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Ontario|Landlord & TenantResidential 435 Rent increases and maximum rent The amount of rent tenants can be charged will depend on when they moved into their unit and how long it has been since the rent was increased. Generally, a tenant's rent can only be increased once every 12 months provided the landlord has given 90 days written notice. The amount of the increase depends on whether the tenant is paying the maximum rent allowed for the unit.
- Maximum rent and yearly rent increases on or after June 17, 1998
If the tenant moved into a unit on or after June 17, 1998, the maximum rent for the unit is the amount that the tenant agrees to pay. If the rent has not been increased on that unit in the last 12 months, then the rent may be increased up to the guideline amount set by the Ontario government, which is usually around 3 to 5%.
- Maximum rent and yearly rent increases before June 17, 1998
If the tenant moved into the unit prior to June 17, 1998, the maximum rent is an amount previously determined by the Ontario government.
If you are unsure about the maximum rent for your rental unit, contact the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal listed in the Blue pages of the telephone book. If the tenant is paying less than this maximum, the landlord has the right to raise the rent to the maximum at the time of the annual rent increase. If the tenant is already at the maximum, the rent can only be increased by the guideline amount once every 12 months.
- Illegal rent
If a landlord charges illegal rent, the tenant may be able to get a rebate by applying to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal. This includes cases where the landlord charges more than the maximum amount, or raises the rent more than once every 12 months. To apply for a rebate, the tenant will need to fill out forms requesting a hearing and file them with the Tribunal office together with a small application fee. Tenants who need assistance making an application should contact a local legal clinic listed in the Blue pages of the telephone book.
For additional information about maximum rent and rent increases, you can call the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal information line listed in the Blue pages of the telephone book.
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