The standard allowable rent increase for 2019 in British Columbia is 4.5%.
This figure represents the maximum a landlord can increase rent without obtaining an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch or tenant consent.
The allowable rent increase has climbed over the past three years from 3.7% in 2017 and 4.0% in 2018. Last year, tenant advocates argued for future rent increases to be capped at the rate of inflation, which would place maximum increases in the range of 2-2.5%.
Rent can only be increased once per year. Tenants must receive three full months’ notice of the rent increase on the approved form available from the Residential Tenancy Branch.
The maximum increase for manufactured home park tenants is 4.5% plus a proportional amount for the change in local government levies and regulated utility fees.
B.C. landlords have the option of requesting an additional increase by order of the Residential Tenancy Branch if the landlord meets certain statutory provisions, such as completing significant repairs or renovations or an extraordinary increase in expenses. Landlords making an application for an increase may need to pay application fees ranging from $300 to not more than $600.
Alternatively, tenants can consent to an additional increase, provided that consent is given without duress and the agreement is in writing. The agreement must detail the exact rent increase.
Tenants who are ordered to pay or who consent to the increase still are entitled to the full three months’ notice.
Landlords are advised not to round up to the nearest dollar because any amount above the allowable increase violates tenancy laws.
For additional information, including a rent increase calculator and approved forms and applications, visit the Residential Tenancy Branch.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is 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.
