Transcript
Bao: Hi, I'm renting a basement suite and the landlord wants to raise my rent by fifteen percent for next year. Is that even allowed?
Advisor: In this province there's an annual rent-increase cap, and fifteen percent is well above it for an existing tenant. The cap this year is much lower.
Bao: I thought so. He says it's because utilities went up. Does that change the rule?
Advisor: It doesn't. The cap applies regardless of the landlord's costs. He also has to give you proper written notice — at least three full months before the increase takes effect.
Bao: He only texted me. There's no formal letter.
Advisor: A text usually doesn't count as proper notice. I'd ask him, in writing, for the increase in the official form. If he won't, you can dispute it with the tenancy board.
Bao: Okay. I'll send that email tonight and keep a copy of everything.