As the first month of the new year reigns in and an election looms near, the rent and housing crisis concerns grow larger.
The beginning of 2024 marks a full year without a rent cap in place in New Brunswick, and with rises in rent, lack of housing and issues like “reno-victions”, many people – especially students – are feeling the effects. Moreover, Marc Miller, Immigration and Citizenship Canada minister, announced the federal government will be capping international student visas to tackle the housing crisis.
In 2022, the province had a cap put in place restricting landlords to a rent increase limit of 3.8 per cent. This came following hikes in cost of living and steep rent increases. While tenants had protection during 2022, in 2023 they were left to fend for themselves.
“People are really struggling and they are having to make decisions that mean, do we pay our rent to keep a roof over our heads? Or do we get our groceries?” said Nichola Taylor, Chair of ACORN N.B, an organization that advocates for tenant’s rights and an end to the housing crisis.
Related: Advocates react to the end of N.B.’s rent cap
Taylor joined ACORN back in 2022 after experiencing a rent increase from $750 to $1100 over the course of a year due to new owners buying the apartment building. Then, Taylor and the other tenants were “reno-victed” and only given between one to three months to leave.
This is what drove Taylor to start advocating for tenant’s rights. From couples being reno-victed and forced to live in shelters, to university students living in their cars, Taylor has encountered a plethora of stories from people who have lost housing due to rent increases, which have been as high as 100 per cent.
“It can happen to any single person in a minute,” she said. “I just feel like we have to do what we can to try and stop that from happening.”
Taylor said students are especially vulnerable with the lack of a rent cap. Combined with other expenses like tuition and groceries, which have both increased, rent is just another stressor.
St. Thomas University student Natalie Mackay had her rent increased by $70 in 2023 without notice. This increase has made it more difficult for her to pay for her basic necessities.
“Because my rent is going up, I have to decide if I just don’t want to eat that day or meal prep, it’s crazy,” said Mackay.
This is especially troubling for Mackay as an athlete on the Tommies Hockey team, which demands a healthy lifestyle for optimal performance.
“I’ve definitely had to cut down on eating as good as I possibly can or getting Tims in the morning,” said Mckay. “I just can’t do that anymore.”
Aside from daily needs like food, Mackay said the increase also affects her future.
“I’m gonna have a lot more debt than I anticipated. Especially for students, I think landlords might be taking advantage of us sometimes,” she said.
Related: Textbooks or groceries? Students react to rising food prices
Fellow student Raphael Fiset echoes Mackay’s sentiments. In 2023, his rent raised $50, and will be raised again later this year. Utilities, Wi-Fi and laundry are all not included, meaning he and his roommate pay nearly $700 per month.
“You think ‘$20 a month or $20 increase, like what does that really do?’ But you times that by 12 and then you’re starting to look at a full grocery haul or a few weeks worth of groceries,” said Fiset.
He expressed frustration with the short notice given to tenants regarding rent increases, as he was given a month’s notice about the price before he had to resign his lease.
“You don’t have much say as a tenant. If you don’t want to pay the increase, they’re just going to find someone else that will because there are a lot of people wanting to move into units right now,” he said.
Related: New Year’s rent increase leaves tenants shocked
For Taylor, the best way to help the many students and New Brunswickers struggling with unaffordable housing is rent cap reinstatement.
“If you are a young family or you’re on a fixed income, this is hell. This is too much money to pay,” said Taylor. “it’s having a devastating impact on many, many people.”
