Rent Guideline Set for 2007
Manitoba News Release
September 13, 2006
Finance Minister Greg Selinger today announced the 2007 rent guideline
has been set at 2.5 per cent effective Jan. 1.
The guideline is reviewed and set each year, and takes into account cost
increases including utilities, property taxes, maintenance and other
expenses in the operation of a residential complex.
"The new rent guideline recognizes the expenses that landlords incur,
including repair and maintenance made to rental properties, while
keeping rents affordable for Manitoba families," said Selinger.
Landlords can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for rent
increases above the guideline if they can show it will not cover cost
increases they have incurred. If tenants have concerns or objections to
any increase in rent, whether it is at, below or above the guideline,
they can write to the branch at least 60 days before the date of the
rent increase.
The guideline applies to rented residential apartments, houses, duplexes
and single rooms. It does not apply to:
* rental units renting for $1,050 or more effective Dec. 31, 2006,
an increase of $25 over the previous exempt rent level;
* personal care homes;
* non-profit housing with subsidized rent;
* approved rehabilitated rental units;
* new 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
are less than 20 years old where an occupancy permit was first issued or
a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.
Rents cannot increase, even by the guideline amount, unless the tenant
has been given proper notice of at least three months before the
increase takes effect. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased
once a year. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1,
2007, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2006.
Selinger noted that recently, there has been a significant increase in
new rental construction in Winnipeg. In the past four and a half years
(2002 to July 2006) there have been 1,714 new starts of various forms of
rental housing in Winnipeg. This is more than the number (1,244) of
rental starts that occurred in Winnipeg over the entire previous 10
years (1992 to 2001).
Selinger also noted that a new website has recently been launched to
help tenants and former tenants recover any rent overpayments or
security deposits that may be owed to them. For more information visit
the website at http://www.residentialtenancies.mb.ca
under the What's
New heading.
Tenants and landlords can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch to
find out more about rent increases as well as other rights and
responsibilities. Information is available on the website or by calling
toll free 1-800-782-8403 or 945-2476 in Winnipeg.