New Brunswick's Housing Minister, David Hickey, announced that the province's rent cap will remain at 3% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. While advocates welcome the stability, critics point out existing loopholes (e.g., cap not tied to unit, fixed-term leases) that allow landlords to bypass the cap. A larger review of the Residential Tenancies Act is planned for the fall to address these issues.
N.B. rent cap will remain at 3% for another year, minister says
Rent capsNew BrunswickMinister David HickeyInflationProperty taxesLegislatureLegislation
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New Brunswick's Housing Minister, David Hickey, announced that the province's rent cap will remain at 3% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. While advocates welcome the stability, critics point out existing loopholes (e.g., cap not tied to unit, fixed-term leases) that allow landlords to bypass the cap. A larger review of the Residential Tenancies Act is planned for the fall to address these issues.
Trending- 1 2022: Temporary rent cap implemented under Blaine Higgs government.
- 2 2023: Temporary rent cap ended.
- 3 Last fall (2024): Liberals won, rent cap introduced (no expiration date, percentage reviewed annually).
- 4 Wednesday (June 4, 2025): Housing Minister David Hickey announced rent cap remains at 3% for 2025-2026 fiscal year.
- 5 Fall 2025: Review of Residential Tenancies Act to begin.
- 6 2026: Proposed freeze on property tax assessments.
- 7 June 5, 2025: Article published.
- Continued stability in rent prices (for some)
- Ongoing challenges for renters due to loopholes
- Concerns from landlords about property taxes
- Continued debate and advocacy for housing policy reform
What: New Brunswick's Housing Minister David Hickey announced that the province's rent cap will remain at 3% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Landlords can increase rent up to 9% with provincial approval for renovations. Critics highlight loopholes allowing landlords to bypass the cap when tenants move out or through fixed-term leases.
When: Published June 5, 2025. "Wednesday" (June 4, 2025, announcement), "last fall" (Liberals won, rent cap introduced), "2025-2026 fiscal year" (rent cap applies), "fall" (review of Residential Tenancies Act), "2026" (property tax assessments freeze), "2022" (temporary cap under Higgs government), "2023" (temporary cap ended).
Where: New Brunswick (Canada).
Why: The minister states the cap has shown "stabilization" of rent prices and is needed to continue this. Advocates want loopholes closed for better tenant protection. Landlords are concerned about municipal property taxes increasing despite the provincial assessment freeze and rent cap.
How: The rent cap is maintained by ministerial announcement. A review of the Residential Tenancies Act is planned to address loopholes and ensure the act reflects market conditions and renter needs. Various stakeholders (tenants' advocacy groups, apartment owners association, opposition politicians) are reacting to the decision and advocating for their positions.