How Manitoba's guideline works
Manitoba sets an annual rent increase guideline using a transparent formula based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index. For 2026 the guideline is 1.8%, effective January 1, 2026. For a covered unit, this is the most a landlord can raise rent in a year without applying to the Residential Tenancies Branch. What makes Manitoba different from a simple cap is how many units fall outside the guideline.
The exemptions catch a lot of units
Manitoba exempts a wide range of units from the guideline. The two that surprise tenants most are units renting for $1,670 or more per month, and units in buildings first occupied after March 2005, which are exempt for their first 20 years. Social housing, rent-geared-to-income units, government-owned units, non-profit life lease units, co-operatives, and approved rehabilitated units are also exempt. For an exempt unit, the guideline percentage does not limit the increase, though notice and frequency rules still apply.
Notice, frequency, and going above the guideline
A rent increase requires at least three full months written notice, and rent can rise only once every 12 months for the same tenant. A landlord whose costs have risen faster than the guideline can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for an above-guideline increase, which is an evidence-based application, not an automatic right. The calculator applies the guideline to covered units and flags when an exemption likely removes the cap.
Units exempt from the guideline
- Units renting for $1,670 or more per month
- Buildings first occupied after March 2005 (for 20 years)
- Social housing and rent-geared-to-income units
- Units owned or operated by government
- Non-profit life lease units and co-operatives
- Approved rehabilitated rental units
Keeping each tenancy's rent history, notices, and key dates in one place turns a disputed increase into a lookup rather than an argument. See how Habyn handles lease management and rent tracking.