Worried about a sudden rent increase or confused about whether your unit is protected by Ontario's rent control rules? You're not alone. Many tenants are surprised to learn that some rental units are exempt from provincial rent control guidelines. Understanding your rights—and what to do if you’re exempt—is key to planning your housing and protecting yourself from unexpected costs.

What Is Rent Control in Ontario?

In Ontario, rent control limits how much a landlord can legally increase your rent each year. Most rental homes are covered, but some newer units are not. The rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). Rent increases for covered units cannot exceed the annual guideline announced each year by the Ontario government, unless the landlord receives special approval.

Which Rentals Are Exempt from Rent Control?

Not all rentals fall under Ontario’s rent control rules. According to the RTA:

• Newer residential units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are not subject to rent control. This means landlords can raise the rent by any amount, as long as they give proper notice and use the correct form.
• Units that are part of social housing programs, vacation homes, and some types of non-profit or care homes may also be exempt.
• Purpose-built additions to existing houses or apartment buildings occupied after November 15, 2018 also qualify.

For most other residential tenancies—especially those built and occupied before November 15, 2018—the rent control guideline applies.

How to Check if Your Unit Is Exempt

Ask your landlord for written confirmation of when your unit was first occupied, or check your lease paperwork and city permits if available. If you moved into a unit in a house, apartment, or condo building completed after November 15, 2018, your rent may not be controlled. For more info on rights after signing, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Even if your rental is exempt from rent control, your landlord must still:

• Use the official Form N1: Notice of Rent Increase
• Give you at least 90 days’ written notice before the new rent takes effect
• Follow rules on how frequently rent can be increased (no more than once every 12 months)

Official form: N1: Notice of Rent Increase
Example: If you rent a unit first occupied in 2020 and receive Form N1 in March, your landlord can raise the rent in June of that year.

Rights and Protections: Exemptions vs. Standard Units

• If your unit is covered by rent control, any rent increase above the guideline is illegal unless approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
• For exempt units, there is no limit to the annual rent increase. However, eviction and maintenance rules still apply!
• All tenants are protected from unlawful evictions and have the right to file complaints and seek help from the LTB.

For a more detailed look at the process and rights around rent increases, visit Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Certain exceptions do not take away other tenant rights—like maintenance, privacy, or notice for entry. Rent control exemptions simply mean your landlord may set any rent, but all other protections remain.

Filing a Disagreement or Seeking Help

If you think your landlord is violating Ontario's rent rules, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). You may use Form T1 (Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money) or Form T2 (Application About Tenant Rights), both available on the official LTB site.

Helpful action tips:

• Keep all correspondence and forms for your records
• If you receive a large or sudden rent hike, verify if your unit is exempt before agreeing to pay
• Talk to an advocacy group or mediator if you are unsure of your status
• You can always browse Tenant Rights in Ontario for a broad overview of rights and duties

Understanding Key Official Forms

• Form N1: Notice of Rent Increase
  Used by landlords to inform tenants in writing about a future rent increase. Always required—regardless of exemption status. Download and information.
  Tenant tip: If you don’t receive this notice, any rent hike can’t be enforced!
• Form T1: Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money
  Used if you believe you paid increased rent when you shouldn’t have (such as if a landlord wrongly claimed your unit was exempt). Official form info.
  Example: A tenant discovers the building actually opened before November 2018 and files T1 to recover overpaid rent.
• Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights
  Used to address any other rights violations, including rent increases, harassment, or maintenance issues. Learn about Form T2.

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FAQ: Ontario Rent Exemptions & Common Tenant Questions

1. How do I know if my Ontario rental unit is exempt from rent control?
   Check when the unit was first occupied and ask your landlord for records or consult city property information. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are likely exempt.
2. What is the process for a landlord to raise my rent in an exempt unit?
   Landlords must serve you 90 days’ written notice using Form N1, and can only increase rent once every 12 months.
3. If I'm not covered by rent control, do I lose my other tenant rights?
   No, you still have full protections under the RTA for issues like maintenance, privacy, and evictions.
4. What can I do if my landlord increases my rent illegally?
   Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T1 or T2 for your specific situation, and keep all paperwork.
5. Where can I learn more about overall tenant protections and responsibilities?
   Visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for an in-depth overview of rights, obligations, and resources.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Many, but not all, Ontario rentals are covered by rent control. Double-check your unit’s status, especially for newer buildings.
• All tenants, regardless of rent control, have legal protections for maintenance, privacy, and fair eviction.
• Use official forms and know where to seek help if your landlord does not follow the rules.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — the official tribunal for disputes, applications, and resources
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing — provincial information, guides, and forms
• Community Legal Clinics — Find local legal help at Legal Aid Ontario
• Broader tenant information: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario
3. Government of Ontario: Renting in Ontario

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