British Columbia is again tying maximum rent increases to inflation, capping increases at 2.3 per cent in 2026.
That’s down from three per cent this year.
“B.C. is an extraordinary place, but with economic uncertainty and rising costs, people are struggling to find a place to live that fits in their budget,” said Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle in a statement on Tuesday. “We’re continuing to cap rent increases, linking them to inflation, to reduce housing costs for seniors, families and individuals, protecting them from unfair hikes.”
Rent increases were capped at 3.5 per cent for 2024, below the 5.6 per cent rise in inflation.
The province said at the time it planned to return to an annual rent increase that is tied to B.C.’s Consumer Price Index in future years.
Rent increases were frozen in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province said that prior to 2018, renters could face an additional two per cent rent increase on top of inflation.
In B.C., landlords who choose to increase rent must provide three months’ notice to tenants using the correct Notice of Rent Increase form.
Landlords can’t raise rents more than once per year.
The rent increase rule does not apply to commercial tenancies, non-profit housing tenancies where rent is geared to income, co-operative housing and some assisted-living facilities.
