Raising Rent in British Columbia
The yearly limit, the form, the notice period and the mistakes that make an increase invalid.
Last updated: October 2026
Short answer
A BC landlord can raise rent once every 12 months, by no more than the yearly limit (2.3% for 2026, 2.2% for 2027), with at least 3 full months' written notice on Form RTB-7. Anything above the limit needs the tenant's written agreement or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
How rent increases work in BC: the short version
Three rules decide whether a BC rent increase is lawful. The increase must stay within the yearly limit. You must give at least 3 full months' written notice on Form RTB-7, the Notice of rent increase. And at least 12 months must have passed since rent was first payable or since the last lawful increase took effect.
If you miss any of the three, the increase is not lawful. The rules sit in the Residential Tenancy Act and the Residential Tenancy Regulation, and the RTB explains them on its rent increases page.
The tenant's side is in the BC rent increase rules guide. For a quick answer to a common question, see how much a landlord can increase rent.
The BC rent increase limit for 2026 and 2027
The Province sets the limit each year. It is based on the 12-month average change in the all-items Consumer Price Index for B.C. ending in July.
| Year | Maximum increase |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.3% |
| 2027 (takes effect January 1, 2027) | 2.2% |
As an illustration, 2.3% of $2,000 a month is $46, so the highest lawful new rent would be $2,046. Always check the figure on the RTB page before you serve a notice, since it is reset each year. The 2027 limit was announced on August 27, 2026 in a provincial news release.
The cap does not apply to every tenancy. Exempt categories include commercial tenancies, non-profit housing with rent geared to income, co-operative housing, and some assisted-living facilities. Manufactured home parks fall under a different Act and are not covered here.
Notice and timing: how to use Form RTB-7
- Check the 12 month rule. You cannot raise rent for 12 months after rent was first payable, or after the effective date of the last lawful increase. This applies even when there is a new landlord or the tenancy was assigned to a new tenant.
- Check the amount. Work out the highest lawful new rent using the current yearly limit.
- Complete Form RTB-7, the Notice of rent increase, in writing.
- Give at least 3 full months' notice. The same 3 months applies to weekly and fixed-term tenancies.
- Keep a copy and a record of when and how the tenant received it.
A sale of the building does not restart the 12 months. A new owner cannot raise rent early, and any increase follows the same notice and limit rules. When a tenancy is assigned, the new tenant takes over the same rent. See the BC sublet and assignment guide.
Fixed-term tenancies and new agreements in BC
A fixed term does not switch off the rules. Policy Guideline 30 says rent can be increased between fixed-term agreements with the same tenant only if the notice and timing rules for increases are met. The tenant signing a new fixed term is not a written agreement to pay more than the yearly limit.
So you cannot use a renewal as a shortcut. The new term still needs a lawful increase: within the limit, on Form RTB-7, with 3 full months' notice, and at least 12 months after the last increase. See Policy Guideline 30.
Going above the limit in BC
There are two ways to charge more than the yearly limit:
- The tenant agrees in writing. You may ask, but the tenant does not have to agree.
- An arbitrator orders it. You apply to the RTB for an "additional rent increase". The application fee is $300 plus $10 per rental unit, up to a maximum of $600.
Without one of these, the increase above the limit is not valid. The fee is set in the Regulation, and the RTB's fees page lists current fees.
What makes a BC rent increase invalid
Watch for these common problems:
- less than 3 full months' notice;
- a notice that is not on Form RTB-7;
- an increase less than 12 months after rent was first payable or after the last lawful increase;
- an amount above the yearly limit with no written agreement or RTB order; and
- raising rent because a minor was added as an occupant. Rent can rise for extra occupants only if the agreement says rent varies with the number of occupants, and it can never rise because of a minor.
If a tenant pays an increase that does not comply, they may deduct the extra amount from future rent. A rent increase is also not a way to end a tenancy. If you want the tenant to leave, you need a lawful reason and notice: see our guide to landlord notices in BC, and whether a landlord can raise rent anytime for a short answer.
This guide explains the rules in general terms; for a specific case, ask the tribunal or a licensed legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a landlord raise rent in BC in 2026?
The limit for 2026 is 2.3%. The limit for 2027, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, is 2.2%. The limit is based on the 12-month average change in the all-items Consumer Price Index for B.C. ending in July.
How much notice do I need to give for a rent increase in BC?
At least 3 full months' written notice on Form RTB-7, the Notice of rent increase. The same 3 months applies to weekly and fixed-term tenancies.
How often can I raise rent in BC?
Once every 12 months. You cannot raise rent for 12 months after rent was first payable, or after the effective date of the last lawful increase, even if there is a new landlord or the tenancy was assigned.
Can I raise rent above the yearly limit?
Only with the tenant's written agreement, or with an order from an RTB arbitrator. The tenant does not have to agree. The application fee for an additional rent increase is $300 plus $10 per rental unit, to a maximum of $600.
Can I raise rent when I sign a new fixed-term lease?
Only if the normal rules are met: within the limit, on Form RTB-7, with 3 full months' notice and 12 months since the last increase. Signing a new fixed term is not a written agreement to pay more than the limit.
Does selling the building reset the 12 month rule?
No. The 12 months runs from the last lawful increase even if there is a new landlord, so a new owner cannot raise rent early.
Can I charge more rent when the tenant adds an occupant?
Only if the tenancy agreement says rent varies with the number of occupants. Even then, you cannot raise the rent because a minor was added.
What happens if I collect an increase that is not valid?
The tenant may deduct the amount from rent. The increase must meet the notice, timing and limit rules to be valid.
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