London, Ontario Rent Increase Caps & Notices

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, rent increases and notice rules are governed by provincial law rather than a municipal bylaw. This guide explains the provincial rent increase guideline, notice requirements for periodic and fixed-term tenancies, how to challenge an unlawful increase, and where London residents can get enforcement help and forms. It summarises actions for tenants and landlords, timelines for notices and appeals, and the offices that handle complaints and orders in the city.

What the law covers

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) sets the framework for when and how a landlord may raise rent, including annual guideline limits and exceptions for above-guideline increases for capital expenditures or extraordinary increases. For the current annual guideline and how it applies, consult the provincial rent increase guideline page.[1]

Notice requirements

Notice periods depend on tenancy type. For periodic tenancies, landlords must provide at least 90 days written notice before the increase takes effect, timed to the anniversary of the tenancy start or the last increase as set out by provincial rules. For fixed-term tenancies, a landlord generally cannot increase rent during the fixed term unless the lease allows it. For details on valid notice forms and filing an application about an illegal increase, see the Landlord and Tenant Board guidance.[3]

  • 90 days minimum notice for periodic tenancy rent increases, timed to the rental anniversary.
  • Written notice required; keep a dated copy as evidence.
  • Fixed-term lease increases allowed only when the lease expressly permits them.
Always check the current provincial guideline before accepting or contesting an increase.

When higher increases are allowed

The RTA permits above-guideline rent increases in limited circumstances such as significant capital expenditures or extraordinary increases in municipal taxes or utilities, subject to an application and approval process through the Landlord and Tenant Board. See the RTA for statutory criteria and the process to apply for an above-guideline increase.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of rent increase rules and remedies for illegal increases are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board and by provincial authorities; municipal bylaws in London do not set rent caps. Specific sanction amounts and fine schedules are not consolidated on a single municipal page and may be set out in provincial legislation and tribunal orders. Where the official source does not list numeric fines, this is noted below with the cited page.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the RTA and tribunal orders for offences and penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are addressed through orders and potential prosecution under provincial law; specific escalation amounts are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: tribunal orders can require repayment, rent adjustments, or other remedies; eviction orders are handled by the Board.[3]
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Landlord and Tenant Board accepts applications and hears disputes; for municipal property standards or safety issues contact City of London By-law Enforcement (see Resources below).
  • Appeals and review: decisions of the Landlord and Tenant Board have limited appeal routes to Divisional Court; check time limits in the RTA and on the Board site for filing deadlines.[2]

Applications & Forms

The primary application for disputes about rent increases is filed with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Forms, fees and submission instructions are published on the Board's official site; if a specific form number or fee is not listed on the municipal pages, refer to the Board's forms and fees schedule.[3]

Submit applications early to preserve filing deadlines and evidence.

How tenants can respond

  • Gather evidence: lease, past rent receipts, dated notice and communications.
  • Write to the landlord disputing the increase and request justification in writing.
  • File an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to challenge an illegal increase or seek remedies.

FAQ

Can a landlord in London increase rent by any amount?
No. Most rent increases must follow the provincial annual guideline; above-guideline increases require Board approval.
How much notice must a landlord give?
Landlords must give at least 90 days written notice for periodic tenancies; fixed-term leases are governed by the lease and the RTA.
Who enforces rent increase rules in London?
The Landlord and Tenant Board enforces provincial rent rules; City of London By-law Enforcement handles local property standards but not rent caps.

How-To

  1. Confirm the increase and save the landlord's written notice.
  2. Check the current provincial rent increase guideline and RTA eligibility rules.[1]
  3. Contact the landlord requesting justification and copies of any above-guideline approvals.
  4. If unresolved, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to dispute the increase and request remedies.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Rent increases in London follow provincial rules under the RTA and are not set by municipal bylaw.
  • Tenants generally have 90 days' notice for periodic tenancy increases and can apply to the Board if an increase appears unlawful.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Ontario rent increase guideline
  2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
  3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario

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