A commentary by a North ­Saanich resident.

British Columbia’s rent control policies are framed as a compassionate response to inflation and housing affordability.

But behind the rhetoric lies a troubling double standard — one that places strict financial limits on private landlords while allowing governments themselves to spend and tax with impunity.

Under current provincial regulations, landlords are prohibited from raising rents beyond the previous year’s inflation rate. In 2026, the cap is set at 2.3%, following 3% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2024.

These limits are intended to shield tenants from rising costs. But what about the rising costs faced by landlords?

Property taxes, insurance premiums and maintenance expenses have all surged —........

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