Raising Rent above Annual Rent Guideline

[Sun81]

I’m currently renting a condo in Toronto, renting is currently through an agent, the owner contacted me as it’s time for renewal and doesn’t want to go through an agent. He wants to increase the rent by 3.4%, as far as I know rent for 2009 can only be increased by 1.8% he said that’s only for condo’s built prior to 1991 so it doesn’t apply. He also went on to state how condo fees, property taxes and other aspects of renting has increased.

Does this sound about right OR am I being taken for a ride?

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

Unfortunately, yes, that is correct.

You can find some detailed information on rent increases in our Settlement.Org How often can a landlord increase the rent? article.

Here is an excerpt,

It is important to note that the rent control guideline does not apply to new rental buildings. A new rental building is a building that was occupied as a residential unit for the first time starting November 1991; like a new apartment or condo building or a converted factory that is now an apartment building.

You can find some more information on the Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) website.

Here is an excerpt,

Exceptions

The guideline does not apply to some newer rental housing, for example:

-a unit that was never occupied for any purpose before June 17, 1998, or
-a building that had no one living in it before November 1, 1991.

In these units, there is no limit to how much a landlord can increase the rent. But the 12-month and 90-day rules still apply.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org