Rent Increase Calculator
How much can your rent go up in 2026? Enter your current rent and province to see the maximum new rent allowed under Ontario's rent increase guideline and BC's annual rent increase limit — plus the earliest date an increase could legally take effect.
Heads up — not legal advice. General information only — not legal advice. CanLegal Docs is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; have important documents reviewed by a licensed lawyer in your province.
Used to apply the once-every-12-months rule.
Enter a valid rent to calculate.
The rules in Ontario
- The guideline covers most units first occupied for residential purposes on or before November 15, 2018. Newer units are exempt from the cap — but the notice and timing rules still apply.
- At least 90 days' written notice, on the Landlord and Tenant Board's form (N1 for guideline units, N2 for exempt units).
- Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
- 2026 guideline: 2.1% · 2027: 1.9% (capped at 2.5% by law). A landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an above-guideline increase in specific cases.
Official sources
Figures verified October 2026. Check the official pages for the latest:
Frequently asked questions
What is Ontario's rent increase guideline for 2026?
2.1%. That's the most a landlord can raise rent in 2026 for most guideline-covered units without Landlord and Tenant Board approval. For an increase taking effect on or after January 1, 2027, the 2027 guideline of 1.9% applies.
My Ontario unit was first occupied in 2020. Does the cap apply?
No. Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline — there is no cap on the amount. The landlord must still give at least 90 days' written notice (Form N2) and wait 12 months between increases.
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
In Ontario, at least 90 days' written notice on the proper form (N1 or N2). In British Columbia, at least three full months' written notice on the Residential Tenancy Branch's form. A verbal heads-up doesn't count.
How often can rent be increased?
Once every 12 months in both provinces — at least 12 months must pass since the tenancy began or since the last increase.
Can a landlord charge more than the limit?
In Ontario, only with an above-guideline increase approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board. In BC, the Residential Tenancy Branch can approve additional amounts for eligible capital expenditures. Otherwise no — and in BC the calculation can't be rounded up.
Does an increase have to start on a specific date?
Yes. It takes effect on a rent due date (usually the 1st of the month), after the notice period has run. This calculator assumes rent is due on the 1st.
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