Ontario Rent Increases and Rent Control: 2026 Guide

Ontario Rent Increase & Rent Control Guide · Updated for 2026

Featured photo by Aaron Lefler on Unsplash.

Ontario limits how often and, for many rental units, how much rent can be increased during a tenancy. For 2026, the provincial rent increase guideline is 2.1% for most rent-controlled units.

The 12-Month Rule

In most cases, at least 12 months must have passed since the tenant moved in or since the last lawful rent increase before another increase can take effect.

The 90-Day Notice Rule

A landlord generally must give at least 90 days’ written notice using the proper Landlord and Tenant Board form before a rent increase takes effect.

2026 Guideline: 2.1%

The guideline is the maximum increase most landlords can apply without LTB approval where the guideline applies. For example, a lawful monthly rent of $2,000 would increase by $42 at 2.1%, to $2,042, assuming all other legal requirements are satisfied.

Post-November 15, 2018 Exemptions

The guideline generally does not apply to certain new buildings, additions and many new basement units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018. The exact exemption can be fact-specific, and a landlord may need records proving when the unit or relevant space was first occupied.

A Lease Ending Does Not Automatically Allow a Rent Reset

When a fixed-term lease ends and the same tenant remains, the tenancy commonly continues rather than allowing the landlord to simply set a new market rent. Rent-increase rules still apply.

Above-Guideline Increases

In certain circumstances, a landlord may apply to the LTB for an above-guideline increase. This is a formal process and should not be confused with an ordinary annual guideline increase. See our detailed Ontario Above-Guideline Increase (AGI) guide for qualifying categories, documentation and the L5 process.

Records Matter

• Keep copies of rent-increase notices and proof of service.
• Record the effective date of every increase.
• Keep documents supporting any claimed post-2018 exemption.
• Retain building permits, occupancy records or construction documents where relevant.

See the Government of Ontario rent-increase page and our Landlords & Tenants hub.

Ontario Rent Increase FAQ

What is Ontario’s 2026 rent increase guideline?

The 2026 guideline is 2.1% for most rent-controlled units, provided the landlord also follows the timing and notice requirements.

Are all Ontario rentals rent controlled?

No. Certain newer units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 can be exempt from the annual guideline.

General information only: Rent-control exemptions and increase disputes can turn on specific facts. Verify current rules with the LTB or obtain legal advice before acting.