NEW RULES FOR RENT INCREASES START TODAY

New rules governing the amount of notice required for rent increases will take effect today. The changes provide relief to renters by doubling the amount of notice needed for rent increases to month-to-month leases. Fixed-term leases will require any increase to be included in the lease document.

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, 2008 was passed in the fall sitting of the Legislature. The Act is in response to a recommendation from the Merriman-Pringle report of the Task Force on Housing Affordability, delivered in June of this year.

"These changes provide rent increase relief for tenants at this time of growth in Saskatchewan," Justice Minister Don Morgan said.

The new law states that six months notice of a rent increase must be given in the case of month-to-month leases. This replaces the old three month rule. As well, there can be no more than two rent increases each year for month-to-month leases. In the case of fixed-term leases, any rent increases must now be specified in the lease document.

Additional changes that come into force at a later date include changes related to security deposits.

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For more information, contact:

Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-0074