A month-to-month agreement is a lease document that continues each month until either party provides a 30-day notice that they’re vacating the property. Most month-to-month leases are used when extending existing leases, but there are also properties where tenants are provided with month-to-month leases only.
A month-to-month lease is ideal if you value flexibility. This is especially true if most of your tenants are travellers or do not stay at a given location for a long period of time. But does it offer better value and certainty for landlords long-term?
In this article, our experienced team here at GoodDoors Property Management looks into the features of a month-to-month lease so you can know if it’s right for you!
Last updated: February 2026.Quick answer (2026)
Month-to-month leases offer flexibility for landlords and tenants in Saskatchewan. They allow easy changes but risk more turnover. GoodDoors helps manage them with local expertise.
How Is a Month-to-Month Lease Different?
A long-term lease agreement often lasts anywhere from six months to more than a year, depending on the property. It’s recommended for the property owner to send a lease renewal offer at least a month before its expiry. Some properties allow tenants to have a month-to-month lease instead of signing a fixed-term lease document, but this varies from property to property.
As the name suggests, month-to-month leases are renewable on a monthly basis. They have no scheduled termination date. Landlord-tenant law allows for either party to terminate the lease once a 30-day notice is issued.
Features of a Month-to-Month Lease
While it’s different from a fixed long-term lease, a month-to-month lease has clauses and conditions that are similar to that of a long-term lease. Both long-term leases and month-to-month leases have similar provisions on building restrictions, smoking, security deposits, and pet policies .
Other features of a month-to-month lease include the rent due date, automatic renewal clause, tenant and landlord information, penalties for late payment, property damage clause, tenant insurance requirements, rental charges and how they are collected , and other additional fees.
Advantages of a Month-to-Month Lease
1. Flexible End Date
Either party can terminate the lease whenever they decide, provided that they give notice beforehand. The flexibility of this type of lease is one of the biggest advantages of this short-term lease option. This is unlike the fixed-term where you will be required to provide a notice a month or more in advance, depending on the lease agreement terms.
As a landlord, you’re able to plan ahead to accommodate tenants looking to move in the near future. It’s also useful for new landlords who are not yet sure about the clauses. You can use the month-to-month lease before developing your fixed term lease agreement based on your experiences.
2. Ability to Raise Rent
You can use this type of lease agreement to raise rent without losing tenants. The rationale of charging more rent with a month-to-month lease is that there is more risk and expenses attached since a tenant can decide to move on short notice.
This, however, cannot counter the provisions of the landlord-tenant laws. The increase in rental amount and amount of extra rent charged by the landlord must adhere to them. Otherwise, you may find yourself in legal trouble.
3. Makes Evictions Easier
Imagine that you have a problematic tenant on your property who is in a long-term tenancy agreement. While you might have good reason to terminate the lease , the long-term agreement brings a challenge. You could even find yourself in a court of law.
The same cannot be said if a month-to-month lease is in place. The landlord will provide the tenant with a notice requesting them to vacate from the premises. This helps the landlord eliminate problematic tenants easily.
Disadvantages of the Month-to-Month Lease
1. Constant Change
Just as flexibility is an advantage, it also poses a disadvantage to landlords. Ideally, having long-term tenants puts the landlord at ease in knowing there will be no disruptions or movements. You can rest for a while. This is, however, different for month-to-month leases.
2. Less Income Stability
Having a month-to-month lease presents the issue of less stable rental income since the tenant could move at any time and even before you have a new tenant to occupy the unit.
You may end up incurring losses from having vacant units, which is something you want to avoid for a secure investment.
3. Vacancies
The short notice to find new tenants could also be stressful to the landlord. You may not be able to find new tenants within the short period which will affect your finances.
Bottom Line
Are you in a dilemma on which lease agreement to choose for your Regina property? Call on the professionals in all matters that concern property leasing and management. GoodDoors Property Management can help you in deciding and crafting the best type of lease for your property. With our experience in the property industry, we will help you maximise the income of your property investment!
Legal Requirements for Month to Month Leases in Saskatchewan
Month-to-month leases in Saskatchewan follow The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. We at GoodDoors see these rules daily in our rentals. Tenants get tenancy agreements in writing. These must state rent amount, payment due date, and landlord details. Landlords give 20 days notice before raising rent. The increase caps at once per 12 months. Tenants need 1 full rental period notice to end the lease. Landlords give 2 full rental periods notice for cause, like non-payment. No cause ends need 4 full rental periods notice.
Security deposits max 1/2 month's rent. Landlords hold them in trust. Return happens within 14 days after move-out, minus damages. Cleaning fees do not apply unless in the agreement. Subletting requires landlord approval in writing. Guests stay up to 14 days without issues. Longer stays count as tenants.
Evictions follow strict steps. Non-payment gets 5 days pay or vacate notice. Then apply to Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Tribunal hears cases fast, often in weeks. Costs landlords $100 to file. Tenants dispute free. Dispute rent with 15 days written notice.
Saskatchewan rates month-to-month high for flexibility. In 2024, average rent hit $1,400 for 2-bedroom in Regina. Vacancy rates sat at 2.5%. Landlords prefer 12-month for stability. Tenants like month-to-month for job moves. We handle 300 units. 60% stay month-to-month. Turnover costs $500 per unit in lost rent, cleaning. Proper notices cut disputes 40%. Use standard forms from SaskJustice.ca. We file 20 tribunal cases yearly. Most settle pre-hearing. Know these rules. Avoid fines up to $5,000 for breaches. Tenants win 65% of cases per 2024 stats. Landlords win on clear cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice for month-to-month lease end in Saskatchewan?
Landlords give one full rental period notice. For monthly tenancies, this means 30 days. Tenants give the same.
Can I raise rent on month-to-month lease?
Yes, with 6 months notice if in Rental Housing Saskatchewan, or 12 months otherwise. No increases during fixed terms.
What is security deposit limit Saskatchewan?
One month's rent max. Tenants pay in two parts: 50% at move-in, 50% within two months. Return with interest in 7 business days.
Do month-to-month leases need writing?
Verbal is legal, but written is best. Include rent, due date, utilities, and Standard Conditions.
How to evict month-to-month tenant Saskatchewan?
Serve proper notice on approved form. One rental period for periodic tenancies. Office of Residential Tenancies handles disputes.
What landlords often get wrong
Many think month-to-month leases have no rules. In Saskatchewan, they follow the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Standard conditions apply to all tenancies.
