Rent cap to be introduced

20 November 2024

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government is honouring its commitment to implement a provincial rent cap to ease the rising cost of housing.

As of Feb. 1, 2025, rent increases will be capped at three per cent annually.

“Access to affordable housing for New Brunswick renters is urgently needed,” said David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “This measure will help protect renters from rapidly increasing housing costs, eliminate surprise rent hikes and, most importantly, keep new Brunswickers housed.”

Once the rent cap is in place, landlords will not be permitted to increase rents by more than three per cent annually. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must give tenants six months’ written notice of a rent increase. In addition, landlords can only give notice of a rent increase once every 12 months.

Any tenant who is served a notice of rent increase in excess of three per cent should contact the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office to request a formal review.

“We know affordability remains top of mind for New Brunswickers,” said François Boutot, CEO of the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “Together with our partners, we will continue to address every piece that is putting pressure on housing across our province so that everyone has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.”

The rent cap program will be evaluated annually. Anyone with questions about their tenancy should contact the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.

More information about renting in New Brunswick is available online.