FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2022

Official Opposition Greens proposing legislation to set aside IRAC rental increase

Charlottetown, PE – The Official Opposition is proposing legislation that would set aside IRAC’s maximum allowable rent increase for 2023 and substitute a new allowable rent increase. The proposed legislation would limit 2023 rent increases to:

• 0% for all unheated premises, premises heated by sources other than furnace oil, and mobile home sites located in a mobile home park; and
• 1% for all premises heated with furnace oil.

Under the proposed legislation, landlords who have already issued a notice of increase would be required to provide a second notice with the adjusted rent increase before the effective date of the rent increase.

“Despite being in power for more than three years, we have watched the King government drag its heels on providing meaningful help to Islanders facing threats to their homes and families,” said Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Official Opposition Green Caucus. “In fact, the difficulties faced by Island tenants have simply been made worse by the lack of attention and planning by this government. This is why we are introducing these protections.”

The Official Opposition is also encouraging tenants to complete a survey on the impacts a 5.2% or 10.8% increase would have on their personal circumstances.

The Green caucus will also be advocating for the inclusion of a permanent, legislated cap on rent increases in government’s proposed Residential Tenancy Act.

“The King government initially had a rent cap in their proposed legislation but have since removed it,” pointed out Bevan-Baker. “This is yet another example of how this government is not improving the lives of everyday Islanders and they have no plan to help Islanders facing housing insecurity.”

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Quick facts:

• Rent caps across Canada for 2023 calendar year:
  • British Columbia: 2%, or 2% + proportional amount for change in municipal levies and regulated utility fees for manufactured home parks
  • Manitoba: 0%
  • Nova Scotia: 2% but does not apply to mobile home parks
  • Ontario: 2.5% for units used as residential space before November 15, 2018
• The proposed Residential Tenancy Act, which would replace our current tenancy legislation if introduced and passed, originally included a 2.5% cap on annual rent increases. This has since been removed by the King government.
• According to the Canadian Housing Survey, 26.6% of Island renter households reported it was difficult or very difficult to meet their financial needs, compared to just 14.1% of homeowner households.
• According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of rented accommodation on PEI increased 11.2% in September, year-over-year.
• There are provincial programs available to assist landlords to move from oil furnaces to heat pumps which will lessen the costs of providing heat to buildings. Information can be found here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/multi-unit-residential-building-efficiency-program

Draft Legislation: An Act to Amend the Rental of Residential Property Act