When can landlords increase the rent? Is there a required
format? How much notice is required to raise the rent? How much can
the rent be raised? The answers to all these questions are
important to know, whether you're a landlord or a tenant.
WHEN can the rent be raised?
At the beginning of a tenancy, the rent is set at whatever
amount a landlord and tenant agree to. Moving forward, a landlord
can only raise the rent once every 12 months (according to section
42(1) of the Residential Tenancy Act). The maximum
allowable rent increase percentage changes each year so both
landlords and tenants should consult the Residential Tenancy Branch
website when in doubt about the authorized amount. It is also worth
noting that the limited timing of a rent increase applies even if
the landlord changes during the tenancy or a new tenant is assigned
the tenancy agreement.
