Rent in Manitoba: the government plans new rules for rent increases

The Manitoba government is planning new rules for landlords wanting to raise rents.

A bill now before the Legislature would set several conditions for landlords who want to raise rents above annual provincial guidelines, which are tied to inflation.

Currently, landlords can apply to the residential leasing director for a higher rent increase and present their arguments.

The bill would limit such requests to cases where owners face sharp increases in taxes, utility and safety costs, or where they are investing in capital projects such as plumbing and heating.

The bill would also give the Director of Residential Tenancies the power to order rent increases spread over several years, rather than taking effect immediately.

The bill would also extend exceptions to the rent guidelines so that landlords who convert non-residential properties into rental properties can raise rents for 10 years before they become regulated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2024