Raising rent without understanding your local rules is one of the fastest ways to end up before a tribunal. This guide summarizes the key rent-increase frameworks in Canada and the United States. Verify the specific numbers for your jurisdiction using the links provided — rules change annually.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with your provincial/territorial tenancy office or a qualified housing lawyer before issuing a rent increase.
Canada
Ontario
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) limits rent increases to the annual Rent Increase Guideline (RIG) set each October by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. For 2024, the guideline is 2.5%. Notice must be given at least 90 days in advance, using the prescribed form (Form N1). Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt from the guideline — landlords can increase rent to market rate for those units. Source: Ontario RTA, 2006.
British Columbia
BC limits increases to the BC Rent Increase Allowance, set at inflation (CPI) annually by the Residential Tenancy Branch. For 2024, the limit is 3.5%. At least 3 months' written notice is required. New buildings and first-time rentals are not exempt — unlike Ontario, the guideline applies broadly. Source: BC Residential Tenancy Branch.
Alberta
Alberta has no rent control. Landlords can raise rent to any amount with a minimum of 3 months' written notice for year-to-year tenancies. The tenant can then give 60 days' notice to vacate. Source: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act.
Quebec
Quebec's Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) publishes annual rent increase calculation factors that landlords should use as a guide. There is no hard cap — landlords can propose any amount, but tenants can contest and the TAL will determine a reasonable amount. Notice required: 3–6 months depending on lease term. Source: TAL Québec.
United States
California
California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) caps annual rent increases at 5% + local CPI, max 10% for covered units. Covered = multi-family buildings 15+ years old where the owner is not an individual who owns ≤2 properties. Many cities (LA, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland) have stricter local ordinances that override state law. Notice: 30 days for increases ≤10%; 90 days for increases >10%. Source: California AB 1482.
New York
Rent-stabilized apartments (most pre-1974 buildings with 6+ units in NYC) follow RGB (Rent Guidelines Board) annual orders. For 2024–25, the RGB approved 2.75% for 1-year leases, 5.25% for 2-year leases. Market-rate apartments have no state limit, though NYC Local Law 17 of 2023 requires 30–90 days notice depending on tenancy length. Source: NY Homes and Community Renewal.
Texas
Texas has no statewide rent control and state law actually preempts municipalities from imposing it (Texas Loc. Gov't Code § 214.902). Landlords can increase rent at lease renewal to any amount. Month-to-month tenants require reasonable written notice (typically one rent period). Source: Texas Local Government Code.
Florida
Florida has no rent control — a 2023 constitutional amendment preempts all local ordinances. Orange County's 2022 rent stabilization measure was struck down under this preemption. Month-to-month: 15 days notice. Source: Florida Statute § 83.64.
Check Your Jurisdiction
Use our Rent Increase Calculator to confirm whether a proposed increase is within your local guideline and calculate the exact new amount. Our Deposit Legality Checker covers security deposit rules by jurisdiction.
Switch your jurisdiction in the top-right of any calculator page to see local rules automatically.