Rent can now be raised again in Ontario. Here's everything you need to know
As of Jan. 1, landlords in Ontario once again have the ability to raise rents.
For 2022, Ontario's maximum allowable rent increase is set at 1.2 per cent.
This change comes after the province froze rental increases in 2020 to help Ontarians with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. That freeze ended on Dec. 21, 2021 and was not renewed.
With potential rental increases coming down the line, here are some of the most frequently asked questions Ontarians have on maximum allowable rent increases.
Will my rent automatically increase?
No, rent increases are not automatic. A landlord must give tenants written notice using an N1 form in order to legally raise a tenant’s rent.
How much notice does my landlord have to give me?
The N1 form must be served to a tenant with 90 days notice before the increase takes effect.
How much can my landlord raise my rent?
Without filing for an above-guideline rental increase, a landlord can raise a tenant’s rent by 1.2 per cent of the current price at the most.
How soon after I move in can my landlord raise my rent?
In most cases, a landlord must wait 12 months after either a tenant has moved in or since the last rental increase to raise rent.
Are there any exceptions to maximum allowable rent increases?
Yes.
A landlord may make an application to the Landlord-Tenant Board (LTB) in order to increase rent by more than 1.2 per cent. This must be approved by the LTB before notice is given to the tenant.
Additionally, the 1.2 per cent guideline does not apply to buildings occupied for the first time after Nov. 15, 2018, social housing units, long-term care homes or commercial property.
Can my landlord apply for an above-guideline rental increase?
According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in most cases, the rent increase cannot be more than the rent increase guideline.
However, a landlord can apply for an increase in rent above the guideline in certain circumstances to recover expenses that are not taken into account in calculating the guideline, such as if there has been a significant increase in municipal taxes, the landlord has undergone significant capital expenses (e.g. renovations, repairs, replacements to the unit) or the landlord has experienced operating costs related to security services.
For a full rundown of reasons a landlord may apply for an above-guideline rental increase, click here.
Do I have to agree to a rental increase?
If the landlord has provided 90 days written notice and the rental increase is equal to or less than 1.2 per cent, a tenant is not required to agree to the increase.
However, if a landlord tries to raise rent more than 1.2 per cent and has not applied for an above-guideline rental increase, did not provide the correct rental increase form or if the tenant otherwise feels their rent has been improperly raised, the tenant may file a complaint with the LTB within 12 months.
How are yearly maximum allowable rent increases calculated?
The Ontario government calculates maximum rental guideline increases using the Ontario Consumer Price Index — a tool that measures inflation and economic conditions over a year.
According to the ministry, data from June to May is used to determine the guideline for the following year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.