Clarifying Rules On Above-Guideline Rent Increase

April 12, 2010 10:40 AM

To protect tenants, Ontario is clarifying rules governing how the HST will affect above-guideline rent increases.

Under current regulations, a landlord could apply for an above-guideline rent increase based on the HST on utility costs. A proposed change to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) would prevent tenants from being charged the HST in an above-guideline rent increase for utility costs.

As established by the RTA, landlords will continue to be eligible for annual rent increase guidelines based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases

The proposed regulations have been posted online the government's website for 45 days to allow Ontarians to comment.