The new rent increase guideline becomes effective January 1, 2006 and establishes the maximum amount that a landlord can increase a tenant's rent without making an application to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal.

This guideline does not apply when renting a vacant unit. Under the Tenant Protection Act, 1997, when a unit becomes vacant, a landlord is free to charge whatever rent he/she chooses. Once the unit is rented, however, the guideline increase applies for subsequent increases to that tenant.

In the past, the rent increase guideline included a base increase of two per cent, plus an amount for increases to landlord operating costs. In 2005, the provincial government announced that the increase guideline would include only an amount for operating cost increases, while proposals to reform rent control are considered. This has been continued for 2006.

The guideline applies to most private residential rental accomodation covered by the Tenant Protection Act, 1997. The guideline does not apply to residential dwellings first occupied (by any owner or tenant) on or after November 1, 1991.

For more information on rent increases, please contact the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal at 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234.

 

Historical Rent Increase Guidelines
2006 2.1%
2005 1.5%
2004 2.9%
2003 2.9%
2002 3.9%
2001 2.9%

2000 2.6%

1999 3.0%

1998 3.0%

1997 2.8%

1996 2.8%

1995 2.9%

1994 3.2%

1993 4.9%

1992 6.0%

1991 5.4%

1990 4.6%

 

Additional Information:

Ontario Housing Tribunal 1-888-332-3234.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (416) 585-7041.

For more information, call CMHC at (416) 221-2642

 

Article courtesy of TREB www.torontorealestateboard.com

Second Suites in Toronto

In an effort to increase the supply of affordable housing, Toronto City Council passed a by-law last year that legalized second suites, also known as accessory apartments.

As a result, second suites are now legal in the City of Toronto in all single family and semi-detached homes, providing they meet certain criteria, including fire and building codes (see below for details).

Following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the legalization of existing second suites and the creation of new second suites in the City of Toronto. This background information was adapted from information provided by City of Toronto planning staff. For legal and zoning information on second suites in other Greater Toronto Area municipalities, please contact your local planning department.