Property
Canada — Property: Rental Market
Housing tenancy is a provincial matter in Canada. The 2026 rent increase limits are 2.1% in Ontario, 2.3% in British Columbia and 1.8% in Manitoba. In Ontario the guideline does not apply to units first occupied after 15 November 2018, so landlords can set any increase for those units, though written notice of at least 90 days is still required. British Columbia requires at least three full months' notice and Manitoba three months' written notice. In Ontario, an N4 notice for unpaid rent allows the tenant a minimum of 7 days to pay and void it, and an N13 notice for demolition or major renovation gives 120 days.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceGovernment of Ontario; Government of British Columbia; Government of Manitoba; Tribunals OntarioLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- 2026 rent increase limits: Ontario 2.1%, British Columbia 2.3%, Manitoba 1.8%.
- Ontario's guideline excludes units first occupied for residential purposes after 15 November 2018; landlords still need to give 90 days' written notice of an increase.
- British Columbia requires three full months' notice of a rent increase; Manitoba requires three months' written notice.
- Manitoba's guideline also excludes some units, including those renting for $1,670 or more per month.
- Ontario N4 notice (unpaid rent): minimum 7 days; the tenant can void it by paying the arrears. N13 notice (demolition or major renovation): 120 days.
Timelines
- Ontario rent increase notice: 90 days
- BC rent increase notice: 3 full months
- Ontario N4 unpaid-rent notice: 7 days minimum
- Ontario N13 renovation/demolition notice: 120 days
Common mistakes
- Assuming one national rent cap — each province sets its own.
- Assuming Ontario rent control covers new builds; units first occupied after 15 November 2018 are generally exempt from the guideline.