Are you a tenant in British Columbia and are paying rent? Then, you must be cognizant of the new rent increase limit set for the year 2024, announced in September 2024. So, to know How Much Allowable BC Rent Increase in 2024? you must drag down the complete page.
BC Rent Increase 2024
In 2024, landlords in the province of British Columbia will be able to raise rent to 3.5%, up from the current 2%. The Ministry of Housing made the announcement of the rent increase on September 11, 2024. Rent increases were canceled in 2020 and 2021, and the purpose of avoiding the rental cap was to save tenants money in British Columbia.
It is less than the average annual inflation rate of 5.4%. For the second year in a row, rental hikes are being set below the rate of inflation in the province. In addition to the rent increase, set aside a reasonable amount for adjustments to local government taxes and regulated utility rates.
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According to the province, the annual rent increase that was permitted before 2018 was determined by adding two percent to the provincial inflation rate. This additional two percent was eliminated in response to a suggestion made by the Rental Housing Task Force, and the cap is now simply determined by the rate of inflation.
British Columbia Rent Increase 2024
In British Columbia, landlords are only permitted to raise rent once a year, and only after the current rate was agreed upon with the current renters or the rent was raised by law. This provision, however, is applicable in the event that an assignment replaces the landlord or renter.
Landlords are not permitted to implement previous rent increases, even in the event that the landlord:
- Did not implement the rent increase the year before.
- Raised the rent by a portion of the permitted amount and now wishes to apply the remaining.
BC Rent Increase for the Five Years
Comparing the rent increase for the five years, the 2024 rent increase limit will be the highest.
| Year | Rent Increase Limit in Percentage |
| 2019 | 2.5% |
| 2020 | 2.6% |
| 2021 | 0% |
| 2022 | 1.5% |
| 2024 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3.5% |
How Much Does Allowable Rent Increase in British Columbia?
The rent increase cannot exceed the amount determined by applying the rent increase limit. When determining the permitted increase in rent, landlords are not permitted to round up.
Tenants may deduct any overpayment from their future rent if they have paid a rent increase that is greater than what is required. The renter must provide a written justification for their refusal to pay the full amount requested by the landlord.
Notice of the Rent Increase Form
If landlords decide to raise rent, they are required to use the appropriate Notice of Rent Increase form and provide renters with a complete three-month notice. Landlords in British Columbia are limited to one rent increase per year.
If you want to know what the notice looks like and what the particulars listed on the notice regarding the residential rental units, press here. To see the Manufactured home site notice regarding the rent increase, tap here.
But you must be careful while using the rent increase form and not round off the calculated rent increase amount. Ensure that you have filled both pages of the form comprising both boxes on the second page.
What to do for Unlawful Rent Increase in BC?
Tenants may provide documentation from the landlord attesting to the permitted amount of rent in the event that the landlord requires them to pay more than the designated increase cap. If not, they may file a dispute resolution application and request a directive to the landlord to abide by the law.
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However, the tenant is not eligible for dispute settlement if an arbitrator decides to raise the rent above the cap on increases for this year.
To get additional info, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch, or you can send your queries to their email address, [email protected]. If both the above options are not suitable for you, you can make a call at 1-800-665-8779 from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
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