Can a landlord raise rent because of repairs?

Alberta landlords must meet the minimum standards set under the Public Health Act (section 16(c)) and keep the premises in good repair throughout the tenancy. Alberta sets no limit on the amount of an increase, but it requires 365 days between increases and 3 tenancy months' notice for a monthly tenancy. An increase is not allowed in the first 365 days, or during a fixed term that includes the 365th day.

To end a periodic tenancy for major renovations that need the unit empty, a landlord must give 365 days' notice and cannot raise the rent after giving it (Ministerial Regulation, sections 2.1 and 3(2)). Painting, replacing floor covering and routine maintenance are not major renovations.

A British Columbia landlord must provide and maintain the unit in repair under section 32(1), and that applies even if the tenant knew of the problem when moving in. Rent can go up by no more than 2.3% in 2026 (2.2% in 2027), with 3 full months' notice on the RTB-7 form. To go above the limit, the landlord needs the tenant's written agreement or an arbitrator's order.

A landlord cannot end a tenancy for renovations that need the unit empty by notice alone. It must apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch, and the arbitrator must grant an order if the landlord intends the work in good faith with all permits in hand, the work needs the unit empty, and ending the tenancy is the only reasonable way to get that (section 49.2). The tenant gets one month's rent in compensation (section 51.4), and another 12 months' rent is payable unless the landlord shows the work was done within a reasonable period. Tenants in buildings with 5 or more units have a right of first refusal after a section 49.2 order (section 51.2).

A Manitoba landlord must keep the unit in repair under section 59(1). Rent can go up by 1.8% in 2026 (3.0% in 2027) with 3 months' notice. A landlord who wants to go above the guideline applies to the director of the Residential Tenancies Branch (section 123(2)).

Renovations that need vacant possession can be a ground to end a tenancy if the landlord intends in good faith to do the work (section 99(1)). A tenant who asks in writing before moving out has a right of first refusal to rent the unit at the lowest rent charged to any other tenant for it (section 99(6)).

A Saskatchewan landlord must keep the unit in repair under section 49(1). We found no cap on the amount, but a monthly tenancy needs 12 months' notice (6 months for members of a prescribed landlord association). During a fixed term, rent can go up only if the increase was agreed when the lease was signed (section 53.1).

A landlord with all necessary permits and a good-faith intention can end a periodic tenancy for renovations that need the unit empty (section 60(7)). The tenant can dispute the notice in writing within 15 days, and the landlord must then apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and prove the right to end the tenancy (sections 60(9) and 67). If the tenancy ends for demolition or renovation, the deposit and interest are returned without deduction, except for rent and utility arrears (section 32(5)). We found no right of first refusal.

An Ontario landlord must keep the unit in a good state of repair and fit to live in (section 20(1) and (2)). Rent can go up by no more than the guideline, 2.1% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027, with 90 days' notice. A landlord can seek more in two ways: by applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board for capital expenditures or security services (Form L5), capped at 3% above the guideline per year for up to three years, or by a written agreement with the tenant (Form N10), up to 3% above the guideline.

A notice alone does not evict anyone. If the tenant stays, the landlord must apply to the Board, which will not order an eviction unless the landlord intends the work in good faith and has the necessary permits, or has taken all reasonable steps to get them where they cannot be issued until the unit is empty (section 73). Compensation is owed under section 54, and the amount depends on the building size and whether the tenant returns. New right of first refusal rules took effect on September 21, 2026.

A New Brunswick landlord must keep the unit in repair under section 3(1) and (2). Rent can go up by no more than 3% with 6 months' notice, and the same notice and 12-month timing rules apply to every increase. A landlord can seek approval from a residential tenancies officer for capital expenditures for renovations, for an increase of up to 9%, and the tenant can ask for a review within 60 days.

Before a notice to end a tenancy for renovations, the landlord needs the officer's written approval (section 24.13(1)). We found no right of first refusal.

In Nova Scotia the landlord's repair duty comes from statutory condition 1, and the Renting Guide says the landlord makes repairs that are not due to tenant negligence. Rent increases are capped at 5% for 2026 and 2027, with 4 months' notice. We found no route for a landlord to ask for more on an ordinary rental. During a fixed term, rent can go up only if the lease states the amounts and dates, and never more than once in 12 months. The Act treats deleting or withdrawing a service as a rent increase (section 11(4)).

To end a tenancy for renovations, the landlord applies to the Director of Residential Tenancies. We found no right of first refusal.

A PEI landlord must keep the unit in repair under section 28(1) and (2). Rent can go up by 2% in 2026 (2.1% in 2027) with 3 months' notice. A landlord can apply to the Director on Form 9 for a larger increase, by at most 3 points above the limit.

To end a tenancy for renovations, the landlord needs the Director's approval (Form 6) before serving notice, and gives 6 months' notice. Compensation is owed, and a tenant who gives written notice before moving out has a right of first refusal (section 68).

In Newfoundland and Labrador the landlord's repair duty comes from statutory condition 1. There is no cap on the amount, but a monthly tenancy needs 6 months' notice, and rent cannot go up during a fixed term (section 16(1)(b)). Removing a service counts as a rent increase (section 16(5)).

A landlord can end tenancies for renovations only through the group termination rules in section 28, with 6 months' notice. We found no right to move back and no compensation in the Act.