The allowable rent increase for conventional residential tenancies in British Columbia during 2014 is set at 2.2 per cent.
Manitoba’s 2014 rent increase guideline is 2.0 per cent.
By comparison, the 2014 rent increase for Ontario is 0.8 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.
The allowable residential tenancy rent increase for British Columbia for 2013 was 3.8 per cent, and 4.3 per cent for 2012. Manitoba’s rent increase guideline for 2013 was 1.0 per cent.
British Columbia Rent Increases
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 by the formula in the Residential Tenancy Regulation. The formula used is 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 if 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 2014
The 2014 rent increase guideline for Manitoba landlords is 2.0 per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants must be given proper written notice at least three months before the rent increase takes effect. A notice to increase rent must meet the requirements of The Residential Tenancies Act. The branch provides rent increase forms for landlords to use. In most circumstances, rents can only be increased once a year. The guideline applies to rented residential apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.
According to a statement from the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, there are some exceptions to the guideline. These are:
Premises renting for $1,395.00 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2013;
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.
Manitoba 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, visit the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch at http://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/.
This post is provided by Tenant Verification Service, Inc., helping landlords reduce the risks of renting with fraud prevention tools that include Tenant Screening, Tenant Background Checks, (U.S. and Canada), as well as Criminal Background Checks, and Eviction Reports (U.S. only).
Click Here to Receive Landlord Credit Reports.
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.
