Words (Core Vocabulary)
- lease / tenancy agreement / addendum / clause
- fixed-term (set dates) / month-to-month (periodic)
- renewal / extension / rollover
- notice to vacate / notice to end tenancy
- sublet / sublease / assignment (transfer of lease)
- early termination / break a lease / penalty / breach
- security (damage) deposit / pet damage deposit
- move-in / move-out condition inspection report
- rent due date / late fee / NSF (non-sufficient funds)
- rent increase / annual allowable increase / effective date
- written notice / proper notice / required notice
- receipts / records / proof of payment
Phrases (Clarity & protection)
Before signing
- Could we walk through the lease clauses together?
- Can we add an addendum about minor repairs or painting?
- When is the move-in inspection scheduled?
During tenancy
- As per the lease, rent is due on the 1st.
- I’ll send rent by e-Transfer and request a receipt each month.
- Could you confirm in writing that the pet deposit is separate from the security deposit?
Ending or changing the lease
- I intend to end my tenancy—what notice is required?
- Would you approve a sublet for three months?
- Could we switch to month-to-month after the fixed term?
Rent increases
- I’ve received a notice of rent increase—when will it take effect?
- Could you confirm that the increase follows the allowable limit and proper notice timelines?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Before signing: Thanks for sending the tenancy agreement. Could we review the move-in inspection section and the pet deposit clause?
- During tenancy: Hi—as per the lease, rent is due on the first. Please confirm you received today’s e-Transfer.
- Ending tenancy: I’m relocating for work. I intend to end my tenancy and will give the required written notice.
- Rent increase: I received your letter. Could you confirm the effective date and that it’s within the allowable increase?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Documents & terms
- sign a lease
- review the clauses
- add an addendum
- keep records/receipts
- complete an inspection report
Payments & deposits
- pay a security deposit
- provide pet deposit
- return the deposit
- deduct for damages
- confirm proof of payment
Changes & endings
- give written notice
- follow the required notice
- request a renewal
- approve a sublet/assignment
- terminate a tenancy
Rent increases
- issue a rent-increase notice
- comply with allowable limits
- state the effective date
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Many leases move from fixed-term to month-to-month—ask what happens after the end date.
- Do a move-in/-out inspection with photos and sign the report—it protects both sides.
- Deposits and rent increases have rules and timelines that vary by province—stay polite and ask for written details.
- Keep copies (email/file) of everything: lease, notices, receipts, inspection reports.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Clarify clause: “Could we clarify the painting clause and nail holes in an addendum?”
- Notice: “I’m giving written notice to end my tenancy effective [date]. Please confirm receipt.”
- Increase: “Thanks for the notice—could you confirm the effective date and that it’s within the allowable increase?”