The end of a commercial lease depends in particular on its duration, the provisions of the lease and the rules provided for by the Civil Code of Quebec .
A fixed-term lease generally ends upon the expiry of the term, without notice being required, subject in particular to its renewal or the exercise of a renewal option provided for in the lease.
When the tenant continues to occupy the premises for more than 10 days after the expiry of the lease, without objection from the landlord, the lease may be tacitly renewed in accordance with the rules provided for by the Civil Code of Quebec .
An indefinite term lease may be terminated by either party by giving the other the notice required by law, subject to the applicable provisions and conditions set out in the lease.
A commercial lease may also terminate before its expiry when the parties agree or when a right of termination can be exercised in accordance with the lease or the law, in particular due to a sufficiently serious breach of contractual obligations.
When the landlord and tenant agree to terminate the lease before its expiry, it is recommended to record their agreement in writing in a termination agreement specifying in particular the date of termination of the lease, the sums due, the handover of the premises and the settlement of the respective obligations.
It is therefore important to check the duration of the lease, the renewal or extension clauses as well as the provisions concerning its termination before determining when and how the lease can end.