Can I agree to a rent increase above the guideline?
If you are protected by the rent guideline and your landlord asks you to agree to a higher increase, you can say no. You don't have to agree or sign anything.
If you don't agree, your landlord can apply to the (LTB) for permission to raise the rent by more than the guideline.
If you do agree to a rent increase above the guideline, the agreement must say what you are getting in return. The agreement must also follow certain rules.
Types of rent increase agreements
The law allows two different kinds of agreement to raise the rent by more than the guideline.
One type of agreement is a rent increase in exchange for improvements to your unit or building. For example, the agreement might say your landlord is giving you new kitchen cupboards or a washer and dryer.
The other type of agreement is a rent increase in exchange for certain things that are included on a government list. The list could change, but here are some examples:
- parking space
- cable or satellite television
- air conditioner
- extra electricity used by an air conditioner, washer, or dryer
- lockers, storage space, or extra floor space
