Rent Increase Guideline

Rent increase guidelineFor 2017: the rent increase guideline is 1.5% for increases between January 1 and December 31, 2017.

For 2018: the rent increase guideline is 1.8 % for increases between January 1 and December 31, 2018.

Who it applies toThe guideline applies to most private residential rental units covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.
The guideline does not apply to:

• vacant residential units
• social housing units
• nursing homes
• commercial properties

When can rent be increasedIn most cases, the rent for a unit can be increased 12 months after:

• the last rent increase
• a tenant first moves in

A tenant must be given written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect.
How the guideline is calculatedIt is calculated using the Ontario Consumer Price Index, a Statistics Canada tool that measures inflation and economic conditions over a year. Data from June to May is used to determine the 2017 guideline for the following year.
A sample calculationYour monthly rent was increased to $1,000 on June 1, 2017. The guideline for 2018 is 1.8%. Therefore:

• an increase of 1.8% on $1,000 = $18.00
• $1,000 + $18.00 = $1,018.0

Your landlord could lawfully increase your rent payment 12 months later on June  1, 2018 up to $1,018.00 per month
Your landlord would need to provide you written notice at least 90 days before June  1, 2018.
Additional information
For more information on the rent increase guideline, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board:

• by email
• 1-416-645-8080 (in the Toronto area)
• 1-888-332-3234 (toll free, outside the Toronto area)