N1: Notice of Rent Increase
Used to raise a tenant's rent by the annual guideline amount. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and the tenant must receive at least 90 days' written notice.
How the N1 Works
- At least 90 days' written notice required before the increase takes effect.
- Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
- The increase must not exceed Ontario's annual rent increase guideline unless the LTB approves an above-guideline increase (L5).
- Most units first occupied before November 15, 2018 are rent-controlled; newer units may be exempt from the guideline cap (use N2).
Fixed-Fee Help — No Hourly Billing
OLH handles the N1 on transparent fixed-fee rates (quoted in your free consultation, plus taxes and disbursements). Legal Guarantee clients pay nothing extra — every notice, filing, and LTB hearing is included at $199/month.
Approved Methods of Service
Invalid service is one of the most common reasons notices fail at the LTB. Approved methods:
| Method | Effective date of service |
|---|---|
| Handed to the tenant (or an adult in the unit) | Same day |
| Placed in the mailbox or mail slot | Same day |
| Slid under the door | Same day |
| Courier | First business day after sending |
| Regular mail | 5 days after mailing (add 5 days to notice period) |
| Day sent — only with written consent in the lease |
Not valid: taping to the door, leaving with a neighbour, posting in the building, text message, or voicemail. Always complete a Certificate of Service the day you serve.
Related Forms
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