Real estate · Rent Increase Calculator
Each year BC sets a maximum amount a landlord can raise the rent on an existing tenancy. For 2026 it's 2.3%. Enter the current monthly rent and the year the increase takes effect, and we'll work out the largest legal increase and the new rent.
Disclaimer. This calculator is for general information only and is not legal advice. It covers standard residential tenancies under BC's Residential Tenancy Act; manufactured-home park tenancies and some non-profit or subsidised housing follow different rules. A landlord can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an additional increase above the cap in limited circumstances. For advice on a specific tenancy, please contact us, and confirm the current figure on the BC government rent-increase page.
The short version
Each year the province sets the maximum percentage a landlord can raise the rent on an existing tenancy. The cap that applies is the one for the year the increase takes effect, not the year the notice is served.
A landlord can raise the rent only once every 12 months, and must give the tenant at least three full months written notice on the approved Residential Tenancy Branch notice form. Notice on the wrong form, or with short notice, is not valid — and the tenant can keep paying the old rent until proper notice is given.
The only lawful way for a landlord to exceed the cap is to apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an additional increase — for example, for significant unforeseen expenses. The bar is high and the tenant is served and can respond. We cover a real case where a landlord was granted a 23.5% increase, and what it took to get there.
A tenant pays $2,200/month and the landlord wants to raise the rent in 2026:
The landlord would need to serve notice at least three months before the increase date, and could not raise the rent again for another 12 months.
Related
In depth
How the annual cap works, and the case where a BC landlord was granted a 23.5% increase.
Tenants
Your options when a landlord won't keep the rental in good repair.
PTT calculator
Buying instead of renting? Work out the property transfer tax on a BC purchase.
Whether you're a landlord considering an additional-increase application or a tenant facing an increase that doesn't look right, tell us the details and we'll tell you where you stand.