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.
Thousands of renters across Manitoba could face slightly higher rents in the new year. The Manitoba government announced it will allow most landlords to boost rents by one per cent effective Jan. 1, 2013. 'Rent guidelines help ensure fairness for renters and property owners by taking into account things like the cost of utilities, property taxes and other expenses involved in operating rental housing,' said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau. Manitoba's rent control legislation applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. But it does not apply to tenants whose rent will be $1,140 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2012; or those who live in personal-care homes, non-profit housing with subsidized rent or approved rehabilitated rental units. Also exempt are landlords whose buildings 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. And any landlord can still apply for an increase above the government guideline if they can show the increase will not cover costs they have incurred for the property. Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. 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. 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. Landlords and tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 1-800-782-8403 to find out more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
