Two calculators · 2026 guideline 2.1%
For landlords who want to do it by the book and tenants who want to check the letter they just got. The 2026 Ontario guideline, the notice rules, the exemption test, and the interest owed on the deposit — all in one place.
| Current rent | $2,400.00 |
|---|---|
| Guideline for 2026 | 2.1% |
| Earliest effective date12 months after June 1, 2025 and 90 days from today, whichever is later | December 8, 2026 |
| Notice required | Form N1, in writing, 90 days before |
| Deposit top-up at increaseif a last month's rent deposit is held | $50.40 |
An increase above 2.1% needs a Landlord and Tenant Board order (above-guideline increase). An increase served without a valid N1, or earlier than the date above, is void.
Interest accrues at each year's guideline rate on each anniversary. 2021 was 0% (the rent freeze). Rates used: 2015 1.6%, 2016 2.0%, 2017 1.5%, 2018 1.8%, 2019 1.8%, 2020 2.2%, 2021 0.0%, 2022 1.2%, 2023 2.5%, 2024 2.5%, 2025 2.5%, 2026 2.1%.
| June 1, 2024 — 2024 guideline 2.5% | $60.00 |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2025 — 2025 guideline 2.5% | $60.00 |
| June 1, 2026 — 2026 guideline 2.1% | $50.40 |
| Total owed | $170.40 |
Interest is owed once a year on each anniversary at that year's guideline rate (2021 was 0% during the rent freeze). Landlords usually apply it against the deposit top-up when rent rises; if it was never paid, the tenant can deduct the total from rent or claim it at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Guideline rates per the Government of Ontario; notice and deposit rules per the Residential Tenancies Act. Checked September 6, 2026. This is information, not legal advice; the Landlord and Tenant Board decides disputes.
Everything else about leasing a unit in Ontario, including deposits, screening and paperwork, is in the landlord guide.
2.1%, for increases taking effect between January 1 and December 31, 2026. It was 2.5% in 2025, 2024 and 2023. The guideline is based on the Ontario consumer price index and capped by law at 2.5%.
Units first occupied as a residence after November 15, 2018: most new condos, purpose-built rentals, new basement apartments and additions. For those, the landlord can raise rent by any amount, but still only once every 12 months and with 90 days' written notice on Form N1. Everything older is capped at the guideline unless the Landlord and Tenant Board approves an above-guideline increase.
At least 90 days, in writing, on the Landlord and Tenant Board's Form N1, and at least 12 months after the tenancy began or the last increase. An increase without proper notice is void and the tenant does not have to pay it.
Once a year, on the anniversary of the tenancy, the landlord owes interest on the last month's rent deposit at the rent increase guideline rate for that year. For a $2,500 deposit in 2026 that is $52.50. Landlords usually apply it by topping up the deposit when the rent goes up; if it is not applied, the tenant can deduct it from rent.
Yes. When the rent increases, the landlord can require the deposit to be increased to match the new rent. The interest owed on the deposit is usually applied against that top-up, which is why the two are often handled together.
Landlords: I'll price your unit against real leases and handle the paperwork. Tenants: tell me your budget and neighbourhoods and I'll send you what's actually available this week.
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