
• Lease for a room (regardless of duration): Notice of non-renewal must be sent 10 to 20 days before the lease ends

What Are Your Rights When Moving and Terminating a Lease?

It is important to note that you are responsible for paying rent until the end of the notice period. However, regarding additional services (such as nursing care, meals, etc.), you are only required to pay for the service you have received.

In the event of the death of a resident living alone in senior living, the lease ends 2 months after a written notice is sent to the landlord. This notice must be provided by the estate’s liquidator or an heir within 6 months of the tenant’s passing.

Essential Documents to Remember

To properly terminate your lease, do not forget these three essential documents:

1. The written notice of departure and lease termination
2. The certificate of admission to a senior living
3. The medical certificate from a healthcare professional confirming that you meet the admission requirements for a senior living

Looking for Senior Living?

Are you planning to move into senior living and need guidance? Our team of senior housing specialists is here to help. Fill out a senior housing request or call us at 1 844 918-1020.