Manitoba told tenants on Tuesday, October 20, that they will no longer have to pay an above-guideline rent increase while the Residential Tenancies Branch decides if it is justified.
Premier Wab Kinew also said the province would shave 40% off the eligible capital costs landlords can pass through to tenants. Under today’s rules, that share can be one-sixth of a more efficient roof, one-quarter of a refrigerator or air conditioner, and one-third of indoor caulking. The ordinary annual cap is still 1.8%. The 2027 guideline is already set at 3.0% from January 1. Units renting for $2,000 or more a month, and many first occupied after March 2005, do not have to follow the guideline.
Kinew said he intends to amend the law so a later approval does not require back rent for the waiting period. Landlord spokesperson Avrom Charach called the deferral atrocious and said the branch is at least a year behind.
Can a Manitoba tenant ignore every rent increase now? No. A guideline increase can still be charged. The announced change delays above-guideline amounts until a ruling, and the back-rent protection is still described as an intended amendment.