L5 Above Guideline Increase: New 2025 Requirements
The LTB updated the L5 application process on November 1, 2025. Learn about the new mandatory RUI form, email filing option, and what gets applications rejected.
What Changed on November 1, 2025
New RUI Form is Mandatory
The Rental Unit Information form (Excel spreadsheet) must be submitted with every L5 application
Email Filing Now Available
Submit L5 applications via email as an alternative to the LTB Portal
Updated L5 Form
The L5 application form itself has been revised—use only the November 2025 version
What is an L5 Application?
The L5 (Application for a Rent Increase Above the Guideline) is the form Ontario landlords use to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for a rent increase that exceeds the annual guideline amount. For 2026, the guideline is 2.5%.
You may apply for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) based on:
- Municipal taxes and charges: Extraordinary increases in property taxes or local charges
- Utility costs: Extraordinary increases in electricity, heat, or water costs
- Capital expenditures: Major repairs, renovations, or replacements that meet LTB criteria
The New RUI Form: What You Need to Know
Starting November 1, 2025, the LTB requires all L5 applications to include the Rental Unit Information (RUI) form. This is not optional—applications without it will be rejected.
RUI Form Key Facts
Excel Format Required
Must be submitted as .xlsx file, not PDF
Electronic Submission Only
Cannot be submitted on paper
One RUI Per Application
Include all units in a single spreadsheet
All Fields Required
Incomplete forms will be returned
What Information Does the RUI Require?
The RUI spreadsheet collects detailed information about each rental unit included in your AGI application:
- Complete address of each rental unit
- Current lawful rent amount
- Tenant name(s) for each unit
- Lease start date
- Whether the unit is rent-controlled
- Any applicable rent discounts or parking/utility charges
Download the Official Forms
Get the current L5 and RUI forms from Tribunals Ontario.
Download from tribunalsontario.caHow to File an L5 Application (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to file your Above Guideline Increase application with the new requirements:
Download the updated L5 form
Get the current L5 form (updated November 1, 2025) from the Tribunals Ontario website. Do not use older versions as they may be rejected.
Download and complete the RUI form
Download the Rental Unit Information (RUI) Excel spreadsheet from Tribunals Ontario. Fill in all required fields for each rental unit: addresses, current rents, tenant names, and other requested information. Keep it in Excel format.
Gather supporting documentation
Collect all supporting documents based on your AGI grounds: tax bills, utility invoices, capital expenditure receipts, contractor quotes, and any other evidence supporting your application.
Complete the L5 application
Fill out the L5 form completely, including: landlord information, property details, grounds for the increase, requested percentage, and calculations.
Submit via email or LTB Portal
File your application electronically. For email filing, send to the designated LTB AGI email address with the L5 form, RUI spreadsheet (in Excel format), supporting documents, and fee payment information.
Pay the application fee
Submit the required filing fee based on the number of units in your application. Payment methods vary by filing option.
Serve notice to tenants
After the LTB issues a Notice of Hearing, serve all affected tenants with the required documents within the specified timeframe.
Filing Options: Email vs. LTB Portal
You now have two electronic filing options for L5 applications:
Email Filing
- New option as of November 2025
- Attach all documents to a single email
- Easy to include RUI Excel file
- Email confirmation of receipt
LTB Portal
- Online form with guided fields
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay fees online
- Track application status
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Avoid these errors to prevent your L5 application from being returned or rejected:
Missing the RUI form
Every L5 application filed after November 1, 2025 must include the Rental Unit Information spreadsheet. No exceptions.
Submitting RUI as a PDF
The RUI must remain in Excel (.xlsx) format. Converting to PDF removes the data structure the LTB needs to process your application.
Incomplete unit information
Every field in the RUI must be completed for every rental unit. Missing tenant names, addresses, or rent amounts will cause rejection.
Using the old L5 form
Forms prior to November 2025 will not be accepted. Download the current version from Tribunals Ontario.
Calculation errors
Ensure your requested increase percentage and amounts are calculated correctly based on your supporting documentation.
Missing or insufficient documentation
Each AGI ground requires specific supporting documents. Tax increases need tax bills; capital expenditures need invoices and receipts.
L5 Application Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your Above Guideline Increase application:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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