Break your lease or sublet — know the cost and the law first

New York does not let tenants walk away from a fixed-term lease without liability, but landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit (mitigate damages). You remain responsible for rent until a new tenant is found, minus the new rent collected.

Ontario tenants on fixed-term leases generally owe rent for the full term unless the landlord agrees to an early termination or fails to mitigate by re-renting. Assigning the lease to a new tenant with landlord consent is often the cheapest exit.

BC fixed-term tenancies generally run to the end date. Early termination usually requires landlord agreement, an assignee, or a valid break clause. Landlords must mitigate losses when tenants leave early.

California landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent after a tenant breaks a lease. You remain liable for rent until a new tenant is found, minus what the landlord collects, plus allowable costs under Civil Code §1951.2.