Ontario rent increase guideline 2026
The Ontario rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%. Here is what that means for renters, in plain language.
What this means
This is the most a landlord can raise the rent in a year without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board. It applies to most units a tenant first moved into before November 15, 2018. Units first occupied on or after that date are exempt, so the rent can be raised by any amount between tenants. Either way, your landlord must give 90 days written notice and can only raise the rent once every 12 months.
Can my rent go up by more?
A landlord can ask for more than the guideline only by applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an above-guideline increase, for specific reasons like major repairs. They cannot simply charge more because the market went up.
Recent years
The Ontario guideline is set each year, usually based on inflation. Recent rates:
| Year | Guideline |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.1% |
| 2025 | 2.5% |
| 2024 | 2.5% |
| 2023 | 2.5% |
| 2022 | 1.2% |
| 2021 | 0.0% |
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Check my rentOfficial source
For the rules that apply to your situation, check the government source directly: Ontario residential rent increase rules.
Common questions
What is the Ontario rent increase guideline for 2026?
The Ontario rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%. This is the most a landlord can raise the rent in a year under the standard rules.
How much notice does a landlord need to give before raising rent?
In Ontario, a landlord must give at least 90 days written notice, on the official form, and can only raise the rent once every 12 months.
Is this page legal advice?
No. FairRent shares general information to help renters understand the rules. For a specific situation or a dispute, contact your provincial tenant board or a licensed professional.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For a rent dispute, contact your provincial tenant board or a licensed paralegal.