Rent control rules can affect your monthly housing costs, but not every unit in Ontario is covered. This guide explains common rent control exemptions — who they apply to, how exemptions are triggered, and what tenants can expect if a unit is exempt. You’ll learn how factors like unit type, building age, and new construction or conversions influence protection under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and what to do when a landlord claims an exemption. The information is written for renters and tenants, with clear steps for documenting changes, challenging improper notices, and where to find official forms and Tribunal help. Knowing these rules can help you plan, budget, and protect your tenancy rights.
How rent control works in Ontario
The rules on rent increases and exemptions come from the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [2] and are administered by the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario.[1] In general, "rent control" refers to provincial limits on the amount landlords can increase rent each year. Whether those limits apply depends on the unit's status under the Act and specific exemptions set by legislation.
Common rent control exemptions in Ontario
Some categories of units are commonly exempt from the provincial rent increase guideline. Check the specific facts for your unit and confirm with official sources before accepting a landlord's claim.
- Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 (new-build exemptions).
- Newly constructed units, units created by conversions or additions that were first occupied after the key date.
- Short-term or seasonal accommodations and other tenancies governed by different statutes or agreements (verify case-by-case).
- Units that fall under specialized housing programs or alternate legal frameworks.
What being exempt typically means for tenants
If a unit is exempt from the rent increase guideline, a landlord may be able to set a new rent or raise the rent without following the annual guideline limits. However, exemption does not remove other legal protections: landlords still must give proper written notice and meet any notice-period or filing requirements in the Residential Tenancies Act.[2]
How to respond when a landlord claims an exemption
Follow clear steps to protect your rights if your landlord says your unit is exempt from rent control.
- Ask the landlord for written proof of the exemption and documentation showing the unit's first-occupancy date.
- Keep copies of any rent increase notice and dates you received it; note when the rent increase would take effect.
- Compare the proposed rent to local market rents to confirm whether the increase is reasonable. You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to get a sense of local listings and market levels.
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or a tenant advice clinic if you think the exemption is incorrect or the notice is improper.[1]
Filing a dispute or getting official help
If you want the Board to decide whether an exemption applies or whether a rent increase is lawful, you may need to file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Board offers official forms and instructions online; read the form descriptions carefully and include clear evidence such as leases, building records, or photos of conversion work.
FAQ
- What is a rent control exemption?
- An exemption means the unit is not subject to the provincial annual rent increase guideline; landlords may be able to raise rent without the guideline limits, subject to other legal rules.
- How can I check if my unit is exempt?
- Check the unit’s first-occupancy date and request documentation from the landlord. Confirm with the Landlord and Tenant Board or the Residential Tenancies Act resources listed below for official guidance.
- Can a landlord increase the rent immediately if my unit is exempt?
- No. Even for exempt units a landlord must provide proper written notice and follow any applicable notice periods before increasing rent.
How-To
- Gather documentation: lease, prior rent receipts, and any building or occupancy records you can access.
- Request written proof from your landlord showing the unit’s first-occupancy date and reason for exemption.
- Review official guidance and the applicable forms on the Landlord and Tenant Board website to see what application you may need to file.[3]
- Contact a tenant legal clinic or the Landlord and Tenant Board for help preparing an application or responding to a notice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guides
