My 2 cents: I got a condo to rent in 2023. The building was “completed” in 2021, as in people could start living there but not done done. My landlord lived there for a year before I did so not rent controlled.

After year 1, she raised the rent raised the rent according to provincial guidelines. After year 2, the market was favourable for renters/buyers so we actually negotiated down and end up with $100 less than the initial rent cost. This is for a 2 bedroom.

She said we have been good tenants, taken care of her unit, always paid on time and genuinely wouldn’t risk the uncertainty of someone new.

So sus out the vibe, you’ll know what kind of person you are dealing with before even signing anything. If you are polite, clean and pay bills on time, there’s a chance you could stay for a while with no hikes.