B.C.’s 2027 Rent Increase Limit (2.2%): Notice and Timing

British Columbia has set the **maximum allowable rent increase for 2027 at 2.2%**, lower than 2.3% in 2026. The limit takes effect **January 1, 2027** and applies to residential tenancies under the Residential Tenancy Act.

## What the limit means

For an increase that takes effect in 2027, the most you can raise the rent is 2.2% of the current monthly rent, unless the Residential Tenancy Branch approves an additional increase or the tenant agrees in writing on the approved form. On $2,100 rent, the maximum is $2,146.20 — $46.20 more a month.

## Three full months’ notice on Form RTB-7

You must give the tenant **three full months’ notice** using the Branch’s *Notice of Rent Increase* (Form RTB-7). “Full months” means whole rental periods: for rent due on the first of the month and an increase starting **January 1, 2027**, the tenant must receive the notice before October 1, 2026, so that October, November and December all pass in full. If you mail or post the notice, it is treated as received some days later, so send it earlier than the deadline.

## Once every 12 months

Rent can be increased only once every 12 months. Count from the date the last increase took effect, or from the start of the tenancy if there has not been one.

## Deposits are a separate question

A rent increase does not let you ask for a bigger security deposit mid-tenancy. B.C. limits the security deposit to half a month’s rent (and a pet damage deposit to another half month) at the start of the tenancy. The deposit interest rate for 2026 is 0%.

## Keep the paper trail

Keep a copy of the completed RTB-7, the date and method you served it, and the new rent with its start date. In RentMouse, add the rent change to the lease record so the January invoice uses the new amount.

**Sources:** [B.C. government: 2027 rent increase limit](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0085-000982) · [B.C.: Rent increases](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/rent-rtb/rent-increases) · [B.C.: Deposits and fees](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/deposits-fees). See also the [British Columbia landlord guide](/ca/bc). General information, not legal advice.