British Columbia Allowable Rent Increase for 2015
British Columbia has set the allowable rent increase for 2015 at 2.5 per cent.
The annual allowable rent increase for conventional residential tenancies is determined by the formula in the Residential Tenancy Regulation. Last year’s increase was 2.2 per cent.
By comparison, the 2015 rent increase for Ontario is 1.6 per cent, and all future increases are capped at no more than 2.5 per cent. Alberta does not set rent increase caps; however, landlords in Alberta generally are restricted to one rent increase per year. Manitoba’s rent increase guideline for 2015 is set at 2.4 per cent.
The allowable residential tenancy rent increase for British Columbia for 2014 was 1.6, 3.8 per cent in 2013, and 4.3 per cent for 2012.
The allowable rent increase figure for British Columbia represents the largest amount a landlord can raise rent before the tenant has the right to dispute the increase.
This increase is determined as the inflation rate plus 2 per cent.
British Columbia landlords planning to increase the rent must provide three months notice to tenants using the Notice of Rent Increase Form approved by the RTB.
A residential tenancy landlord may apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for a larger increase under certain circumstances. Those rules and the Application for Additional Rent Increase are available at Branch offices, or on the RTB’s website at www.rto.gov.bc.ca/.
Manitoba Sets Rent Increases for 2015
The 2015 rent increase guideline for Manitoba is 2.4 percent, effective January 1, 2015.
Tenants must be given proper written notice at least three months in advance. The Residential Tenancies Branch provides the notice forms. Generally, rents can only be increased once a year.
According to the Residential Tenancies Branch, the guideline applies to most rented residential apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. However, some units may be exempt, including:
Units renting for $1,435 or more per month as of December 31, 2014;
personal care homes;
approved rehabilitated rental units;
new buildings less than 15 years old where an occupancy permit was first issued
or a unit was first occupied after April 9, 2001; and
new buildings less than 20 years old where an occupancy permit was first issued
or a unit was first occupied after March 7, 2005.
Tenants can object to any increase in rent regardless of whether it is at, below or above the guideline.
Landlords can apply for a larger increase if they can demonstrate that the guideline amount will not cover cost increases they have incurred.
For more information, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch office nearest you.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.
