BC rent increase rules 2026 & 2027

How much your landlord can raise the rent, how often, and how much notice you get, in plain words.

In short: in BC your landlord can raise the rent once every 12 months, by no more than the yearly limit (2.3% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027), with 3 full months' notice on the official form. Want to check your own notice? Use the rent increase checker.

How much can the rent go up?

BC sets a maximum each year, based on inflation. The limit that applies is the one for the year the new rentstarts, not the year you got the notice. Your landlord can't round the new rent up.

  • 2027: 2.2%
  • 2026: 2.3%
  • 2025: 3%
  • 2024: 3.5%
  • 2023: 2%

A bigger increase is only allowed if you agree in writing, or if the Residential Tenancy Branch approves an application for an additional increase.

How often?

Once every 12 months. The clock starts on the date your last increase took effect, or, if the rent has never gone up, the date your first rent was due.

How much notice?

At least 3 full months, counted in whole rent periods. If your rent is due on the 1st and you get the notice any time in January, even on January 1, the full months are February, March and April. The new rent can start May 1 at the earliest.

When a notice counts as received depends on how it was delivered:

  • Handed to me: the same day
  • By mail: 5 days after it was sent or left
  • Posted on my door: 3 days after it was sent or left
  • In my mailbox or mail slot: 3 days after it was sent or left
  • By email: 3 days after it was sent or left

Which form?

The notice must be on the official form, Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-7). A letter, text or email message on its own isn't enough.

Who isn't covered?

The rent increase rules don't apply if you live in:

  • a housing co-op you're a member of
  • subsidized housing where your rent is based on your income
  • a place where you share the kitchen or bathroom with the owner
  • student housing provided by your school
  • assisted living, a care facility, an emergency shelter or transitional housing

Not sure? Use the government's check of whether the Act covers your tenancy, or contact TRAC.

What if the increase breaks the rules?

  1. Write to your landlord, point out the problem and keep a copy.
  2. You only have to pay an increase that follows the rules.
  3. If you've already paid too much, you can deduct the overpayment from future rent.
  4. Still stuck? Contact TRAC or the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Rules checked Oct 19, 2026.See every source. Legal information, not legal advice.