Ontario compliance
4 min read
Ontario Rent Increase Guideline for 2026: What Landlords Need to Know
The Ontario government has announced the 2026 rent increase guideline. Here's how to apply it correctly to your units.
Marcus ThorneCompliance Lead • August 1, 2026
Understanding the 2.5% Cap
The provincial government has set the rent increase guideline for 2026 at 2.5%. This is the maximum amount a landlord can increase most tenants' rent during a year without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
When Can You Increase Rent?
- The tenant has been in the unit for at least 12 months.
- It has been at least 12 months since the last rent increase.
- You must provide at least 90 days' written notice using the proper N1 form.
Exceptions to the Guideline
New buildings, additions to existing buildings and most self-contained second units occupied for residential purposes for the first time after November 15, 2018, are exempt from rent control.