The Manitoba government is introducing new measures aimed at keeping rental housing more affordable by reducing the amount landlords can pass on to tenants through above-guideline rent increases.
Premier Wab Kinew announced regulatory changes that will cut by 40 per cent the capital-related costs landlords can recover through applications for above-guideline rent increases. The province says the changes are designed to provide greater stability for renters and help address affordability concerns during a period of rising living costs.
The government is also making an immediate change to the rent increase process. Tenants will no longer be required to pay a proposed rent increase before the Residential Tenancy Branch has ruled on an application submitted by a landlord.
Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu said the change responds to reports of renters being asked to absorb significant increases, in some cases hundreds of dollars per month, before a final decision had been made.
The announcement was welcomed by renter advocates. Aidan Wilson said some tenants were facing the prospect of rent increases of up to $500 per month while awaiting a ruling, prompting residents to organize and push for changes.
The new regulations build on earlier steps taken by the province to expand rent control protections. This year, Manitoba increased the rent control threshold from $1,670 to $2,000 per month, extending coverage to thousands of additional rental units.
The province has also increased the Renters Affordability Tax Credit to $675 and says benefit payments will continue to provide additional support to Manitobans dealing with higher living costs.
The government says the combined measures are intended to strengthen renter protections while helping keep housing costs manageable across the province.
