Free Legal Tool

Rent Control Exemption Checker

Find out whether your rental unit is exempt from Ontario's annual rent increase guideline — in one click.

Estimate only — not legal advice. Confirm your unit's exact first-occupancy date if unsure.

Unit Details

Date the Unit Was First Occupied for Residential Purposes

This is the date the unit was first lived in as a residence — for a new building, generally its occupancy date; for an older building, likely well before 2018.

Exemption Status

Enter the unit's first-occupancy date and click Check Exemption Status.

📋 About the New-Build Exemption

Under RTA s.6(2), rental units first occupied for residential purposes on or after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the government's annual rent increase guideline cap. This means the landlord can set any increase amount they choose — there is no percentage ceiling.

The exemption does not remove all rules: a landlord must still give 90 days' written notice using the correct form, and can still only increase rent once every 12 months for the same tenant.

This exemption is based on when the unit was first occupied, not when a particular tenant moved in — a unit first occupied in 2015 remains subject to the guideline even if a brand-new tenant just moved in this year.

🏗️

New Builds Only

The exemption applies to units first occupied on or after Nov 15, 2018 — most existing older buildings remain fully rent-controlled.

📝

90 Days' Notice Still Required

Even an exempt unit needs proper written notice before any rent increase takes effect.

📅

12-Month Rule Still Applies

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, exempt or not.

🔍

Unsure of the Date?

Check your lease, the building's occupancy permit, or ask your landlord/property manager to confirm.

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Questions About a Rent Increase?

Whether you're a landlord or tenant, our Toronto team can help you understand your rights. Free 30-minute consultation.

📞 Call 416-274-2222 Free Consultation

Rent Control Exemption Checker

New Builds Only

90 Days' Notice Still Required

12-Month Rule Still Applies

Unsure of the Date?

Questions About a Rent Increase?

Speak With a Landlord & Tenant Lawyer Today

Get Help With Your Tenancy Dispute

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