New maximum rent increases announced

Tenants in Manitoba should face a rent increase of no more than 1.8 percent effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Manitoba Public Service Delivery announced the rent guideline in an Aug. 29 news release.

That guideline is set annually through a set formula based on the consumer price index for Manitoba. It applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.

However, in Manitoba there are many properties the guidelines do not apply to.

Those exempt from the guidelines include rental units renting for $1,670 or more per month; various types of social housing; rental units owned and operated by or for provincial, municipal or federal governments; rental units in buildings first occupied after March 2005; not-for-profit life lease units; cooperative units; and approved rehabilitated rental units.

Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect.

With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.

To learn more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities landlords and tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403.

More information is available at www.manitoba.ca/rtb.