The Manitoba 2016 rent guideline has been capped at 1.1 per cent and will take effect January 1, 2016. This announcement was made by Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux.
“We have been working to build a model of transparency and fairness when it comes to rent guidelines in the province,” said Minister Lemieux. “These guidelines come as a result of listening to needs of tenants and landlords, while ensuring full consumer protection and continuing to make Manitoba one of the most affordable places to live in Canada.”
The guideline is determined annually based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index (CPI) and applies to most residential rental property including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.
The guideline does not apply to:
- rental units renting for $1,435 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2015;
- personal care homes;
- non-profit housing with subsidized rent;
- approved rehabilitated rental units; and
- new buildings that are: less than 15 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after April 9, 2001; or less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.
Landlords can apply for an increase above the guideline if they can show the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred.
Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, 2016, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2015. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.
Tenants have the right to object to any rent increase, whether it is below, at or above the guideline. Objections must be made at least 60 days before the rent increase is set to take effect.
According to the most recent Rental Market Survey by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Winnipeg continues to enjoy some of the most affordable rental prices in the country when compared to Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.
Landlords and tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free in Manitoba) to find out more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. Information is also available at www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb.
