Independent guide · official sources · updated October 2026

Rent increase 2026: how much in Ontario and Quebec?

Ontario's cap, the Tribunal administratif du logement's method, notice periods and your right to refuse — official, dated figures.

In short

In 2026, the maximum rent increase without approval is 2.1% in Ontario (1.9% announced for 2027), for units first occupied before November 15, 2018. Quebec has no cap: the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) publishes a base percentage of 3.1% for leases starting between April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027, plus the building's own tax increases and major work costs. A Quebec tenant can refuse the increase: the landlord must then ask the TAL to set the rent within the following month, otherwise the lease renews at the same rent.

The official 2026 figures

Province	Reference increase	Nature	Source
Ontario	2.1% (2026) · 1.9% (2027)	Legal cap (units occupied before Nov. 15, 2018)	Government of Ontario
Quebec	3.1% base	TAL percentage, not a cap	TAL, Jan. 19, 2026
Quebec — personal services	6.7%	Share of rent tied to services (seniors' residences, etc.)	TAL
Quebec — major work	5% of the cost	Added per year, based on the building's spending	TAL

In Quebec, these percentages drive the calculation the Tribunal would make if asked to set the rent; the actual amount depends on YOUR building's taxes and work. The TAL provides an online calculator.

Ontario: a cap, with exceptions

The 2.1% cap applies to increases taking effect from January 1 to December 31, 2026. It does not apply to units first occupied after November 15, 2018 (new buildings, additions, most new basement units), community housing, or rent agreed with a new tenant.

The landlord must wait 12 months since the last increase or the start of the tenancy and give written notice, on the Landlord and Tenant Board form, at least 90 days before the increase. Going above the cap requires Board approval (major work, large tax increases). A tenant can dispute an improper increase within 12 months.

Quebec: a negotiation framed by the TAL

Since January 1, 2026, the TAL applies a new method: a base percentage (3.1% this year), plus the change in property taxes and a share of major work costs. The old method still applies to notices given before that date.

For a 12-month lease, the landlord sends the increase notice 3 to 6 months before the lease ends. The tenant has one month to reply: with no reply, they are deemed to accept. If they refuse, they keep the unit; the landlord then has one month to ask the TAL to set the rent. Note: a building constructed five years ago or less can be exempt if the lease's section F clause says so.

Frequently asked questions

How much can rent go up in 2026?

Can my landlord raise rent more than 2.1% in Ontario?

Only with approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board, for major work or a large tax increase — or if your unit was first occupied after November 15, 2018, in which case there is no cap.

Can I refuse a rent increase in Quebec?

Yes. You reply in writing within a month of the notice, and you keep your unit. The landlord can then ask the TAL to set the rent; if they don't within a month, the lease renews at the same rent.

How do I calculate my increase in Quebec?

With the TAL's calculator: it applies the 3.1% base percentage and adds your building's tax increases and a share of major work. It is the same calculation the Tribunal would make if asked to set the rent.

Sources

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