January 6th, 2013

Manitoba Landlords Can Raise the Rent 1% in 2013

Are Landlords Facing Higher Costs?

Yes.

Landlords are faced with higher taxes, higher costs for heating, higher costs for hiring electricians and plumbers,  higher costs for contractors doing repairs, higher costs for improving units… higher costs for just about everything involving taking care of a rental property. And we haven’t even spoken about the high cost of evicting bad tenants.

Why Has the Government Set Such a Low Rate?

According to the government, they say they “

“…understand how stressful it can be for students, seniors and low-income families to make ends meet.  Rent guidelines help ensure fairness for renters.”

And What About Landlords?

Landlord concerns don’t seem to be taken seriously.

What Types of Properties Does this Low Guideline Cover?

Unfortunately for landlords and tenants the guideline applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.

What Types of Properties Doesn’t It Cover?

It does not apply to:

1. units renting for $1,140 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2012

2. personal-care homes;

3. non-profit housing with subsidized rent;

4. approved rehabilitated rental units

5. 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

-less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005

Can Landlords Get an Increase Above the Guideline.

It’s unclear. Landlords can apply for Above the Guideline Increase. However, as what is happening in Ontario shows this can be nearly impossible to achieve after following the bureaucratic process.

What’s the Process for Manitoba Landlords to Increase the Rent by 1%?

Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect.

Can You Provide and Example?

For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, 2013, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2012.  With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.

Can Tenants Object to the Rent Increase?

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.

…

Manitoba landlords know the increased costs we face. Yet the current government doesn’t care about landlords maintaining great rentals or investing in new affordable renting housing. Manitoba landlords can only raise the rent by 1% in 2013. It’s a slap in the face to all small landlords and will decrease the rental stock in our province and hurt good tenants.