As many of us take efforts to conserve energy and resources we are also applying for Increases Above The Rent Guideline. Many Landlords do not realize that Section 9 of the Rent Regulations allows a landlord to not be penalized for saving energy by allowing a normalization of utilities costs.
Example – You install low flow toilets in year 1 and as a direct result use 25% less water in year 2. You may adjust your water usage down by 25% in year 1 to ensure that you are comparing the property fairly. You must be able to provide a reasonable explanation for how you arrived at your adjustment, such as a Manitoba Hydro estimate for gas or electricity or industry comparables from a reliable source.
Call the Residential Tenancies Branch for more information.
Avrom Charach,
PPMA Vice President
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