Can my landlord increase my rent?

When can my landlord increase my rent?

Your landlord is only allowed to increase rent once every 12 months:

• since the day of the last rent increase if there’s been a previous increase; or

• since the day you started renting the unit.

How do I get notified of a rent increase?

To raise your rent, your landlord must give you proper written notice at least 90 days (three months) in advance.

The written notice must be given through the proper form, which is available at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

A text message or phone call isn’t appropriate written notice, and as a tenant you have the right to ignore the rent increase until your landlord follows the due process.

How much can my rent increase by?

Your landlord can only increase your rent by a guideline set by the provincial government every year.

The guideline is calculated according to the Consumer Price Index. It is released by August 31 every year, and goes into effect on January 1 the following year.

The 2023 Rent Increase Guideline is 2.5%. So if your rent is $1500, for example, it can only go up by $37.50.

Note: New residential units constructed after November 15, 2018 won't be constrained by rent control. If you move into a unit that's never been used as a residential space before November 15, 2018, then your landlord can increase your rent by however much they want once a year. 

Can my rent go up above the guideline?

If your landlord wishes to increase your rent above the rent increase guideline, they must first submit a request to the LTB.

The LTB will approve the above the guideline rent increase only if:

• Municipal taxes in your area and charges have increased significantly

• Major repairs or renovations are being done

• Costs of external security services have increased or are being provided for the first time

How do I challenge my landlord if they're not following the rules?

It can be hard to find the courage to challenge someone who technically has the power to force you out of your home, especially if you’re young or a first-time renter.

Here are some tips to help empower you to take a stand:

• Knowledge is power. You should learn as much as you can about your rights as a tenant.

• Be polite, but firm.

• Make sure all your communication with your landlord has a paper trail. Even if you speak on the phone with them, send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation.

• Use your support system. Lean on friends and family, and get advice from people who have similar experiences.

If you believe your landlord is violating your rights as a tenant and you cannot resolve the issue by speaking with them, you should check the Landlord and Tenant Board's website to see if you can file a claim.  

You can also contact the LTB by:

• Email: ltb@ontario.ca
• Phone: 416-645-8080
• Toll-free: 1-88-332-3234

Where can I get support as a tenant?

Check out these resources for more information and advice:

• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) resources on housing law
• Legal Aid Ontario's tenant legal issues services
• Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations for renters in Toronto