Ontario · Province-wide
The Ontario government sets a maximum allowable rent increase guideline each year. Landlords of eligible units cannot raise rent above this percentage without Landlord and Tenant Board approval.
| Year | Guideline |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5% |
| 2025 | 2.5% |
| 2024 | 2.5% |
| 2023 | 2.5% |
| 2022 | 1.2% |
| 2021 | 0% (frozen) |
| 2020 | 2.2% |
| 2019 | 1.8% |
| 2018 | 1.8% |
Every year, the Ontario government publishes a maximum percentage by which landlords can increase rent for eligible rental units. The guideline is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rent increases can only take effect once every 12 months, and landlords must give tenants at least 90 days written notice using the N1 form.
Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are not subject to Ontario rent control. Landlords of these units can raise rent by any amount, though they must still provide proper notice and comply with other rules under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Additional exemptions may apply to social housing, non-profit housing, certain subsidized units, and other categories. If you are unsure whether your unit is exempt, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Yes — but only with LTB approval. A landlord can apply for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) if they have had significant capital expenditures, extraordinary operating cost increases, or municipal taxes increases. You have the right to dispute an AGI application at an LTB hearing.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Always verify with the official Ontario guideline page. This tool is for informational purposes only.