My buddy in Vancouver said his landlord tried to raise rent 40% last month, claiming 'market rates'. Is that just the new normal or totally out of line?

3 comments

3 Comments

Wait, did you say 40% in one go? That's not just out of line, it's probably illegal. BC has rent increase limits, and that's way over it. Your buddy needs to check the rules right now because that landlord is trying to pull a fast one. Market rates don't let you just ignore the law.

jessesingh7d ago

My cousin's new build in Surrey had a similar huge jump that was sadly legal.

allen.william10d ago

Stella904 makes a good point about the usual rules, but the situation isn't always that simple. If the place was never under rent control, like a brand new build, different rules can apply. The annual limit only covers older units. A 40% jump is brutal, but it might be legal depending on the building's age. Your buddy really needs to find out when the unit was first occupied. The law protects most people, but there are loopholes landlords can use.