A tenant in Toronto, currently halfway through a one-year fixed-term lease, requests to move out earlier due to a new job opportunity in another city. The lease agreement does not contain any clauses about early termination. What is the most appropriate action for the property manager?

Question: A tenant in Toronto, currently halfway through a one-year fixed-term lease, requests to move out earlier due to a new job opportunity in another city. The lease agreement does not contain any clauses about early termination. What is the most appropriate action for the property manager?

Answer options:

• Inform the tenant they are bound by the lease until the end of the term and are responsible for all remaining rent. ✅ Advise the tenant they can assign or sublet the unit, provided the landlord gives consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld.
• Allow the tenant to terminate the lease immediately with two months' written notice.
• Offer to mutually terminate the lease if the tenant pays a penalty equivalent to two months' rent.

Correct answer: Advise the tenant they can assign or sublet the unit, provided the landlord gives consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld.

Explanation: Under the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, a tenant has the right to assign or sublet their unit, even if the lease doesn't specifically mention it, and the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent.