Rent increases to be limited to one per cent in 2013

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This article was published 05/09/2012 (4773 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province is limiting rent increases on most units to one per cent in 2013.

The new rent guideline, announced Wednesday, applies to most apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.

It does not apply to:

* units renting for $1,140 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2012;

* personal-care homes;

* non-profit housing with subsidized rent;

* approved rehabilitated rental units; and

* 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

* buildings that are less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.

Landlords may apply for an increase above the 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 204-945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free) to find out more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. Information is also available at www.manitoba.ca/rtb.