Province Announces Rent Guideline for 2009
Manitoba News Release
September 4, 2008
RENT GUIDELINE SET FOR 2009
Finance Minister Greg Selinger announced today the 2009 guideline for rent increases has been set at 2.5 per cent.
The guideline is determined annually and takes into account cost increases including utilities, property taxes and other expenses in the operation of a residential complex.
The guideline applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. The guideline does not apply to:
rental units renting for $1,095 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2008;
personal-care homes;
non-profit housing with subsidized rent;
approved rehabilitated rental units; and
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;
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.
Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, 2009, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.
If a tenant wishes to
object to a rent increase they can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for
more information. Tenants can object to any rent increase, whether it is at,
below or above the guideline, at least 60 days before the date of the rent
increase.
Landlords and tenants can contact the branch to find out more
about rent increases and other rights and
responsibilities. Information is available on the website at
http://www.manitoba.ca/rtb
or by calling 945-2476 in Winnipeg or
toll-free 1-800-782-8403.