British Columbia rent increase guideline 2026
The British Columbia rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.3%. Here is what that means for renters, in plain language.
What this means
This is the most a landlord can raise the rent in a year. It applies to every tenancy in BC, no matter when the building was built. Your landlord must give 3 full months written notice and can only raise the rent once every 12 months. The rate is set each year and tied to inflation.
Can my rent go up by more?
A landlord can ask for more than the limit only by applying to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an additional increase, for specific reasons. They cannot simply charge more because the market went up.
Recent years
The British Columbia guideline is set each year, usually based on inflation. Recent rates:
| Year | Guideline |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.3% |
| 2025 | 3.0% |
| 2024 | 3.5% |
| 2023 | 2.0% |
| 2022 | 1.5% |
| 2021 | 1.5% |
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Check my rentOfficial source
For the rules that apply to your situation, check the government source directly: BC Residential Tenancy Branch rent increase rules.
Common questions
What is the British Columbia rent increase guideline for 2026?
The British Columbia rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.3%. This is the most a landlord can raise the rent in a year under the standard rules.
How much notice does a landlord need to give before raising rent?
In BC, a landlord must give at least 3 full months written notice, on the official form, and can only raise the rent once every 12 months.
Is this page legal advice?
No. FairRent shares general information to help renters understand the rules. For a specific situation or a dispute, contact your provincial tenant board or a licensed professional.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For a rent dispute, contact your provincial tenant board or a licensed paralegal.