Ontario rent increase calculator
The 2026 guideline is 2.1%. Enter your current rent and the date of your last increase — get the maximum lawful increase, the earliest effective date, and your 90-day N1 notice deadline, instantly.
Your tenancy
What the law allows
Enter your current rent and the date of the last increase to see the maximum lawful increase and the earliest date it can take effect.
The three rules every Ontario rent increase must pass
1 · The guideline cap
For most units first occupied on or before November 15, 2018, the increase can't exceed the annual guideline — 2.1% for increases taking effect in 2026 (2.5% in 2023–2025). Newer units are exempt from the cap.
2 · 90 days' written notice
You must serve the official LTB Form N1 at least 90 days before the increase takes effect. Serving by mail adds 5 days of deemed service; courier adds 1 day.
3 · Once every 12 months
At least 12 months must have passed since the tenant's last rent increase, or since the tenancy began. Increases that break any of these rules are void.
Rent increase FAQ
What is the Ontario rent increase guideline for 2026?
The Ontario rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%, the lowest in four years. It is set annually by the province from the Ontario Consumer Price Index and applies to most residential units first occupied on or before November 15, 2018.
How much notice do I need to give for a rent increase in Ontario?
At least 90 days' written notice using the official LTB Form N1, and rent can only be increased once every 12 months. If you serve the notice by mail, add 5 days for deemed service.
Which units are exempt from the Ontario rent increase guideline?
Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt from the guideline cap, meaning there is no percentage limit — but the 90-day N1 notice and 12-month rules still apply.
Can I raise rent more than the guideline?
Only with an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board — typically for major capital work, or increased security services or property taxes. Otherwise the guideline is the ceiling for capped units.
What happens if I raise rent without proper notice?
An increase given without a valid N1, with less than 90 days' notice, or within 12 months of the last increase is void — the tenant does not have to pay it, and collecting it can expose the landlord to an LTB claim.
This calculator and page provide general information about Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, not legal advice. Verify current rules at tribunalsontario.ca/ltb.