Frequently asked questions
Ontario rent rules and how RentLens works. Not legal advice — always confirm with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- What is the Ontario rent increase guideline?
- The rent increase guideline is the maximum percentage a landlord can raise the rent on most units in a 12-month period without applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Government of Ontario sets it each year based on the Consumer Price Index. For 2026 it is 2.5%.
- Can my landlord raise the rent every year?
- Generally, rent can be increased once every 12 months, and the landlord must give at least 90 days written notice using the official N1 form. The increase usually cannot exceed the year’s guideline unless the unit is exempt or the landlord has an approved Above Guideline Increase.
- How much can rent go up in 2026?
- For most rent-controlled units, the 2026 Ontario guideline is 2.5%. So a rent of $2,000 could rise by up to $50, to $2,050. Units that are exempt from rent control are not capped by the guideline.
- Which units are exempt from the guideline?
- Units first occupied for residential purposes on or after November 15, 2018 are generally exempt from the annual guideline, so increases on those units are not capped by it. Whether a unit qualifies depends on when it was first occupied, not when the building was built.
- What is an Above Guideline Increase (AGI)?
- An AGI lets a landlord apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to raise rent by more than the guideline — for example to recover the cost of major repairs or capital work, or large increases in municipal taxes. AGIs must be approved by the Board; a tenant can respond to the application.
- Can I dispute or refuse a rent increase?
- If you believe an increase is above the guideline, was given without proper notice, or is otherwise improper, you can dispute it with the Landlord and Tenant Board. RentLens’s rent-increase checker can help you see whether a proposed increase is within the guideline, but it is not legal advice.
- How does RentLens estimate my rent?
- RentLens compares your unit against similar rentals — by city, bedrooms, size, and features — and returns an estimated market rent with a confidence range. Estimates start from CMHC-calibrated market data and get more accurate as more verified rentals are added nearby.
- Is RentLens’s estimate an official appraisal?
- No. RentLens’s estimates are informational and meant as a starting point. They are not an appraisal and not legal or financial advice. For binding decisions, consult the appropriate professional or the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Is my data private?
- Your properties, leases, and rent history are visible only to you. Verified data may be used in anonymized, aggregated form to improve estimates for everyone — we never show your identity, address, or specific property to other users, and you can opt out anytime in Settings.
- Which areas does RentLens cover?
- RentLens currently focuses on Ontario, with the most detailed data across Toronto and the GTA. Support for other provinces is planned.