5 Essential Things Manitoba Tenants Must Know Before Moving In or Out

Preparing for a move—whether into a new place or moving out of your current Manitoba rental—can be overwhelming. Manitoba’s residential tenancies rules are designed to protect both tenants and landlords, but many renters aren’t aware of important steps that can affect their deposits, legal rights, or even future rental prospects. This guide highlights the five most important things every Manitoba tenant should understand about moving in or out, with practical advice and official resources to help you every step of the way.

1. Know Your Lease Terms and Rights Before Signing

Before moving in, carefully read your lease or tenancy agreement. This document sets the ground rules for your tenancy, such as rent amount, duration, and notice requirements for ending the tenancy. Manitoba tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which provides essential rights and responsibilities regardless of what the lease says¹.

• Ask for all terms in writing
• Never feel pressured to sign without reviewing
• Clarify if utilities or parking are included
• Keep a copy of your signed lease

Understanding your agreement protects you from surprises and helps if disputes arise. For more guidance on life after you sign, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

2. Initial and Final Inspections: Why They Matter

When you move into or out of a Manitoba rental, conducting proper inspections is crucial. This helps document the property's condition and prevents unfair disputes over damage or cleaning.

Initial Move-In Inspection

• Performed with your landlord on or before move-in day
• Document and photograph all rooms, fixtures, and appliances
• Both parties should sign the inspection report

The Condition Report Form (available from Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch) is the official document used. Complete this for both move-in and move-out. This simple step protects your deposit.

Find practical inspection tips in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Final Move-Out Inspection

• Should be done with your landlord after everything is moved out
• Addresses any cleaning/damage issues to avoid problems with your deposit

3. Deposits: Amounts, Deductions, and How to Get Them Back

Landlords in Manitoba can require a security deposit of up to half a month's rent. This deposit protects against unpaid rent or property damage, not normal wear and tear.

• You should receive a written receipt for your deposit
• To get it back, ensure the rental is clean, undamaged, and all rent is paid
• If deducted, the landlord must provide an itemized statement

If you feel your deposit was unfairly withheld, you can file a claim through the Residential Tenancies Branch. For a deeper dive, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

The Security Deposit Return Request Form can be used if your landlord does not return your deposit within 14 days of moving out. Attach your final inspection report and any relevant documentation when submitting.

4. Proper Notice: Ending a Tenancy the Right Way

Tenants must provide written notice if they wish to end a periodic or fixed-term tenancy. Notice periods are:

• One full rental period (usually a month) for periodic tenancies
• End of lease for fixed-term tenancies (unless mutually agreed otherwise)

Use Manitoba’s Notice of Termination by Tenant Form to ensure your intent is clear and documented. Serve your landlord in writing and keep a copy for your records. Mistakes here can result in extra rent owed or challenged departures.

5. Cleanliness, Repairs, and Damages: Avoiding End-of-Tenancy Disputes

Before moving out, tenants must:

• Clean the rental thoroughly (including appliances and bathrooms)
• Repair tenant-caused damage, but not normal wear and tear
• Notify the landlord in advance about any repair needs

If problems arise, open communication is key. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) helps mediate landlord-tenant disputes and provides resources for filing complaints or requesting repairs.

Understanding Your Rights and Next Steps

Always refer to the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for the latest information on legal protections, moving protocols, repairs, and more. Staying informed reduces risk and empowers you to handle moving day with confidence.

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1. Can my landlord enter my unit after I give notice to move out?
   Yes, but they must give at least 24 hours written notice and entry must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless you consent otherwise per Manitoba law.
2. What should I do if my landlord won't return my deposit?
   If your landlord doesn't return your deposit within 14 days, fill out a Security Deposit Return Request Form and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch for review.
3. Do I have to pay for repairs when I move out?
   You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Ordinary aging (e.g., faded paint) is not deducted from your deposit, but tenant-caused damage (e.g., holes in walls) is.
4. Can I move out early if I have a fixed-term lease?
   Leaving early may result in penalties unless you and your landlord agree in writing or if you qualify under certain exceptions, such as moving due to domestic violence.
5. Is an initial move-in inspection required by law?
   While highly recommended, Manitoba law does not strictly require a move-in inspection. However, both the landlord and tenant will benefit greatly from a documented condition report.

1. How do I complete a move-in inspection in Manitoba?
   Pick up the Condition Report Form from your landlord or Manitoba RTB, walk through the unit with your landlord on move-in day, and document each room together. Sign and retain copies.
2. How do I end my tenancy properly?
   Provide your landlord with written notice (using the Notice of Termination by Tenant Form) equal to one full rental period before your intended move-out date.
3. How do I request my security deposit back?
   If your landlord doesn't return your deposit within 14 days, fill out the Security Deposit Return Request Form and submit it to the RTB with your inspection reports.
4. How do I report unresolved repair issues?
   Contact your landlord in writing first. If repairs are not completed, you can apply to the RTB using the Tenant’s Application for Repairs form to seek assistance.

Key Takeaways for Moving In and Out

• Read and understand your lease and Manitoba tenancy laws before moving.
• Always complete move-in/out inspection reports and keep detailed records.
• Use official forms and follow required notice periods to protect your deposit and rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Main tribunal for disputes, forms, and tenant information
• Residential Tenancies Forms Library – Access official lease, notice, and deposit forms
• General Information for Tenants – Manitoba government advice for renters
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – Provincial fact sheet for up-to-date legal protections

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¹ See the official Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) of Manitoba for legislation governing landlord and tenant obligations, deposits, notice, and inspections.

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