Residential Tenancies Branch

Laundry Charges

s. 118(2), 127 – 130, 138, 139, The Residential Tenancies Act
6(1),10.1, Residential Rent Regulation

Definitions

Arm’s length: A business relationship between individuals or parties that are not related and do not share controlling interest in each other.

If a landlord charges separately for laundry, they must apply to the Branch to increase laundry rates. The landlord must apply at least two and one-half months before the date of the increase.  For example: A landlord gives tenants notice that they plan to increase laundry charges on October 1. The Branch must receive the landlord’s application on or before July 14. If the deadline for filing an application falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the deadline is extended to the first business day following the weekend or holiday.

The Branch supplies an application form for the landlord to complete. A landlord may use their own form as long as it has the same information as the Branch’s form.

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A landlord can’t include a laundry rate increase in an application for a rent increase above the guideline. A landlord must apply separately to increase the laundry rates.

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A landlord doesn’t have to apply for a laundry rate increase at the same time they apply for an above guideline rent increase.

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A landlord can only increase laundry rates once every 12 months.

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If a landlord reduces the cycle time on the equipment, it’s considered a rate increase. The landlord must apply to the Branch for the increase. The Branch calculates the value of the change by taking the reduction in time as a percentage of the cost for the cycle. If the landlord doesn’t apply, the Branch follows the policies and procedures under Unauthorized Rent Increases.

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A landlord must give each tenant a written notice of the increase in laundry charges, at least three months before it takes effect. Posting a notice in the common areas of the building is not proper notice.

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When reviewing an application to increase laundry charges, the Branch considers the following factors:

• the date of the last increase;
• any change in the length of the washing and drying cycles on the equipment since the last increase;
• whether the landlord purchased any new equipment since the last increase;
• the landlord’s expenses, including the cost to repair equipment and utility bills; and
• any comments received from tenants.

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In some buildings, tenants don’t pay a separate charge for laundry. Use of the laundry facilities is considered a service which is included in the tenants’ rent. If a landlord wants to start charging for laundry, they must first give the tenants notice of the withdrawal of the "free" laundry and then apply to the Branch to fix the value of the withdrawal of service. It’s considered a withdrawal of service because the landlord is expecting the tenants to pay for a service which was previously included in their rent. The Branch supplies an withdrawal of service application form for the landlord to complete. A landlord may use their own form as long as it has the same information as the Branch’s form.

When the Branch reviews the application to withdraw the "free" laundry, the Branch bases the value of the withdrawal on the average number of loads and the average cost per load in comparable residential complexes.

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If a landlord wants to transfer, or turn over the operating of laundry facilities to an independent person or company who is at arm’s length, they must apply to the Branch. The Branch will then set the laundry rates for the 12 months following the date of the increase. The individual or company must charge this set rate for 12 months. After that, they can increase the rates without applying to the Branch. They can also increase the rates as often as they choose.

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When a landlord applies to increase laundry rates or transfer the service, the Branch invites the tenants to come to the Branch to inspect the landlord’s application and supporting material. If the residential complex is outside Winnipeg, Brandon or Thompson, the Branch arranges for the tenants to inspect a copy of the file in or near their community. To inspect a file, tenants must show two pieces of identification to prove that they live at the residential complex.

Tenants have the right to inspect the application and the supporting material. The Branch does not have the authority to provide photocopies of this information. People can make their own written notes about the material.

Tenants can comment, in writing, about the application. The landlord has the right to see and respond in writing to any comments the tenants give to the Branch. While tenants and landlords may discuss the file with Branch staff, the Branch will usually consider only written comments when making a decision on a laundry increase.

When the Branch issues a decision on an application, it closes its file. Once the file is closed:

• the tenants are no longer entitled to inspect the landlord’s application and supporting material; and
• the landlord is not entitled to inspect the tenants’ written comments.

Procedure

Overview   

An officer reviews a landlord’s application to increase laundry charges or transfer laundry service to a third party. The officer takes into account the financial information provided, tenants’ comments and the landlord’s response to them. The officer calculates the amount of the laundry increase and issues an Order, which includes reasons. Both the landlord and tenants get copies of the Order.

Steps ▼   

1.   When a landlord applies to increase laundry charges or transfer service,       the officer reviews the landlord’s application to make sure that:

• the information on the rent roll is complete;
• the landlord supplied copies of the invoices for any new equipment purchased; and
• there is supporting information for the application, i.e. copies of repair or utility bills.

2.   If necessary, the officer sends a letter to the landlord, asking for missing       information or supporting material within two weeks.

3.   When the officer has all the information required, the officer sends the       tenants a letter inviting them to inspect the application.

4.   If the officer receives written comments from tenants, the officer will either       discuss the information with the landlord on the telephone or invite the       landlord to inspect and comment on the tenants’ statements in writing.

5.   The officer considers all of the tenant and landlord information and the       denominations of coins and coin slots available, makes a decision, and       issues an Order setting the laundry charges.

Forms & Form Letters

Application for Increase in Charge for Laundry Facilities
...........................................................................Form 4/Residential Rent Regulation

Application for Withdrawal/Reduction of Service
...........................................................................Form 9/Residential Rent Regulation

X-Referencing

For more information on withdrawing a service included in the rent, see Withdrawal of Services in this section.

Policy Developed

September, 1993*

Last Revision

August, 2015

Other Resources

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