Rent Increase Caps & Just-Cause Rules in Markham

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Markham, Ontario, rent increases and eviction grounds are governed primarily by provincial law rather than local bylaws. This guide explains how the provincial rent increase guideline and the Residential Tenancies Act apply to rental units in Markham, what landlords may do when they seek an above-guideline increase, and what tenants can expect if a landlord cites "just cause" for termination. It also lays out enforcement, common violations, action steps and where to get official forms or lodge complaints locally.

How provincial law controls rent increases in Markham

Ontario sets an annual rent increase guideline that limits regular rent increases for most residential tenancies; municipalities like Markham do not independently set rent caps for standard tenancies. For exceptions and above-guideline increases, landlords must apply to the provincial Landlord and Tenant Board. See the provincial guideline and legislation below for exact rules and exceptions. Ontario rent increase guideline[1] and Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2].

Most standard rent increases in Markham are controlled by provincial rules, not city bylaws.

Just-cause rules and grounds for termination

Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act lists allowable grounds for termination and eviction (for example, non-payment of rent, substantial interference, illegal acts, owner or purchaser occupancy, demolition or conversion). The phrase "just cause" is commonly used but the statutory grounds and procedures are set out by provincial law, including notice requirements and hearing processes at the Landlord and Tenant Board. For procedural details and hearing applications, consult the Landlord and Tenant Board information. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for breaches of rent rules or unlawful evictions involve administrative orders, Board decisions, and possible prosecution for offences under provincial statutes. Exact monetary fine amounts are not consolidated on the cited provincial pages and are described or determined through specific enforcement channels; where figures are not listed on an official page below, this text notes that they are "not specified on the cited page."

  • Enforcer: Landlord and Tenant Board and provincial enforcement agencies; municipal by-law officers do not set rent-guideline rules.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general guideline breaches; enforcement outcomes are usually orders or compensation awarded by the LTB rather than fixed municipal fines.
  • Escalation: first instance often handled by LTB application and hearing; repeat or deliberate breaches can lead to stronger orders or prosecution where the statute permits.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repay, rent abatement, eviction stays or termination orders, repair or compliance orders.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: tenants or landlords file applications or complaints with the Landlord and Tenant Board or contact municipal by-law enforcement for property-standards matters.
  • Appeals/review: LTB decisions may be subject to judicial review in court; time limits for applications to the LTB and for filing notices are set out in the statute or Board rules and should be confirmed on the LTB site.
Monetary fine schedules are not listed in a single place on the cited provincial pages; orders are typically case-specific.

Applications & Forms

Applications for above-guideline increases, disputes over evictions, and other tenancy matters are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board. Specific application forms, filing instructions, fees and submission methods are available from the LTB. Where a named provincial form or fee is not listed on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page." Check the LTB site for current forms and electronic filing guidance. Landlord and Tenant Board forms and applications[3]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Increasing rent above the guideline without LTB approval: expected outcome is an LTB application, potential order to refund overcharges and denial of the increase.
  • Improper eviction notices citing vague "just cause": outcome often a hearing to test the stated ground under the RTA.
  • Failure to maintain habitability or contravening property standards: municipal property-standards enforcement and orders may apply in parallel with tenancy remedies.

Action steps for landlords and tenants

  • Landlords: confirm the current provincial guideline before issuing a rent increase notice and, if seeking above-guideline increases, prepare an application to the LTB with supporting documentation.
  • Tenants: compare any increase notice to the provincial guideline and, if you believe it is unlawful, file an application or information request with the LTB and keep records of payments and communications.
  • Report property-standards or safety issues to City of Markham by-law enforcement while raising tenancy issues with the LTB as needed.

FAQ

Can the City of Markham set its own rent increase cap?
No. Regular rent increases for most residential tenancies are governed by Ontario's annual rent increase guideline and the Residential Tenancies Act, not by municipal bylaws. See the provincial guideline and the RTA for details.
What is "just cause" for eviction in Markham?
"Just cause" in practice means a statutory ground under the Residential Tenancies Act such as non-payment, substantial interference, or owner-occupied needs; the LTB adjudicates whether the ground is valid.
How do I challenge an above-guideline increase?
Tenants can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to dispute an above-guideline increase or a related eviction notice. Landlords seeking an above-guideline increase must apply to the LTB and provide evidence of extraordinary costs or capital expenditures.

How-To

  1. Review the notice: check effective date and compare the percentage increase to the current Ontario rent increase guideline.
  2. Gather documents: keep rent payment records, the lease, maintenance requests, and any landlord notices.
  3. Contact the landlord: request clarification or documentation supporting an above-guideline increase.
  4. Apply to the LTB: if unresolved, file the appropriate LTB application to dispute the increase or eviction.
  5. Attend the hearing: prepare evidence and witnesses; follow LTB directions for submissions and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Markham follows Ontario rules for rent increases and eviction grounds.
  • Above-guideline increases require LTB approval; disputes are resolved at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Help and Support / Resources

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

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