Heads up, renters: we have details on the maximum allowable B.C. rent increase for 2026, which is capped at inflation, and it’s slightly lower than in 2025.
Last year, the maximum allowable rent increase was 3.0 per cent. For 2026, B.C. has set the max rent increase at 2.3 per cent.
The ministry says that this is the second year in a row that the maximum allowable increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index.
“Prior to 2018, renters could face an additional 2% rent increase on top of inflation, costing the average B.C. family hundreds of dollars in additional rent,” the ministry says.
Here’s what to know if you’re a B.C. renter
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If you’re renting a place in B.C., the maximum increase can’t take effect before Jan. 1, 2026.
“By announcing the increase now, landlords have the time they need to give the required minimum of three months’ notice of the change for renters to plan ahead.”
The ministry also patted itself on the back in its release about the increase.
“Since 2017, the Province has been strengthening supports for renters, while ensuring landlords can take action on problematic tenancies. Changes have helped prevent illegal renovictions and the annual renter’s tax credit provides $400 a year to renters with low and moderate incomes,” the ministry said.
It’s important to note that the increase does not apply to commercial tenancies, non-profit housing where rent is geared to income, co-operative housing, and some assisted-living facilities.
“If landlords choose to increase rent, they must abide by the Residential Tenancy Act and provide three months’ notice to tenants using the correct Notice of Rent Increase form, and rents cannot be increased more than once in a 12-month period,” the ministry adds.
Here’s how rent increases have looked in B.C. historically:
- 2025: 3.0 per cent
- 2024: 3.5 per cent
- 2023: 2.0 per cent
- 2022: 1.5 per cent
- 2021: 0 per cent
- 2020: 2.6 per cent (before March 18, 2020); 0 per cent (starting March 18, 2020)
- 2019: 2.5 per cent
- 2018: 4.0 per cent
- 2017: 3.7 per cent
- 2016: 2.9 per cent
- 2015: 2.5 per cent
- 2014: 2.2 per cent
- 2013: 3.8 per cent
- 2012: 4.3 per cent
- 2011: 2.3 per cent
- 2010: 3.2 per cent
- 2009: 3.7 per cent
- 2008: 3.7 per cent
- 2007: 4.0 per cent
- 2006: 4.0 per cent
- 2005: 3.8 per cent
The ministry has more information about the increase on its website.
Do you think the 2026 maximum allowable rent increase is fair?