Photo by alex ohan on Pexels. Taken in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ontario · Rent increase 2027 · Last verified October 1, 2026
Ontario’s rent increase guideline for 2027 is 1.9%. For most rent-controlled tenancies, that is the maximum a landlord can increase rent without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board — but the increase is only valid when the timing and notice rules are followed.
Ontario rent increase 2027: quick rules
- 2027 guideline: 1.9%.
- Timing: at least 12 months must usually have passed since the tenancy began or the last rent increase.
- Notice: at least 90 days’ written notice on the proper form.
- Major exemption: many units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline.
- Above-guideline increases: in some cases landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for approval.
How much can rent increase in 2027?
For a rent-controlled unit covered by the guideline, the maximum standard increase in 2027 is 1.9%.
Example: if your monthly rent is C$2,000, a 1.9% guideline increase equals C$38, making the new rent C$2,038 — provided the landlord is otherwise entitled to increase the rent and follows the notice/timing rules.
The landlord cannot raise rent whenever they want
Ontario says that in most cases, at least 12 months must have passed since either the tenancy began or the previous rent increase before another increase can take effect.
This means an annual guideline is not permission for multiple increases in the same 12-month period.
The 90-day written notice rule
The landlord generally must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect, using the proper Landlord and Tenant Board form.
If the notice period, form or amount appears wrong, keep the document and verify the rule before simply paying the higher amount.
Which units are exempt from the guideline?
One of the most important Ontario rules for newcomers is the November 15, 2018 exemption. New buildings, additions to existing buildings and many new basement apartments first occupied for residential purposes after that date are exempt from the annual rent increase guideline.
That does not mean “no rules apply”. Notice and timing requirements can still matter, but the 1.9% guideline may not cap the amount for an exempt unit.
How do you know if your unit is exempt?
Ask when the unit or building was first occupied for residential use and keep the answer in writing. Ontario says landlords may use records such as occupancy permits, building permits, builder documents or other evidence if there is a dispute about whether the unit is exempt.
If the landlord claims your unit is exempt and you disagree, the Landlord and Tenant Board can determine whether the guideline applies.
Can a landlord increase rent by more than 1.9% in a controlled unit?
Sometimes. A landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an above-guideline increase in certain permitted circumstances. That is different from simply sending a notice with a larger percentage and assuming it is valid.
What happens when a tenant moves out?
The annual rent increase guideline does not set the rent for a new tenancy after turnover. Ontario lists rental units upon turnover among the situations where the guideline does not apply in the same way: the landlord and new tenant agree on the starting rent.
Tenant checklist when you receive a 2027 increase notice
- Check whether your unit is rent-controlled.
- Check the first-occupancy date if the landlord claims a post-November-15-2018 exemption.
- Confirm 12 months have passed since the tenancy began or the last increase.
- Count the 90-day notice period.
- Check that the correct LTB form was used.
- Calculate 1.9% yourself for a controlled unit.
- Check whether the landlord has an approved above-guideline increase.
- Keep the notice, lease and payment records.
New to Canada? Our first 30 days in Canada checklist covers other important setup tasks.
Official source checked
Verification date: October 1, 2026. Ontario rental rules contain exemptions and special cases. This article is general information, not legal advice.
← Canada hub · More housing/living guides · How we research
