Protecting Renters from Unfair Above Guideline Rent Increases Act, 2026
Sponsored by Smyth, Stephanie · Second Reading Vote
- Landlords seeking above guideline rent increases for capital expenditures must submit engineering reports and cost evidence
- New exceptions block increases for cosmetic upgrades, routine maintenance, or landlord-caused repairs
- Board must consider tenant's rent burden, local vacancy rates, and housing options before approving increases
- Board can dismiss applications if the increase would cause undue hardship for tenants
- Costs from non-arm's-length deals or government-funded work cannot count toward rent increase calculations
- Replaces 'serious breach' standard with lower 'breach' threshold for landlord obligation violations
- Landlords must give 30 days notice before reducing rent after a capital expenditure increase ends, or pay tenants 1.5 times any overpayment