New Brunswick is keeping its rent cap at three percent for the 2027 calendar year. The provincial government made this decision to tackle ongoing affordability issues across the province. If you rent an apartment in Saint John or anywhere else in New Brunswick, this means your landlord cannot raise your rent by more than three percent year over year.
A Stabilizing Force for Renters
According to CTV News, the rent cap took effect in February 2025 to limit massive rent spikes and keep tenants in their homes. David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, says the cap provides much needed stability.
“Following years of massive rental hikes, the rent cap has been a welcome stabilizing force for tenants in the rental market across the province,” Hickey said in a Wednesday news release. He added that keeping the cap in place gives the province time to improve housing market conditions.
Saint John Affordability and Market Conditions
Rent costs remain a major concern for many residents. According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in New Brunswick sits at $1,277 per month. Despite these costs, Saint John recently ranked as the second most affordable city in Canada on a list of 15 cities compiled by Royal LePage. Fredericton and Moncton also made the list in ninth and 14th place.
Push for Stronger Tenant Protections
The provincial government points to other measures supporting the housing market, including the removal of the HST on multi unit development projects. Officials are also reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act, with completion expected this fall.
Nichola Taylor, chair of New Brunswick ACORN, says the rent cap extension is necessary because affordability has not improved. She wants the upcoming review to ban fixed term leases and no fault evictions.
“We’re hopeful that it’s going to bring some good changes, because it hasn’t been updated in over 50 years,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t reflect on the modern day changes or challenges that tenants face today.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the current rent cap expire?
The provincial government extended the three percent rent cap through the end of the 2027 calendar year.
When will the province review the rent cap again?
The next official review of the rent cap is scheduled for May 2027.
What is the average rent in New Brunswick?
The average cost for a one bedroom apartment in the province is $1,277 per month.
What changes do tenant advocates want?
Advocates like New Brunswick ACORN want the province to ban fixed term leases and no fault evictions during the ongoing review of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Is there going to be a pentup rent increase when the province abandons the 3% cap, and how is it estimating actual underlying cost increases for rental property owners.