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Rent Increases

How much can my landlord raise rent?

The allowable rent increase for 2012 is 4.3%. For more information on allowable rent increases, visit the Residential Tenancy Branch website.

How much have landlords been allowed to raise rent in recent years?

• 2011: 2.3%
• 2010: 3.2%
• 2009: 3.7%
• 2008: 3.7%
• 2007: 4.0%
• 2006: 4.0%
• 2005: 3.8%
• 2004: 4.6%

Landlord campaign to raise rate of rent increase

Landlords in BC are lobbying to raise the allowable rate of rent increases each year.  TRAC would like to inform tenants about the dangers of this campaign and reasons we feel it is unwarranted:

1. the cumulative impact on tenants will add to the serious situation of BC already having the most unaffordable rental housing in the country.
    
2. the landlords do not need to have the Residential Tenancy Regulation changed because they already have an avenue to ask for above-guideline increases.
    
3. there is no indication that landlords are currently suffering financial losses or facing bankruptcy because of the existing Regulation.

To read more about why we are warning BC tenants about this campaign, click here.
 

Will HST impact rent increases? 

According to the BC Minister of Housing, HST will not impact residential rents.  Read the full article here: NDP seeks assurance HST won't trigger rent increases.  Source: The Globe and Mail.
 

More information on rent increases

• Tenant Survival Guide - Chapter 6
• Rent Increases (Residential Tenancy Branch Policy Guideline)
• Rent Increase Forms (Residential Tenancy Branch)
• Residential Tenancy Act Part 3 - What Rent Increases Are Allowed
• Residential Tenancy Regulation Part 4 - Rent Increases

Have you called TRAC's telephone Infoline before? If you have a moment, we would appreciate some feedback on your experience: