Many apartment and suite dwellers in Flin Flon will face only modest rent hikes next year.
The Manitoba government has declared that rents may go up no more than 2.4 per cent in 2015, though there are multiple exceptions.
The rent limit does not apply to:
• rental units renting for $1,435 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2014;
• personal care homes;
• non-profit housing with subsidized rent;
• approved rehabilitated rental units; and
• 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; or less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.
Tenants maintain the right to object to any rent increase, whether it is below, at or above the province’s guideline. Objections must be made at least 60 days before the rent increase is set to take effect.
The province’s rent limit is now based on a new transparent formula. Earlier this year, the province passed regulations requiring the annual rent increase guideline be linked to the consumer price index (CPI) and fall within the Bank of Canada’s inflation-control target range.
The new regulations also tighten requirements for exemptions from rent regulation when landlords make renovations, and will limit how often landlords can apply for those exemptions.
“Manitoba is committed to an ongoing monitoring process to ensure the new CPI-based method for setting the guideline continues to provide a fair and balanced approach for renters and landlords,” Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said.
According to data from the province, Winnipeg remains Canada’s most affordable major city for renters.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg in 2014 is $751 compared with $888 in Regina, $1,087 in Calgary and $1,050 in Toronto.
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg in 2014 is $969 compared with $1,053 in Regina, $1,267 in Calgary and $1,241 in Toronto.
