Ontario Rent Increases: The 2026 and 2027 Guideline, Notice and Exemptions

Published January 9, 2013 · Updated October 21, 2026

Ontario limits how often and by how much you can raise the rent for most tenants. Here are the rules in one place.

The guideline

The guideline is "the maximum a landlord can increase most tenants' rent during a year". It's based on Ontario's Consumer Price Index, using data from June to May to set the next year's figure, and it's capped at 2.5%. (Source)

How often

In most cases you can raise the rent once at least 12 months have passed since the last increase, or since the tenant moved in. (Source)

How much notice

You must give the tenant written notice at least 90 days before the increase takes effect, on the proper LTB form. (Source) Which form depends on the unit. A unit covered by the rent increase guideline uses form N1, Notice of Rent Increase. A unit exempt from the guideline (see Units the guideline doesn't cover below) uses form N2, Notice of Rent Increase (Unit Partially Exempt). Both are on the LTB's forms page.

Short notice isn't a technicality. A tenant who didn't get proper notice can dispute the increase at the LTB within 12 months after it was first charged. (Source)

Units the guideline doesn't cover

The guideline doesn't apply to new buildings, additions and most new basement apartments occupied for the first time for residential purposes after November 15, 2018. (Source) The 12-month rule and the 90-day notice still apply to those units. If a tenant disputes it, you may need to show when the unit was first occupied, so keep that record.

Going above the guideline

In some cases you can apply to the LTB for approval to raise the rent above the guideline. (Source) The LTB's application form lists the reasons that qualify.

A simple calendar

1. Find the date of the last increase or the move-in date, and add 12 months. That's the earliest the new rent can start.
2. Count back at least 90 days from that date. That's the latest date to give the notice. If you send it by mail, give yourself a margin of extra days.
3. Check the guideline for the year the increase takes effect, and multiply.

For example, rent of $2,000 with an increase taking effect in 2027 can go up by at most 1.9%, to $2,038.

Other provinces

The guideline and these rules are Ontario's. Other provinces set their own limits, and some have none.

Rentingwell reminds you when an Ontario unit's next increase is coming up, works out the maximum under the guideline, and shows the date to give notice by.