More residential units subject to rent control: minister

Manitoba is expanding the scope of its rent control regulations to encompass a greater number of residential units. As of next year, properties with monthly rents up to $2,000 will fall under the Residential Tenancies Act, up from the current threshold of $1,670. This expansion, announced by Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu, aims to lower living costs for thousands of families.

The province held consultations with various stakeholders, including renters, landlords, and service providers, to gather public feedback before implementing the changes. The new rent increase guideline for Manitoba's 2027 residential rent will be set at three percent annually, calculated using a formula based on the consumer price index and capped within the Bank of Canada's inflation-control target range of one to three percent.

Landlords and tenants should be aware that rent increases can only be implemented once every 12 months, with tenants receiving written notice at least three months before the increase takes effect. Certain types of housing, such as social housing, government-owned units, co-op apartments, and new rentals, are exempt from the rent control guideline, which applies to most residential rental properties like apartments, single rooms, houses, and duplexes.