2026 Rent Increase: What You Need to Know

The maximum rent increase for manufactured home sites in 2026 is 2.3%. This is lower than last year’s 3% and is meant to help keep housing costs more manageable.

Important: Timeline for Disputes

If you believe your rent increase notice is wrong, you must act quickly.

  • You have until the effective date of the increase to apply for dispute resolution.
  • The application must be filed within the three‑month notice period and before the increase takes effect.
  • Once the increase has started, it is usually too late to challenge it.

Learn more here: Tenancy Dispute Resolution – Province of BC

Key Points at a Glance

  • Rent can only go up by 2.3% in 2026, unless extra charges are added for property taxes or utilities.
  • Landlords must give at least three full months’ written notice before the increase starts.
  • Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
  • Landlords must use the 2026 RTB‑11a form and provide proof of any extra charges if asked.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Check Your Rent Increase

Let’s walk through an example together. Imagine your current rent is $750.00.

Step 1: Calculate the 2.3% increase $750 × 0.023 = $17.25

Step 2: Add any extra charges (if applicable) If your landlord is passing on higher property taxes or utility fees, they must show proof. The formula is: Total annual increase ÷ number of rental pads ÷ 12 months

Example:

  • Total annual property tax increase for the park: $1,200
  • Number of rental pads: 60
  • $1,200 ÷ 60 = $20.00 (per pad, per year)
  • $20.00 ÷ 12 = $1.67 (per pad, per month)

Step 3: Add it all together $750.00 (current rent)

  • $17.25 (2.3% increase)
  • $1.67 (levy share) = $768.92 new monthly rent

Notice Dates and Timing

Two rules are especially important:

  1. Three full months’ notice is required. The month the notice is given does not count.
    • Correct example: Notice given 30 September 2025 → increase can start 1 January 2026.
    • Common mistake: Notice given any time in October 2025 → the three full months are November, December, and January. The earliest lawful start date is 1 February 2026.
  2. Twelve full months must pass between increases. If your rent was last increased on 1 January 2025, the next increase cannot start before 1 January 2026.

Compare with Last Year’s Notice (Learning Exercise)

After checking your 2026 notice, it can be helpful to also look back at your 2025 notice. Even though you likely can’t change last year’s increase now, this comparison is a good way to:

  • Spot whether your landlord tends to make calculation mistakes
  • Build your confidence in checking the math
  • Learn what to watch for in future notices

Teamwork and Friendly Follow-Up

Most landlords are not trying to take advantage of tenants — mistakes happen because the rules are detailed. When you spot an error, think of it as teamwork:

  • Correcting early helps both sides. If you point it out right away, the landlord has time to fix it before the increase takes effect. That way, the rent is set properly and no one misses out.
  • Use friendly, specific language. For example: “I noticed the form shows 3% for 2026, but the guideline says 2.3%. I thought I’d flag it so we can get it corrected before the deadline.”
  • Keep it professional. A short, polite note or email after a conversation creates a record without sounding confrontational.
  • Follow up in writing: After a chat, send a short, polite note or email confirming what was said.
  • Use teamwork language: Say “I thought I’d flag this so we can get it corrected” instead of “You made a mistake.”
  • Keep it simple: Store notices, emails, and dated notes in a folder or envelope.
  • Think of it as protection for both sides: Clear records help tenants and landlords avoid misunderstandings.

Smart Steps if You Find an Error

  1. Contact your homeowners association or park committee first (if you have one). This allows concerns to be gathered and presented with one clear voice, which helps landlords respond more quickly and consistently.
  2. If you don’t have an association or committee, contact your landlord directly. Be polite, specific, and refer to the 2026 RTB‑11a form and the calculation steps above.
  3. Keep copies of your notice and any communication. If the issue isn’t resolved, you may need to file a dispute.

When Would You Need to File a Dispute?

Most issues can be solved by asking your landlord (or going through your association first). But a formal dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) may be needed if:

  • The math doesn’t add up and the landlord won’t correct it
  • The notice was not given with enough time (less than three full months)
  • The increase is too soon (less than 12 months since the last one)
  • Extra charges are added without proof
  • The wrong form is used and the landlord won’t fix it

How to File a Dispute

  1. Review your notice and gather evidence.
  2. Apply for dispute resolution with the RTB before the increase takes effect.
    • Applications can be made online, by phone, or in person.
    • A $100 filing fee applies, though fee waivers are available for low‑income tenants.
  3. Attend the hearing. An arbitrator will hear both sides and make a decision.

Learn more and start the process here: Tenancy Dispute Resolution – Province of BC

Rent increase rules for manufactured homes: Rent increases for manufactured homes – Province of BC

Remember: You’re Not Alone

The LMMHOA is here to support you. If you’re unsure about your notice, need help checking the math, or want guidance on the dispute process, reach out. Together, we can make sure rent increases are fair, accurate, and follow the rules.