Jul 8, 2026
Understanding Ontario's rent increase guideline
If you rent in Ontario, the single most useful number to know is the rent increase guideline. It's the maximum percentage a landlord can raise the rent on most units in a 12-month period — and it changes every year.
What the guideline actually is
Each year, the Government of Ontario sets a guideline based on the Consumer Price Index. For 2026, the guideline is 2.5%. On a $2,000 rent, that's an increase of up to $50 per month (to $2,050).
A few ground rules that come with it:
- Rent can normally be increased once every 12 months.
- Your landlord must give at least 90 days written notice, using the official N1 form.
- For most units, the increase can't exceed that year's guideline.
Which units are exempt
Not every unit is capped by the guideline. Units first occupied for residential purposes on or after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt from rent control, so their increases aren't limited by the guideline.
Importantly, this is about when the unit was first lived in — not when the building was constructed. An apartment in an older building can still be exempt if it was first occupied after that date.
Above Guideline Increases (AGIs)
Sometimes a landlord can raise rent by more than the guideline through an Above Guideline Increase. AGIs require an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board and are typically tied to things like major capital repairs or large increases in municipal taxes. As a tenant, you have the right to respond to an AGI application.
How to check your own increase
If you've received a notice, the quickest way to see whether it's within the rules is our free calculator:
- Check my rent increase — enter your current and proposed rent to see if it's within the guideline.
- Ontario rent increase guidelines — the historical guideline percentages, including the 2021 COVID freeze.
If something looks off — an increase above the guideline, missing notice, or an improper form — you can dispute it with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm your specific situation with the Landlord and Tenant Board.