If you’re renting a home in British Columbia and have just learned your building or unit has a new landlord, you might be wondering: can they raise your rent immediately? Understanding your rent increase rights is critical to staying secure and confident in your tenancy.

What Happens When a New Landlord Takes Over?

When a property changes ownership, all existing rental agreements—including fixed-term and month-to-month—automatically transfer to the new owner under the same terms. This means your rent, rules, and deposit arrangements stay the same. The new landlord has the same rights and obligations as the previous landlord, and cannot change your contract or raise rent simply because they purchased the unit.

Can Rent Be Raised Right Away?

In British Columbia, rent increases are strictly regulated under the Residential Tenancy Act¹. Regardless of ownership changes, a new landlord must follow all regular rules for rent increases:

• You can only get one rent increase per 12-month period.
• The landlord must give at least three full months’ written notice before the new rent takes effect.
• Increases must use the official government form (see below).
• Rent increase limits (usually set by the government annually) still apply, even for new landlords.

Official Notice: Serving the Correct Form

To legally raise your rent, your landlord must provide you with official written notice:

• Form name and number: Notice of Rent Increase – RTB-7
• When it’s used: Whenever the landlord wishes to increase rent—this applies to both new and existing landlords.
• Example: If your landlord bought the property in March but you already had a rent increase in January, they cannot increase rent again until at least the following January, and must still provide three months’ written notice using the RTB-7 form.
• Access the official form: Notice of Rent Increase – RTB-7 (PDF)

If you receive any informal notice (such as a text message or email) or anything less than three full months’ warning, it is not valid.

How Much Can a New Landlord Increase the Rent?

The maximum amount your rent can be increased is set annually by the B.C. government (2.0% for 2024). Any increase above this amount requires approval from the Residential Tenancy Branch. The rules apply no matter who owns your rental.

To understand more about how rent increases work—including the annual cap and exceptions—see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Steps if You Receive an Invalid Rent Increase Notice

If you believe the rent increase you received is not valid (for instance, if it’s higher than the legal amount or you weren’t given proper notice):

• Do not pay the increased amount until a valid notice is served
• Communicate with your landlord in writing to explain your understanding
• If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)

Your Rent Agreement Stays the Same

A change of landlord does not mean a new agreement or new rules. The original lease or month-to-month tenancy carries on, including rental terms, deposits, and the condition of the rental unit. For more about your rights after signatures are on paper, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Landlords—new or old—cannot require additional deposits or apply new rules unless you agree. To better understand deposits, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Is the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)?

The Residential Tenancy Branch is the provincial authority handling disputes, rent increases, notices, and all legal matters related to residential tenancies in BC. If you’re ever in doubt or need to dispute a rent increase, the RTB is your go-to contact.

For an overview of tenant protections in the province, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

• Check if you have had a rent increase in the last 12 months
• Review the notice for the correct form (RTB-7) and a full three months’ warning
• Calculate if the new rent exceeds the B.C. government’s annual allowable limit
• If the notice is not valid, raise it with your landlord in writing
• Apply to the RTB if you cannot resolve the issue directly

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FAQ: New Landlord and Rent Increases in BC

1. If my landlord changes, can my rent go up right away? No. Any landlord, new or existing, must follow BC’s legal process for rent increases—only once every 12 months, with three months’ written notice, on the official form, and within the permitted annual increase amount.
2. What if I get a rent increase notice just after a new owner buys my building? The new owner must follow the same rules and timeline as the previous landlord. They cannot issue a new increase if you already had one in the last 12 months.
3. Does a new landlord mean a new rental agreement? No. Your current rental agreement continues under the same terms, including rent amount, deposits, and rules. You do not sign a new lease unless both parties agree to do so voluntarily.
4. How do I contest an invalid rent increase? You can contact your landlord in writing, and if not resolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution.
5. Can a landlord ask for a new security deposit when they buy the property? No. The new landlord takes over responsibility for your current deposit—they cannot ask you to pay again.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• A new landlord in BC cannot raise your rent right away—standard legal rules apply.
• The current agreement and rent carry forward when ownership changes.
• If you receive a rent increase, check that it follows the proper process and limits before taking action.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Guidance on rent increases, disputes, forms, and information for BC tenants
• RTB Info Line: 1-800-665-8779
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free tenant legal information and advocacy support
• Learn your rights and rules in detail: Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, BC, see: Residential Tenancy Act (current version)
2. Official government guide: BC Rent Increases – Government of BC
3. Residential Tenancy Branch forms and contact: Forms for Landlords and Tenants

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