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A Landlord can increase rent
each year up to (but not greater than) the percentage equal to the
inflation rate plus two percent. The allowable rent increase for
each calendar year is available on the Residential Tenancy Branch's
website. For 2011, the allowable rent increase is 2.3%. For 2012, it
is 4.3%.
Example:
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Your current rent:
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$500.00 |
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2012 allowable increase (4.3%)
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$21.50 |
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Your new rent |
$521.50 |
If the Landlord charges an
amount higher than the allowable amount, the Tenant does not have to pay
the excess rent unless the Tenant has been served with a dispute
resolution officer's order allowing the rent increase.
Rules:
The notice must be served three full months before the rent increase takes effect. For example,
Jane moved into an apartment on June 1, 2010 and pays rent of $700.00 per
month. Her Landlord serves her a Notice of Rent Increase by mail on
February 20, 2011 to pay rent of $716.10 beginning June 1, 2011.
This rent increase was done in accordance with the Act.
If a Tenant has paid an
increase that was higher than the permitted amount, the Tenant may deduct
the amount from future rent.
To raise the rent above
the permitted amount, the Landlord must have either the Tenant’s written
agreement or an Residential Tenancy Branch order. The Landlord has
the burden of proving any claim for a rent increase of an amount that is
greater than the prescribed amount. The Tenant(s) will have an opportunity
to appear at the hearing of the application, question the Landlord’s
evidence, and submit their own evidence.
But I can't afford a rent increase!
If your Landlord has given you
a rent increase and you can't afford to pay, you should talk to him/her
about your situation. If you've been a good tenant, the Landlord may
decide to just disregard the rent increase in order to keep you on as a
Tenant.
Read more about financial programs
available to BC renters.
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2012 Allowable Rent
Increase = 4.3%
Official Notice of Rent Increase
Form
click above to open a rent
increase form
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Got a question?