Breaking a lease means that a tenant wants to leave their unit before their tenancy agreement is over. An example would be: a tenant who signed a one year lease might want to move out after eight months. A tenant and landlord can agree to break a lease. It is best if this agreement is in writing and signed by the landlord and the tenant. If the landlord is not willing to break the lease, the tenant can assign the unit to a new tenant with the landlord's consent. For process and information, please refer to the Ontario Landlord & Tenant Board.