Tenant Rights Around Rent Increases in Ontario

Rent & Deposits Ontario 2 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Ontario

As a tenant in Ontario, understanding your rights around rent increases is crucial to ensuring you're not caught off guard by unexpected hikes. The province's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs these rules to protect tenants and ensure fair practices. Here, we break down the key aspects tenants should know.

Annual Rent Increase Guideline

In Ontario, landlords can generally increase your rent once every 12 months. The increase must align with the annual rent increase guideline set by the Ontario government, which is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index.

Notice Requirements

Your landlord must provide a written notice of rent increase at least 90 days before the new rate takes effect. This ensures you have ample time to plan your finances accordingly.

Action steps: save the rent increase notice, note the 90-day lead time, and compare the amount to the annual guideline. If anything seems off, ask your landlord for a written explanation and keep all replies in case you need to challenge it.

Exceptions to the Guideline

  • Exceptions to the annual guideline can apply, such as when a provincial order authorizes it, or if landlords receive approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board to exceed the guideline.
  • In such cases, landlords must apply to the Board and justify the need for a more substantial increase.
If a landlord tries to exceed the guideline, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for relief. Keep copies of any provincial orders or Board approvals and your correspondence with the landlord.
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How to Challenge a Rent Increase

If you believe your rent increase is unlawful, you can challenge it. Here’s how:

When challenging a rent increase, gather the notice, your lease, previous rent payments, and any emails or texts. Then file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board; Form L5 is used for above-guideline disputes.
  1. Verify the notice details and compare them with the guideline.
  2. If discrepancies exist, reach out to your landlord for clarification or to negotiate.
  3. Should discussions fail, consider filing an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for further resolution.

Forms and Applications

  • Form L5 - Application for Above Guideline Increase: Use this form if you want to contest a guideline-exceeding rent hike. Find it on the Landlord and Tenant Board website.
Form L5 is the specific application to contest above-guideline increases; attach supporting documents like the lease and copies of notices when you file.

Important Considerations for Tenants

Understanding rental laws can help maintain a balanced relationship with your landlord. Also consider Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more insights.

Rent increase rules can hinge on provincial orders or board decisions that apply to your building. If you're unsure, contact a local tenant rights clinic or free legal aid resource for guidance.

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Learn More About Your Rights

To dig deeper into your tenant rights and responsibilities, be sure to consult resources on Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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David Chen
David Chen

Tenant Law Analyst, Tenant Rights Canada

David specializes in Ontario residential tenancy law and Northern territories housing regulations. He has followed developments at the Landlord and Tenant Board closely for over eight years and writes extensively on LTB procedures, rent increases, and maintenance obligations.

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