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At Thorwin Properties, we believe every conversation about rental housing should start with something simple:<\/p>\n
People live here.<\/strong><\/p>\n An apartment isn’t just a unit number or a line on a spreadsheet. It’s someone’s home. It’s where families have dinner, students study, people come home after work, and neighbours build their lives.<\/p>\n That’s why the conversation around Manitoba’s 2027 rent regulation changes<\/strong> matters.<\/p>\n Housing affordability is a real concern for Manitobans. Renters need predictability, fairness and protection.<\/p>\n At the same time, Manitoba also needs to make sure the rental homes people already depend on continue to receive the investment required to remain safe, reliable and well maintained.<\/p>\n We believe both goals matter. <\/p>\n Beginning in 2027, Manitoba’s rent regulation framework will change in ways that affect both renters and rental housing providers.<\/p>\n The monthly rent-control exemption threshold is increasing from $1,670 to $2,000<\/strong> for rent increases taking effect January 1, 2027 or later. The government has also proposed reducing by 50% the portion of eligible capital expenditures that can be recognized through an above-guideline rent increase.<\/p>\n Thorwin Properties supports the goal of improving housing affordability.<\/p>\n But we also believe it’s important to look closely at how policy changes may affect the long-term maintenance of Manitoba’s existing rental housing.<\/p>\n A large portion of Winnipeg’s rental housing was built decades ago.<\/p>\n Nearly 60% of Winnipeg’s purpose-built rental apartment units were constructed before 1980<\/strong>, representing more than 46,000 rental homes. The median age of Winnipeg’s mid- and high-rise apartment buildings is 47 years.<\/p>\n That matters because buildings age.<\/p>\n Roofs eventually need replacing.<\/p>\n Boilers and heating systems require upgrades.<\/p>\n Plumbing, electrical systems, elevators and windows don’t last forever.<\/p>\n Building envelopes need repair.<\/p>\n Mechanical systems wear out.<\/p>\n These aren’t unusual problems. They’re part of owning and maintaining older buildings.<\/p>\n And when those buildings are home to hundreds of people, the work becomes even more important.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Manitoba establishes an annual rent increase guideline for most regulated rental properties.<\/p>\n When a rental housing provider incurs certain eligible expenses that go beyond what the annual guideline is intended to cover, they may apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch<\/strong> for an above-guideline rent increase, commonly known as an AGI.<\/p>\n An AGI isn’t automatically approved.<\/p>\n The Residential Tenancies Branch reviews the application, considers the eligible costs and determines whether an additional increase is permitted. Tenants also have an opportunity to review and respond to the application.<\/p>\n Eligible expenses can include major capital investments that provide a lasting benefit to a residential building.<\/p>\n That process is especially relevant when we talk about aging rental properties.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is one of the most important parts of the conversation.<\/p>\n Replacing a failing boiler isn’t the same as changing the d\u00e9cor in a lobby.<\/p>\n Repairing a roof isn’t the same as making a cosmetic upgrade.<\/p>\n Replacing aging electrical equipment, plumbing or elevators can be necessary to keep a building safe, reliable and functioning properly.<\/p>\n The coalition Thorwin Properties has joined is asking the Manitoba government to consider the nature and purpose of capital investments<\/strong>, rather than applying the same approach to every type of expenditure.<\/p>\n That distinction matters.<\/p>\n Because some projects are not simply improvements.<\/p>\n They are part of keeping people’s homes working.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anyone who has owned a home knows that putting off a necessary repair rarely makes the problem disappear.<\/p>\n Usually, it becomes more expensive.<\/p>\n Apartment buildings are no different.<\/p>\n Major capital projects require planning, financing, materials and skilled labour. When the economics of a project change, some work can become more difficult to finance or may be delayed.<\/p>\n And for residents, those delays can eventually be felt in very practical Learn more about the Manitoba coalition, the proposed rent-regulation changes, capital investment in rental housing and the organizations participating:<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhat is changing with Manitoba rent regulation in 2027?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhy does this matter for Winnipeg renters?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is an above-guideline rent increase in Manitoba?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Not every building investment is the same<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What happens when major building repairs are delayed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nLearn More<\/strong><\/h2>\n