Rent increases

Use this rent increase calculator to find out when and by how much rent can be increased for existing tenants. 

Rent cannot increase more than the annual limit. Landlords can't round up when calculating the allowable rent increase. 

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When rent can be increased

Rent can be increased once every 12 months 

Landlords can only increase rent if it has been at least 12 months since:

• Rent was set at the beginning of a tenancy or
• Rent was last legally increased during an existing tenancy

This rule applies if there is a new landlord or a new tenant through a sublet or assignment of a tenancy agreement. 

Yearly rent increases 

• Didn't apply a rent increase in the previous year 
• Increased the rent by only part of the allowable amount last year

Other types of rent increases 

In addition to the yearly rent increase, there are other types of rent increases that may be allowed. Learn more about additional rent increases for costs and expenditures. 

Tenants must get at least 3 months' notice 

Landlords must provide tenants with three full months notice of a rent increase. This written notice must include: 

• The exact dollar amount of the increase 
• The date the rent increase goes into effect 

Landlords must use the Notice of rent increase (PDF, 636KB) - Form RTB 7 to let tenants know about rent increases.  

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Utilities and other fee increases 

Utilities and other fees can only be increased with the tenant's agreement. This applies whether utilities are included in the tenancy agreement or if there is a separate agreement. 

Tenants should make sure to get a copy of the utility or service bill from their landlord before paying. 

Landlords can't raise any fees or utilities that have been agreed upon in writing. 

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How to dispute unlawful rent increases 

Tenants do not have to pay rent increases that are higher than the amount allowed by law or if proper notice was not given. If a tenant thinks that their landlord has unlawfully increased their rent, they should communicate their concerns to the landlord. 

Tenants can apply for dispute resolution if they can't resolve the issue through communications with their landlord. Dispute resolution is a process to help resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants.

Deducting overpayments

If tenants have paid a rent increase higher than the legal amount, they can deduct the overpayment from future rent. Tenants should explain in writing the reason they are not paying the amount the landlord asked for. 

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Agreeing to a higher rent limit 

Landlords may ask tenants to voluntarily agree to a higher rent increase. Tenants do not have to agree.

If a tenant agrees, any increase above the yearly limit must be put in a written agreement that clearly shows: 

• The exact dollar amount of the rent increase 
• The date the rent increase goes into effect
• Any conditions for agreeing to the rent increase 
• The tenant's signature agreeing to the increase 

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Rent increases during a sublet 

When a tenant sublets their rental unit to another tenant, they become a landlord. 

For example, if Tenant A rents their unit to Tenant B under a sublease, Tenant A becomes the landlord of Tenant B. 

If Tenant A receives a notice of a rent increase, then Tenant A may pass the rent increase to Tenant B with proper notice.