The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The guideline for rent increases in Manitoba has been set at 1.5 per cent for 2004. "The rent increase guideline takes into consideration the operating expenses that landlords incur, while helping to ensure that rents remain affordable for Manitoban tenants," said Finance Minister Greg Selinger. The Residential Tenancies Act requires that tenants receive proper written notice at least three months before the effective date of a rent increase. In most situations, rents can only increase once a year. The guideline applies to apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. Tenants can object to any rent increase whether it is at, below or above the guideline by writing to the Residential Tenancies Branch within one month of receiving notice of the increase. Landlords can apply for increases greater than the guideline if they can show it will not cover cost increases that have been incurred. In 2004, properties renting at or above $985 will be exempt from the guideline, while units renting below $985 as of Dec. 31, 2003, will be subject to it. Other properties which are exempt from the guideline are: personal care homes and non-profit housing with subsidized rent; approved rehabilitated rental units; and, new buildings, for 15 years, if an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit was first occupied after April 9, 2001. More information about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants is available through the Residential Tenancies Branch Web site: http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/rtb/.
