For Ontario tenants, one of the biggest concerns when renting a home is what happens to the rent after the first year.

You may find an apartment you love at a price that fits comfortably within your budget, only to wonder: Can my landlord dramatically increase my rent after my first year?

For most rent-controlled rental units in Ontario, the answer is no.

The Ontario government has announced that the 2027 rent increase guideline is 1.9%. For most tenants covered by Ontario's rent control rules, a landlord cannot increase the rent by more than 1.9% in 2027 without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

However, there are important exceptions—and choosing the right landlord can make a significant difference in your long-term rental costs.

What Is the Maximum Rent Increase in Ontario for 2027?

The Ontario rent increase guideline for 2027 is 1.9%.

For example, if you currently pay $2,000 per month, a 1.9% increase would be:

• Current rent: $2,000
• 1.9% increase: $38
• New monthly rent: $2,038

That works out to an additional $38 per month, or $456 over a full year.

The 1.9% guideline applies to most residential rental units covered by Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.

When Can a Landlord Increase Your Rent?

A landlord generally cannot increase your rent simply because your one-year lease is ending.

For most tenants, at least 12 months must have passed since the beginning of the tenancy or the last rent increase. The landlord must also provide at least 90 days' written notice using the proper form.

So, if you move into an apartment on September 1, 2026, your landlord generally cannot increase your rent until September 1, 2027—and proper notice must be provided in advance.

Are All Ontario Rentals Covered by the 1.9% Guideline?

No.

This is one of the most important things renters should understand before signing a lease.

Many rental units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from Ontario's rent increase guideline. This includes certain new buildings, additions and newly created rental units.

If you're considering a newer apartment, don't assume that the 1.9% guideline automatically applies.

Ask Before You Sign

Before signing a lease, ask the landlord or property manager:

"Is this unit covered by Ontario's rent increase guideline?"

You can also ask:

• When was this rental unit first occupied?
• What has the rent increase history been?
• How often do you increase rent?
• Do you typically increase rents by the full guideline?
• Are there circumstances where you seek an above-guideline increase?

A reputable landlord should be willing to answer these questions clearly.

How to Find a Good, Reputable Landlord

Knowing Ontario's rent rules is important—but choosing the right landlord is just as important.

Two apartments with similar rents can provide very different experiences depending on who manages the property.

Here are some things to consider when searching for your next home.

1. Look Beyond the Advertised Rent

The lowest advertised rent isn't necessarily the best deal.

When comparing apartments, think about what your housing costs could look like over several years—not just what you'll pay during your first 12 months.

A slightly cheaper apartment may become more expensive if the property is exempt from rent control or if the landlord has a history of significant increases.

Ask yourself:

"What will this apartment cost me two or three years from now?"

2. Research the Landlord

Before signing a lease, research the company or individual who will be managing your home.

Look at:

• Google reviews
• Tenant reviews
• Online complaints
• How long the company has been in business
• How many properties they manage
• Maintenance reviews
• How they respond to tenant concerns

Pay particular attention to comments from long-term tenants.

Someone who has lived in a building for five years can often tell you much more about a landlord's rental practices than someone who has only been there for three months.

3. Ask About Rent Increases

One of the simplest ways to learn about a landlord is to ask directly:

"How much do rents typically increase for existing tenants each year?"

Don't only ask what the law allows.

Ask what this particular landlord actually does.

There is an important difference between a landlord who can increase rent by the maximum guideline and one who consistently chooses to keep increases reasonable.

4. Talk to Existing Tenants

If possible, talk to people who already live in the building.

Ask them:

• How long have you lived here?
• How much has your rent increased?
• Are maintenance requests handled quickly?
• Is the building well maintained?
• Do you feel the landlord treats tenants fairly?
• Would you rent from this landlord again?

Existing residents can provide valuable insight into what living in the building is actually like.

5. Look for Professional Property Management

A professional property management company can provide advantages that aren't always obvious from a rental advertisement.

Look for clear communication, accessible management, organized maintenance procedures and transparent lease terms.

You should feel comfortable asking questions before signing a lease—and you should receive clear answers.

6. Read the Lease Carefully

Before signing, make sure you understand:

• Monthly rent
• Utilities
• Parking costs
• Storage fees
• Pet policies
• Lease term
• What is included with your rent
• Rent increase provisions
• Other potential charges

If something doesn't make sense, ask questions before signing.

A good landlord should want tenants to understand exactly what they're agreeing to.

A Good Landlord Is About More Than Rent

When you're searching for an apartment, it's tempting to focus entirely on the monthly price.

But your relationship with your landlord can last for years.

A good landlord should provide more than a place to live. They should provide predictability, transparency, responsive maintenance and a well-maintained home.

That's particularly important when rental costs are a major part of your monthly budget.

The right question isn't simply:

"How much is the rent?"

It's:

"What will it cost to live here—and who will I be renting from?"

Drewlo's Approach to Rent Increases

For tenants looking for a long-term rental home, Drewlo Holdings takes a straightforward approach to rent increases.

Drewlo does not increase rent above the Ontario government's rent increase guideline.

That means tenants can have greater confidence that their rent won't suddenly be increased beyond the government-recommended guideline simply because they have been living in their home for another year.

Drewlo manages apartment communities and townhomes throughout Southwestern Ontario, including London, Kitchener, Sarnia, Woodstock, Burlington and Port Colborne.

For renters, choosing a landlord isn't just about finding a great apartment today. It's about finding a home where you can feel confident about your housing costs in the years ahead.

The Bottom Line for Ontario Renters in 2027

For most rent-controlled rental units in Ontario, the 2027 rent increase guideline is 1.9%. Landlords generally must wait at least 12 months between increases and provide at least 90 days' written notice.

But remember: not every rental unit is covered by rent control.

Before signing your next lease, research the landlord, ask about the property's rent increase history, understand whether the unit is rent-controlled and make sure you know exactly what your lease includes.

Because finding the right apartment isn't just about finding a good price today.

It's about finding a landlord you can trust tomorrow, next year and for years to come.