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 2005 has been set at 1.5 per cent, effective January 1, 2005. "The rent increase guideline helps to ensure that rents remain affordable for tenants throughout the province, while taking into consideration the operating expenses for landlords," said Finance Minister Greg Selinger. The guideline applies to residential rental property including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes renting for less than $1,000 per month as of December 31, 2004. The guideline does not apply to: properties renting for or above $1,000 per month as of December 31, 2004; personal care homes and 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 was first occupied after April 9, 2001. Landlords can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for rent increases above the guideline if they can show that the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred. Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. A notice to increase rent must meet the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act. The branch provides rent increase forms for landlords to use. In most cases, rents can only be increased once a year. Tenants can object to any rent increase, whether it is at, below or above the guideline, by writing to the branch at least 60 days before the date of the rent increase. More information about rent increases and the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants is available at the branch website at http://www.residentialtenancies.mb.ca or by calling (toll free) 1-800-782-8403.
