B.C.’s 2026 rent increase limited to 2.3%

Landlords in B.C. will only be able to raise rents by a maximum of 2.3 per cent in 2026 — down from three per cent this year.

The provincial government says the allowable increase is tied to inflation and will allow more people to stay in an affordable home near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle says the cap on increases protects people from unfair rent hikes.

“At the same time, this rent increase allows landlords to invest in their properties to keep rental homes on the market,” said Boyle.

The province explains that the allowable rental increase cannot take effect prior to Jan. 1, 2026.

It says 2026 marks the second year in a row that the maximum allowable rent increase is defined by using the 12-month average per cent change in the Consumer Price Index for B.C.

“In 2024, the Province capped rent increases at 3.5 per cent, well below the increase to inflation of 5.6 per cent.”

This allowable rent increase, however, does not apply to commercial leases, non-profit housing tenancies where rent is geared to income, co-operative housing, and some assisted-living facilities.

Landlords must provide a full three-month notice to tenants of any rental increase using the Notice of Rent Increase form, and may only increase rents once in any 12-month period.

—With files from Charlie Carey