The Manitoba government announced it is changing regulations to cut above‑guideline rent increases by 40 per cent and strengthen protections for renters. The new steps build on changes made earlier this year that raised the rent‑control threshold to $2,000 from $1,670, extending protections to thousands more households.

“Nowadays, everyone is struggling with the rising cost of living,” Premier Wab Kinew said. “These new rules help keep rent more affordable for Manitobans and provide more stability for renters and seniors.”

Effective immediately, the province is imposing tighter limits on above‑guideline increases for capital expenses, reducing the portion that can be passed on to tenants by 40 per cent. Tenants will also no longer be required to pay any proposed increase before the Residential Tenancy Branch issues a ruling on a landlord’s application.

Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu said renters have reported being asked to pay increases as high as $500 a month before decisions were made. “So, we are changing this,” he said.

The government is also increasing the Renters Affordability Tax Credit to $675 and issuing benefit cheques so renters receive the support upfront throughout the year.