Can I remove someone from my mortgage at renewal?

The mechanical process: refinance the mortgage into the remaining borrower's name only, at closing the lawyer files a title change removing the departing party. Total cost typically runs $1,500–$3,000 (legal, appraisal, land title fees) on top of any penalty if done mid-term.

Doing this at renewal instead of mid-term saves any prepayment penalty. Common triggers: divorce/separation, adult child buying out a parent who co-signed, or removing a business partner from an investment property.