If you are starting a new tenancy from March 2026 and setting a new rent, the general position is yes, you should use the RTB Notice of Rent Setting form. The RTB’s 2026 form says it is used to set the rent for a new tenancy and that it must be served on both the tenant and the RTB at the start of the tenancy.
That is separate from registering the tenancy itself. Registering the tenancy with the RTB is still required, but the Notice of Rent Setting is the form used to notify the tenant and the RTB of the rent being set and how it was set.
Quick answer
Yes, in most ordinary cases, a landlord starting a new tenancy from March 2026 should complete a Notice of Rent Setting.
The fact that the previous tenant left of their own accord does not by itself mean you can skip the form. In fact, the 2026 RTB form includes an exemption reason linked to the last tenancy ending by the tenant, which shows the RTB expects that situation to be dealt with through the form rather than outside it.
You should also assume that you will need:
- the new rent details,
- the last rent details,
- three comparable dwellings from the RTB published register,
- and, if relying on an exemption from the rent increase restriction, the relevant exemption section and supporting documents.
When this form is used
The RTB’s 2026 Notice of Rent Setting says it is for landlords who are using the notice to set the rent for a new tenancy. It also says the landlord must have served the notice to the tenant and RTB at the start of the tenancy.
So where:
- a previous tenancy has ended,
- a new tenant is taking the property,
- and a new rent is being set,
the starting point is to use the Notice of Rent Setting form.
Does it matter that the previous tenant left voluntarily?
Yes, but mainly for how the rent restriction rules may apply, not for whether a form is needed at all.
The RTB 2026 Notice of Rent Setting includes a Part D exemption section. One of the listed reasons is that the last tenancy was ended by the tenant. That means this circumstance may be relevant to whether the national rent increase restriction applies, but it is still handled through the rent setting notice process.
So the practical answer is:
| Situation | Use Notice of Rent Setting? | Extra step |
|---|---|---|
| New tenancy, rent unchanged | Usually yes | Still notify at start of tenancy |
| New tenancy, rent increased, normal capped rules apply | Yes | Use calculator if applicable |
| New tenancy, landlord says restriction does not apply because last tenant ended tenancy | Yes | Complete exemption part and attach support |
What the landlord should expect to complete
For a standard new tenancy rent setting, the 2026 RTB form asks for:
- tenancy details,
- new rent and last rent,
- the rule applied to the rent setting,
- and three comparable dwellings from the RTB published register.
If claiming an exemption from rent increase restrictions, the form also says Part D should be completed and supporting evidence attached.
A common mistake is thinking that “new tenancy” means you only register the tenancy and do nothing else. Under the RTB’s 2026 process, rent setting for a new tenancy has its own notice form.
Practical checklist
- Confirm that the old tenancy has ended and a genuinely new tenancy is starting.
- Download the RTB Notice of Rent Setting form.
- Check which rent control rule applies to the new rent.
- Use the RTB calculator if the increase is capped.
- Use the RTB published register to find three comparable dwellings.
- If relying on an exemption, complete Part D and attach supporting documents.
- Serve the notice on the tenant and the RTB at the start of the tenancy.
- Register the tenancy with the RTB within 1 month of the tenancy start date.
Short FAQ
Do I only need to register the new tenancy?
No. Registration is still required, but the RTB’s 2026 process also uses a Notice of Rent Setting for a new tenancy. The form itself says it must be served on the tenant and the RTB at the start of the tenancy.
If the previous tenant left voluntarily, can I just set any rent I want?
Not safely. That fact may be relevant to an exemption route, but the RTB form still expects the landlord to notify the rent setting properly and, where relevant, complete the exemption section and attach documents.
Do I still need three comparables?
In general, yes. The 2026 Notice of Rent Setting includes Part C for details of rent paid for three comparable dwellings, and the RTB Rent Register guidance says landlords must use register information to confirm the rent setting is not above market rent.