Managing residential assets in Ontario has always been a distinct discipline compared to other markets. As we enter 2026, the regulatory framework has shifted again. The changes this year are not just about a new rent increase percentage; they involve fundamental shifts in eviction timelines (Bill 60), safety requirements (Fire Code), and tenant rights regarding amenities (Bill 97).
For landlords using Yardi Voyager, staying compliant requires more than just knowing the rules; it requires configuring your software to enforce them automatically.
Here is what every Ontario landlord needs to know for 2026.
Part 1: 2026 Rent Control & Financials
Q: What is the Rent Increase Guideline for 2026?
A: The Ontario government has set the 2026 Rent Increase Guideline at 2.1%.
This applies to rent increases taking effect between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
Q: Does this apply to all my units?
A: No. The most critical "switch" in your property management software this year is the New Build Exemption.
Units that were first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, are exempt from the 2.1% cap. For these units, you may increase the rent by any amount, provided you still give proper notice.
Q: What are the notice requirements?
A: You must provide 90 days’ written notice using the official Form N1 (for guideline increases) or Form N2 (for exempt units).
- Warning: A common error is counting "3 months" instead of "90 days." If you serve notice on February 1st for a May 1st increase, you might be short on days depending on the month lengths. The RTA is strict; being one day short voids the increase.
How Assetsoft Helps:
We configure your Yardi Rent Roll to automate this logic completely.
- Exemption Logic: We create a custom SQL trigger that checks the "Certificate of Occupancy" date on every unit. If the date is post-Nov 15, 2018, the system automatically tags the unit as "Uncapped," preventing revenue leakage on your premium assets.
- Automated N1 Generation: We set your correspondence module to generate, PDF-bundle, and email Form N1s exactly 95 days before the effective date, ensuring you never miss the 90-day window.
Part 2: Evictions & Bill 60 (The New Timelines)
Q: Is it true that eviction notices for non-payment are faster in 2026?
A: Yes. Under the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (Bill 60), the timeline for non-payment of rent has tightened.
Previously, landlords had to provide a 14-day termination notice for monthly tenancies. New provisions allow landlords to serve an N4 notice with a 7-day termination date for unpaid rent.
Q: What is the "50% Rule" for hearings?
A: This is a significant procedural change designed to reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
In the past, tenants could appear at a non-payment hearing and delay eviction by suddenly raising maintenance issues. In 2026, if a tenant wishes to raise maintenance issues as a defense during a rent arrears hearing, they are generally required to pay 50% of the alleged arrears into the Board’s trust before their arguments are heard.
Q: Has the appeal window changed?
A: Yes. The time frame to request a review of an LTB order has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days. This allows landlords to enforce eviction orders (sheriff enforcement) much sooner if the tenant does not have valid legal grounds for a review.
How Assetsoft Helps:
Evictions fail when data is messy. If your tenant ledger shows confusing adjustments or unclear charges, the LTB will dismiss your N4.
- Automated N4 Drafting: We use Yardi Voyager workflows to automatically draft the N4 form the moment a tenant hits a specific arrears threshold.
- Ledger Clean-Up: Our team ensures your charge codes are mapped correctly so that "Rent" is separated from "Utilities" or "Parking." This distinction is vital because you cannot evict for non-payment of non-rent charges using an N4.
Part 3: Bill 97 (Renovictions & Air Conditioning)
Q: Can I stop a tenant from installing a window A/C unit?
A: Generally, no. Under Bill 97 updates, tenants have the right to install air conditioning units, but you have new protections:
- Notice: They must notify you in writing.
- Safety: They must prove the unit is installed safely (no damage to the building).
- Seasonal Increase: If electricity is included in the rent, you are legally allowed to charge a seasonal rent increase based on the actual or estimated cost of the power.
Q: What are the new rules for "Renovictions" (Form N13)?
A: If you need a unit vacant for extensive renovations, you can no longer simply state that work is needed. You must now provide a report from a "qualified person" (specifically an engineer or architect) confirming that the vacancy is necessary for the work to proceed.
How Assetsoft Helps:
- Seasonal Charge Automation: We configure Recurring Charges in Yardi with start/end dates (e.g., June to September) so the A/C fee hits the ledger automatically during summer months and drops off in October.
- Renovation Tracking: We use Yardi’s Job Cost module to link your engineer’s reports directly to the unit record, creating a digital audit trail should the LTB question your N13 application.
Part 4: Safety & Fire Code (The "Silent Killer" Update)
Q: What is the new Carbon Monoxide (CO) rule for 2026?
A: Effective January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code has been updated.
The New Rule: You must have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm on every storey of the home, including the basement and other non-sleeping floors, if the home has a fuel-burning appliance (furnace, gas water heater) or an attached garage.
Q: Why is this a liability risk?
A: If an incident occurs and you cannot prove that an alarm was installed on the main floor (not just the sleeping quarters), your insurance coverage could be jeopardized.
How Assetsoft Helps:
Paper checklists are not proof. We implement Yardi Inspection Mobile to enforce compliance:
- Photo Verification: Maintenance technicians cannot close a "Turnover" or "Annual Inspection" work order without taking a time-stamped photo of the CO alarm on each level.
- Dashboards: We build a "Safety Compliance" dashboard on your Yardi Start Page that flags any unit that hasn't had a verified CO check in the last 12 months.
Part 5: Why Assetsoft?
The Ontario market operates on specific rules that generic property management software configurations often miss.
If your system isn't distinguishing between "Pre-2018" and "Post-2018" units for rent control, or if your N4 notices are still defaulting to old timelines, you are exposing your portfolio to risk.
Assetsoft is a specialized consulting firm for the real estate industry. We are experts in Yardi Voyager and MRI Software. We don't just implement software; we configure it to align with the specific laws of the jurisdictions you operate in.
We can help you:
- Audit your Rent Roll for 2026 guideline compliance.
- Configure automated N1 and N4 notices that meet LTB standards.
- Clean up your data to ensure your LTB applications are bulletproof.
- Implement mobile apps for Fire Code documentation.
Is your portfolio ready for the 2026 rules?
Contact the Assetsoft team today to ensure your technology is working as hard as you are.
