Many Ontarians are surprised by sudden rent increases. Understanding what landlords can and cannot do is key to protecting your housing rights. This guide explains unexplained rent hikes in Ontario, your options under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and how to respond if you face an unexpected rent increase.

When Can Your Landlord Increase Rent?

Ontario landlords must follow specific rules before increasing rent. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, most rent increases are subject to government guidelines and procedures. Here are key requirements:

• Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect.
• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• The increase must follow the annual rent increase guideline set by Ontario (e.g., 2.5% for 2024).

Exceptions apply for new units (first occupied after November 15, 2018) and some subsidized or commercial rentals. Always confirm if your unit is covered by rent control rules.

What Is an 'Unexplained' Rent Increase?

An "unexplained" rent increase usually means one where your landlord has not followed these rules, does not provide valid notice, or attempts to raise rent above the legal guideline without a tribunal order.

Your Legal Protections

Landlords must use the official N1: Notice of Rent Increase form, provided by Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), to legally notify tenants. If you receive an informal note, phone call, or increase that doesn’t fit the law, you do not have to pay the higher rent.

What To Do If You Receive an Improper Rent Increase

If you believe your landlord’s notice is invalid or unexplained:

• Review the notice to ensure it’s on the official LTB N1 form.
• Confirm the amount does not exceed this year’s guideline (unless exempt).
• Check you received the notice at least 90 days before the new rent would start.

If the increase does not meet these requirements, contact your landlord in writing and reference the correct law.

How to Challenge or Dispute a Rent Increase

You can dispute improper rent hikes by filing the appropriate form with the Landlord and Tenant Board. In most cases, this means using the T1: Tenant Application About a Rent Increase Above the Guideline or the T6: Tenant Application About Maintenance if the increase is tied to unresolved repairs.

Form T1: Tenant Application About a Rent Increase Above the Guideline

• When to use it: If your landlord increases rent above the legal guideline without LTB approval, or gives less than 90 days’ notice.
• How it works: Download the form from the LTB’s official forms page. Complete the details, attach your rent increase notice, and file with the Board. You can submit in person, by mail, or online.
• Example: Your monthly rent is $1,200. Your landlord demands $1,300 starting next month (a 8.3% increase), and there’s no LTB order. You may file the T1 form to dispute this increase.

Form N1: Notice of Rent Increase

• Description: The N1 form must be used by landlords to notify tenants about legal rent increases. Tenants should check that any increase is documented using this form.
• Where to get it: Download from the Landlord and Tenant Board

Key Steps for Tenants Facing a Rent Increase

• Don’t pay unauthorized increases. Continue paying your regular rent amount.
• Communicate in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence.
• Review your tenancy agreement and rights. See Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more detailed guidance.
• If you experience retaliation or threats, document incidents and seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board or advocacy organizations.

Know Your Broader Tenant Rights

Rent is just one part of your broader tenant rights and responsibilities. For a complete overview, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Unexplained Rent Increases

1. Can my landlord raise my rent without giving me proper written notice?
   No. Landlords must provide a formal written notice using the N1 form at least 90 days in advance.
2. What happens if I pay a rent increase that I later discover was illegal?
   You have one year from the date of overpayment to file a T1 application with the LTB and recover the extra amount.
3. Is there a cap on how much my rent can increase each year?
   Yes, most Ontario rentals are subject to a maximum guideline increase, as set annually by the government (e.g., 2.5% in 2024).
4. What if my landlord says my unit is exempt from rent control?
   Some units may be exempt (like new builds after 2018), but always ask for written proof and check with the Landlord and Tenant Board if unsure.
5. Where can I get help disputing a rent increase?
   Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, tenant advocacy groups, or see the resources listed below.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario) — main tribunal for disputes and applications.
• Legal Aid Ontario: www.legalaid.on.ca — free legal advice for eligible tenants.
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
• Tenant advocacy: Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) — www.acto.ca

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Available from the Ontario government’s legislation site.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board. Official notices, forms, and guidelines: LTB Tools
3. Annual rent guidelines: Ontario Rent Increase Guideline

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