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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.