Managing a residential portfolio in Ontario has always required a unique blend of legal awareness and operational discipline. As we enter 2026, the regulatory framework has shifted yet again. Between the 2.1% Rent Increase Guideline, the accelerated eviction timelines of Bill 60, and stricter Fire Code mandates, staying compliant is a significant data challenge.
For landlords using Yardi Voyager, the good news is that your system is designed to handle this complexity if it is configured correctly.
The Canadian Residential Regional Module (CRRM) in Yardi is a powerful tool built specifically for this market. At Assetsoft, our deep relationship with Yardi technology, dating back to our work developing original Canadian-specific modules, means we know exactly how to leverage standard functionality to keep you compliant. Where standard features end, we can implement custom procedures and triggers to deliver the automation you need.
Here is your definitive guide to the 2026 Ontario changes and how to manage them in Voyager.
Part 1: 2026 Rent Control & Financials
Q: What is the Rent Increase Guideline for 2026?
A: The Government of Ontario has set the Rent Increase Guideline for 2026 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 data distinction in your system this year is the identification of the New Build Exemption.
Units 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 to align with market rates, provided you serve the correct form (Form N2) with the standard 90 days' notice222.
Q: Can Yardi automate these different increases?
A: Absolutely. The standard CRRM Rent Control function allows for different increase types, but relying on manual selection is a risk.
The Problem with Generic Configurations:
Most out-of-the-box Yardi setups require users to select "Form N2" for newer units manually. This creates a significant risk: if a property manager accidentally generates a standard N1 for a new unit, you are legally bound to the 2.1% cap, potentially losing thousands in revenue.
How Assetsoft Optimizes This:
We don't leave it to chance. We configure your CRRM logic to automatically distinguish between your capped assets and your exempt "New Build" assets.
- Automated Form Selection: We ensure your system is set up to trigger Form N2 (Exempt) for eligible units and Form N1 (Guideline Cap) for older stock automatically.
- Efficiency: We configure the batch generation process so your leasing team can produce a PDF bundle and email hundreds of N1 and N2 notices with a single click, ensuring they hit the 90-day window every time.
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 often had to provide a 14-day termination notice. New provisions allow landlords to serve an N4 notice with a 7-day termination date for unpaid rent in specific scenarios.
Q: What is the "50% Rule" for hearings?
A: This is a procedural change designed to reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
In 2026, if a tenant wishes to raise maintenance issues as a defence 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: How does this impact my Yardi configuration?
A: Speed is irrelevant if your notices are inaccurate. The LTB will issue an N4 if the arrears amount includes non-rent charges (such as NSF fees or key deposits).
How Assetsoft Optimizes This:
We utilize Yardi’s standard Termination Worksheets to ensure your N4S are bulletproof.
- Ledger Hygiene: We audit your charge codes to ensure "Rent" is strictly separated from "Other Charges." This ensures that when Voyager pulls the Form N4 balance, it retrieves only the legally enforceable rent arrears.
- Automated Triggers: Where standard functionality needs a boost, we can implement efficient triggers that alert your collections team the moment a tenant crosses a specific arrears threshold, prompting the immediate generation of the N4.
Part 3: Bill 97 (Renovictions & A/C)
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, but they have new protections regarding safety and costs. If electricity is included in the rent, you are permitted to charge a seasonal rent increase based on the actual or estimated cost of 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 state that work is required. You must provide a report from a qualified person (engineer or architect) confirming the vacancy is necessary.
Q: How do we track these documents in Yardi?
A: Managing N13s is a high-risk activity. Losing the engineer’s report or failing to track the "Right of First Refusal" (the tenant’s right of return) can result in substantial fines.
How Assetsoft Optimizes This:
- Seasonal Charges: We use standard Recurring Charge functionality with set "Start" and "End" dates (e.g., June–Sept) to automate A/C fees, so your team doesn't have to post them every summer manually.
- Form N13 Management: We configure the Termination Worksheets in CRRM to track your N13 notices. We can also set up custom fields or attachments to link the mandatory engineer’s report directly to the tenant record, ensuring you have a digital paper trail if challenged.
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 mandates a working Carbon Monoxide alarm on every floor of a home, including basements and non-sleeping floors—if the house has a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.
Q: How do I prove compliance across an extensive portfolio?
A: Liability protection requires proof. A paper checklist is often insufficient in court.
How Assetsoft Optimizes This:
We leverage Yardi Inspection Mobile to make compliance automatic for your field staff.
- Forced Workflow: We can configure inspection templates that require technicians to take a time-stamped photo of the CO alarm on every floor before they can close a "Turnover" or "Annual Inspection" work order.
- Dashboarding: We build custom SQL-based dashboards on your Voyager home screen that flag any unit missing a validated CO check in the last 12 months, allowing you to be proactive rather than reactive.
Part 5: Why Assetsoft?
Many consulting firms can install software. Assetsoft understands the ecosystem behind it.
Our team has a unique history with this technology. We were involved in the development of many of the Canadian Residential modules. We understand the CRRM (Canadian Residential Regional Module) architecture, as we helped define how it addresses Canadian-specific requirements, including N1, N4, and LTB reporting.
Our Philosophy: Standard First, Custom When Needed
We believe in using Yardi Voyager's robust, standard functionality whenever possible to ensure seamless upgrades and stability. However, the Ontario market is complex. When standard features aren't enough to meet your specific operational goals, we have the expertise to build efficient custom triggers and stored procedures that bridge the gap without "breaking" your core system.
We can help you:
- Configure CRRM to automate your 2026 N1/N2 rent increases.
- Audit your data to ensure N4s and LTB applications are valid.
- Implement Mobile Inspections for seamless Fire Code compliance.
- Streamline Reporting for clearer visibility into arrears and vacancies.
Is your Yardi environment working as hard as you are?
Contact the Assetsoft team today to ensure your technology is ready for 2026.
