How Much Can Manitoba Landlords Raise the Rent in 2014?

We’ve received lots of emails from landlords across Manitoba in December.

Landlords across the province are facing difficult tenant challenges and increased costs.

They want to know how much they can raise the rent in 2014.

One Winnipeg landlord emailed in saying:

“My last tenant left with rent owing and the place was a mess costing me over $5000. I rented out to new renters last year for a low price. She has now brought in several ‘friends’ to live with her and my utility costs are going through the roof? Can I raise her rent to cover my additional expenses?”

Another landlord from Brandon wrote in:

“I’m a new landlord and trying to be professional and caring. The problem is the wear and tear from my tenants is often excessive. They say they don’t mean to cause damages and I believe them. It’s just I’ve had to spend hundreds of dollars for new windows and new appliances that are suddenly always broken. What can I do?”

Rent Control In Manitoba

Alberta landlords can raise the rent as much as they want for their renters because the provincial government doesn’t control how much landlords can raise the rent.

Manitoba landlords face rent control which means the government controls the rent in our province.

This is the same as what BC landlords face (they can raise the rent 2.2% in 2014) and what Ontario landlords deal with each year (Ontario landlords can only raise the rent 0.8% in 2014 and they aren’t happy about it!)

How Much Can Manitoba Landlords Raise the Rent in 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:

1. Premises renting for $1,395.00 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2013

2. Personal care homes

3. Approved rehabilitated rental units

4. New buildings less than fifteen years old where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit was first occupied after April 9th, 2001

5. New buildings less than twenty years old where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit was first occupied after March 7th, 2005.

What If Tenants Disagree With the Rent Increase?

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 on how to legally raise the rent in 2014 go to  the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.