Task Force Proposes Lower Allowable Rent Increases -Update

Sep 24, 2018 | 10:09 AM

It appears tenants could be spared that 4.5 per cent allowable rent increase for January announced a couple of weeks ago.

The province’s Rental Housing Task Force is proposing changing the increase formula.

Task Force Chair Spencer Chandra Herbert says recommendation takes both renters and landlords into account.

“Today we’re calling for the BC Government to cut the two per cent that landlords automatically get and instead allow rents to go up by inflation – the cost of living.”

Landlords could apply for an additional increase based on maintenance already done.

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“We believe this strikes the balance between the need for affordability for renters and the need to maintain properties. people were clear to us. They understand costs do go up but they also need to be able to afford them. Our solution proposed today does that.”

Chandra Herbert says the task force is recommending the government work with landlords and tenants on whether there should be a cap on any additional increase allowed landlords, what that cap should be and for how many years.

The proposal is based on models in Ontario and Manitoba.

He doesn’t think it’s too broad of a proposal.

“I think you’d be surprised. We heard these issues in Kelowna. Issues of un-affordable rental. Buildings not being properly maintained, yet rent increases going through the the roof. We heard these issues in Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo, Nelson.”

He admits there may be some regional differences, which he says will be dealt with when the committee’s full report comes out in November.

It will also include manufactured home parks and enforcement of rules including deal with problem tenants and landlords.

Chandra Herbert says Premier John Horgan and Municipal Affairs Minister Selena Robinson will review the proposals this week and he expects
a decision before next Monday.

British Columbia’s Rental Housing Task Force is recommending the provincial government change the annual allowable rent increase formula to ease pressure on renters.

The current formula is for an inflation increase plus 2 per cent, which at the current rate of inflation would be 4.5 per cent for 2019.

The task force is recommending scrapping the automatic 2 per cent.

Landlords would be able to apply for an additional increase based on maintenance they had performed.

A decision on the recommendation is expected by October 1st.

by Tom Mark