THE MYTH
“The landlord can raise the rent whenever they want, to match the market.”
WHAT'S TRUE
Once every 12 months. Capped to the annual provincial maximum. 3 months' written notice on Form RTB-7. Anything else is unenforceable.
THE DETAIL
Sections 42 and 43 of the Residential Tenancy Act and the Residential Tenancy Regulation set three hard rules for rent increases. First, a landlord can only raise rent once in any 12-month period. Second, the amount is capped at the annual maximum set by the province each fall (typically 2-4%). Third, the increase requires 3 months' advance written notice, using Form RTB-7. Any increase that breaks these rules is not enforceable. The tenant can continue paying the previous rate, and RTB will back them.
Primary source
Related myths
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Tenant myth
24 hours' written notice, stating a reasonable purpose, between 8am and 9pm. No notice is only allowed in genuine emergencies or if the tenant agrees at the time.
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Landlord myth
Never. Rent still flows. Failure to pay is a separate breach that lets the landlord evict. The remedy for bad repairs is a dispute resolution application.