Winnipeg Free Press
September 9, 2010
By Staff Writer
MANITOBA'S 2011 rent increase guideline has been set at 1.5 per cent to take effect Jan. 1.
The province said Tuesday the guideline applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.
Tenants must get written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. It means for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.
Objections must be made at least 60 days before the rent increase is set to take effect.
The rent increase does not apply to rental units renting for $1,120 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2010, personal-care homes, non-profit housing with subsidized rent, approved rehabilitated rental units. It also does not apply to 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 less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.
Landlords can apply for an increase above the guideline if they can show the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred.
Landlords and tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free) to find out more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities