For landlords and tenants in British Columbia, annual rent increases are regulated by the provincial government and tied to inflation.

For 2026, the maximum allowable rent increase is 2.3%. Looking ahead, the maximum allowable increase will be 2.2% for 2027, effective January 1, 2027.

➤ Here’s how the maximum increases have changed in recent years:

2023: 2.0%
2024: 3.5%
2025: 3.0%
2026: 2.3%
2027: 2.2%

➤ What Landlords Need to Know

Landlords can generally increase rent once every 12 months, and tenants must receive at least three full months’ written notice using the approved Notice of Rent Increase form.

It’s also important to remember that unused increases cannot be carried forward. For example, if a landlord chooses not to increase rent by the full allowable amount one year, they cannot add the unused percentage to a future increase.

➤ Why Does the Percentage Change?

BC’s annual rent increase limit is based on the 12-month average percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for British Columbia. In other words, the allowable increase is designed to reflect inflation rather than individual changes in a landlord’s expenses.

For landlords, understanding these rules is important when budgeting for a rental property and forecasting future income. A relatively small annual percentage can also have a meaningful impact on cash flow over time.

➤ Want to know more about the rules around rental increases? Contact us at info@brixpm.ca