US EditionBC Limits Residential Rent Increases to 2.3 per Cent in 2026
The 2.3% rent increase cap for 2026 aims to balance affordability and housing viability, continuing a trend of lower annual rent hikes tied to inflation, officials said.
- On Tuesday, the British Columbia government announced a 2.3% rent increase cap for 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index, effective January 1st, 2026.
- After several rule changes, the province is again linking increases to inflation, as B.C. government limits rent hikes following the 2018 policy allowing landlords two percentage points above inflation.
- Practically, the 2.3% cap is lower than recent allowable increases; landlords can raise rents starting Jan. 1, 2026, with three months' notice and only once every 12 months.
- The province framed the cap as a measure to protect renters and preserve rental housing, saying tying rent hikes to inflation helps keep housing viable, while Housing Minister Christine Boyle said it balances affordability with upkeep as people struggle to find budget-friendly homes.
- This adjustment continues a short-term trend of lower caps, marking a second consecutive year; the 2.3% limit applies to most rental housing in British Columbia but excludes commercial spaces, income-based non-profit, co-operative housing, and some assisted-living facilities.
19 Articles
19 Articles
BC Sets 2026 Rent Increase Cap At 2.3%, Tying It To Inflation
On Tuesday, the Government of British Columbia announced that it will again be tying the annual rent increase cap to inflation, resulting in a maximum allowable rent increase of 2.3% in 2026."B.C. is an extraordinary place, but with economic uncertainty and rising costs, people are struggling to find a place to live that fits in their budget," said Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle, who was appointed to the position durin…
BC rent increase cap drops to 2.3% for 2026 - Island Social Trends
Tuesday August 26, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends The annual allowable rent increase in BC has dropped for a second straight year, capped at inflation. The Province has tied the annual allowable rent increase to inflation at 2.3% in 2026, down from 3% in 2025. Most landlords apply […] The post BC rent increase cap drops to 2.3% for 2026 appeared first on Island Social Trends.
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