The amount that a landlord can increase your rent in Canada varies depending on your province or territory. In general, landlords are only allowed to increase your rent once per year, and the increase must be within the rent increase guideline. The rent increase guideline is a maximum percentage increase that is set by the provincial or territorial government each year.
Here is a table of the rent increase guidelines for each province and territory in Canada for 2024:
| Province/Territory | Rent increase guideline (%) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 3 |
| British Columbia | 2.5 |
| Manitoba | 2 |
| New Brunswick | 3.8 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2.5 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 |
| Nova Scotia | 2.5 |
| Nunavut | 0 |
| Ontario | 2.5 |
| Prince Edward Island | 0 |
| Quebec | 3.2 |
| Saskatchewan | 2.5 |
| Yukon | 0 |
Exceptions to the rent increase guideline
There are a few exceptions to the rent increase guideline. For example, landlords may be able to increase your rent by more than the guideline if they have made significant improvements to the rental property. Landlords may also be able to increase your rent by more than the guideline if they are able to prove that they are experiencing financial hardship.
How to challenge a rent increase
If you believe that your landlord is increasing your rent by more than the allowable amount, you can challenge the increase with the provincial or territorial landlord-tenant board. The board will review the increase and decide whether it is fair and reasonable.
Tips for negotiating a rent increase
If you are facing a rent increase, you can try to negotiate a lower increase with your landlord. Here are a few tips:
- Be prepared to compromise. It is unlikely that your landlord will agree to your original request, so be prepared to meet them halfway.
- Be willing to stay in the rental unit. If you are happy with the rental unit and you don’t want to move, this will give you more bargaining power.
- Do your research. Find out what other comparable rental units in your area are renting for. This will give you an idea of what a fair rent increase is.
If you are unable to negotiate a lower rent increase, you may want to consider moving to a different rental unit.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.