Form T4: Ontario Tenants Challenging Above-Guideline Rent Hikes

If you’re a tenant in Ontario and your landlord has made an agreement with you to increase rent above the usual guideline—but hasn’t met their end of the bargain—you have a way to challenge this. Ontario’s residential tenancy laws protect you when a landlord does not fulfill the conditions tied to an Above-Guideline Rent Increase Agreement. This guide explains what Form T4 is, when and how to use it, and what your rights are according to the law.

Understanding Above-Guideline Rent Increase Agreements in Ontario

Normally, landlords in Ontario must follow annual rent increase guidelines set by the province. However, in certain situations—such as major repairs or improvements—landlords and tenants might sign an Above-Guideline Increase (AGI) agreement. When this happens, the landlord is legally required to do all the work or provide all the services outlined in that agreement. If they don’t, tenants have recourse through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario, which oversees these matters (Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board).

What Is Form T4?

Form T4, officially titled “Tenant Application – Landlord Didn’t Comply with Agreement to Increase the Rent Above Guideline”, is the form tenants use to request an order from the LTB when a landlord has not completed the promised work, or hasn’t provided the improved service or facility that justified the higher rent.

• Form Name/Number: T4 - Tenant Application - Landlord Didn’t Comply with Agreement to Increase the Rent Above Guideline
• Official Source: LTB Tenant Forms

An example: If your landlord agreed to replace all windows as part of the above-guideline increase but hasn’t finished the upgrades on time, you could file Form T4 to ask for the rent to be reduced or for compensation.

When to Use Form T4 and How It Works

You should use Form T4 if:

• Your rent was increased above the guideline through a written agreement with your landlord.
• The landlord failed to complete the work, or failed to provide the additional services or facilities promised as part of the agreement.

By completing and submitting Form T4, you ask the LTB to examine whether your landlord complied with the agreement. If the Board finds the landlord has not, it can order the rent to return to guideline levels, order a refund, or even compensation.

Steps to File a T4 Application (Tenant Action Guide)

• Gather your above-guideline agreement and proof that the promised work or service was not completed or delivered.
• Download and fill out Form T4 from the Landlord and Tenant Board site.
• Explain how the landlord failed to comply in the form. Attach evidence if possible, such as photos, correspondence, or receipts.
• Submit the application to the LTB (by mail, online, or in person) and pay the required filing fee, or request a fee waiver if eligible.
• Attend the scheduled hearing, where you’ll present your case. The Board will assess the landlord’s compliance and decide on remedies.

Using Form T4 does not prevent you from also seeking help with other common issues in rentals—such as repairs, pest control, or Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know if you have further questions about how rent can be lawfully raised.

Your Rights and Legal Protections

Tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). The RTA sets clear rules for rental agreements, rent increases, and what happens when an agreement is broken.

The Landlord and Tenant Board is the tribunal that handles these disputes. Their process is designed to be accessible for tenants—even if you do not have a lawyer.

For a full overview of rental rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Related Tenant Issues After a Rent Agreement

If you’ve recently navigated a rental agreement—whether involving an above-guideline rent, a new service, or normal signing terms—review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for additional rights and tips.

For those searching for a new place to live or want to compare options in other cities or provinces, Canada's best rental listings platform lets you browse available rental homes across the country with an up-to-date map view and advanced filtering tools.

FAQ: Tenant Questions about Form T4

1. Can I apply with Form T4 if my landlord partially completed the promised work?
   Yes. If the landlord finished only some of the work or provided only part of the agreed service, you can still apply. The Landlord and Tenant Board will consider the details and decide on an appropriate remedy.
2. What evidence should I provide when submitting Form T4?
   Be thorough. Submit your signed agreement, tenant-landlord correspondence, photos of unfinished work, receipts, or records showing the landlord fell short of their agreement.
3. How long do I have to file a T4 application?
   You should file as soon as you become aware the landlord has not followed the agreement. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather proof and protect your rights.
4. Can I apply if my landlord increased the rent above guideline without a written agreement?
   No. Form T4 specifically applies when there is a written above-guideline agreement that your landlord did not follow. For improper rent increases without agreement, see Ontario’s regular rent rules.
5. Does submitting Form T4 affect my right to stay in my apartment?
   No. Filing a T4 application is your legal right and does not impact your right to remain in your home unless ordered by the Board for unrelated reasons.

Conclusion: What Ontario Tenants Should Remember

• Use Form T4 if your landlord breaches a written above-guideline rent agreement.
• Gather written proof and submit your application to the Landlord and Tenant Board promptly.
• Ontario tenancy laws provide strong protections and an accessible process for tenants to challenge non-compliance.

If unsure, review all your tenant rights or seek help from local tenant advocacy organizations for support regarding AGI issues and other rental concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): For forms, applications, and hearings
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: The legislation protecting tenants
• Local tenant advocacy clinics: Offer free help with forms and hearings (search "tenant legal clinic Ontario").
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Detailed overview of Ontario laws and tenant protections

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the act here
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): Official LTB site
3. LTB Tenant Forms: T4 Application and other forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy