A tenant in Guelph, who has a fixed-term lease for one year, informs their landlord that they wish to move out two months before the lease expires. The landlord advises the tenant they are responsible for the remaining two months of rent. Is the landlord entirely correct under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006?

Question: A tenant in Guelph, who has a fixed-term lease for one year, informs their landlord that they wish to move out two months before the lease expires. The landlord advises the tenant they are responsible for the remaining two months of rent. Is the landlord entirely correct under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006?

Answer options:

• Yes, the tenant is strictly liable for all rent until the end of the fixed term. ✅ No, the landlord has a duty to mitigate their losses by attempting to find a new tenant.
• Yes, unless the tenant finds a suitable replacement tenant for the landlord.
• No, the tenant can terminate a fixed-term lease early with 30 days' written notice.

Correct answer: No, the landlord has a duty to mitigate their losses by attempting to find a new tenant.

Explanation: Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, while a tenant is generally responsible for the full term of the lease, the landlord has a duty to mitigate damages by taking reasonable steps to re-rent the unit as soon as possible.