Rent increases in Canada: how much, how often and how much notice

When I worked at a tenant clinic, the single most common question at the front desk was some version of “can they do that?” about a rent increase. The honest answer was almost always “it depends where you live”. Rent increase rules are set provincially, they differ a great deal, and they change, so treat this guide as a map and confirm the current figures with your province’s tenancy body before you act.

Three questions every province answers

Every province’s rules come down to the same three questions. How often can the rent go up? How much notice must the landlord give, and in what form? And is there a cap on how much it can rise? The first two are fairly consistent across Canada: most provinces allow one increase every twelve months, with several months’ written notice. The third is where they split sharply.

Ontario

In Ontario, the province publishes a rent increase guideline each year, and most landlords cannot raise the rent by more than that percentage without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board. The guideline has been capped at 2.5 per cent in recent years. The big exception is units first occupied for residential purposes after 15 November 2018: for most of these, the guideline does not apply and there is no cap, though the 12-month and 90-day notice rules still do.

A landlord can apply to the board for an above-guideline increase, for example after major repairs or a large rise in municipal taxes. Tenants are notified and can take part in the hearing. Rent is also reset when a new tenant moves in, which is one reason disputes over evictions are so often really about rent; see when your landlord wants the unit back.

British Columbia

British Columbia sets a maximum allowable annual increase, announced each year and tied to inflation. Landlords must use the approved notice of rent increase form and give at least three full months’ notice. An increase above the maximum needs either the tenant’s written agreement or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch. A tenant who pays an increase that was not properly given may be able to recover it.

“

Most provinces agree on how often and how much notice. Where they split is whether there is a ceiling at all.

Quebec

Quebec works differently. There is no fixed annual cap. Instead, a landlord who wants to change the rent sends a notice before the lease renews, and the tenant has a set period, generally one month after receiving it, to reply. A tenant who refuses the increase can keep living in the unit; if the landlord still wants the increase, they apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement, which can set it using its own calculation. A tenant who does not reply in time is generally treated as having accepted.

Alberta

Alberta has no rent control. For most residential tenancies, a landlord can raise the rent once every twelve months by any amount, with at least three months’ written notice for a monthly tenancy. For a fixed-term lease, the rent generally cannot change during the term unless the lease allows for it. The real protection here is notice and timing, so make sure the increase follows the rules even if the amount is not limited.

When an increase does not follow the rules

1. Check the dates

   Has it been at least twelve months since your last increase, or since you moved in? Was the notice given early enough and in the right form?

2. Check the amount

   If your province has a cap and your unit is covered by it, is the increase within the current year’s figure?

3. Ask in writing

   Point out the problem politely and in writing. Many improper increases are mistakes rather than deliberate.

4. Contact your tenancy body

   If it is not resolved, your province’s tenancy board or branch can explain your options, which may include an application or dispute.

A rent increase is also a good moment to revisit your budget. Our guide to building a renter budget shows how to absorb an increase without cutting into savings, and nine things your landlord cannot do covers related rights.