Changing who lives in your rental unit — adding a new roommate or removing an existing one — is a common situation for tenants in Manitoba. As a renter, you need to know how the province's tenancy rules affect consent, shared responsibility for rent and deposits, and what to do if there is a disagreement with your landlord or co-tenant. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take: how to request written permission, update the lease, document inspections and move-in or move-out condition, and handle security deposits. You will also find where to get and file official forms, how to prepare evidence for a hearing, and links to Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch so you can protect your rights and avoid surprises.
What the law says in Manitoba
Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act sets the legal framework for leases, tenant and landlord obligations, and dispute resolution. The provincial Residential Tenancies Branch handles applications and hearings for tenancy disputes and provides official guidance and forms for common situations.[1] The Act explains who is a tenant, when a person can be added to or removed from an agreement, and how security deposits are handled in shared-occupancy situations.[2]
Adding a roommate
Most leases require landlord consent before a new person moves in. Follow clear, written steps so everyone understands obligations and payment responsibilities.
- Contact your landlord in writing to request written consent, naming the person and the proposed move-in date.
- Ask for an amended lease or a signed written agreement that adds the roommate and clarifies who is responsible for rent.
- Agree in writing how rent, utilities and the security deposit will be split and documented.
- Complete a joint move-in inspection, take date-stamped photos, and keep a copy of the inspection record.
If a landlord refuses permission, ask for reasons in writing and consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Branch if you believe the refusal is unreasonable.[1]
Removing a roommate
When a roommate plans to leave, confirm responsibilities and document the process to avoid future claims about unpaid rent or damage.
- Notify the landlord in writing with the roommate’s move-out date and request any required agreement updates.
- Sign a written agreement that records who will remain on the lease and how the security deposit will be handled.
- Perform a move-out inspection together and document any damage or cleaning needs with photos and signed notes.
- Agree in writing about any deposit refunds, deductions and how those funds will be returned or transferred.
Forms and dispute resolution
If negotiations fail, Manitoba offers formal routes to resolve disagreements. The Residential Tenancies Branch provides official forms and instructions to start a hearing or serve notices.[1]
- Notice to End a Tenancy — used when a tenancy is being terminated by a landlord or tenant; follow the timelines and reasons set out on the form.[3]
- Application for Dispute Resolution — start a formal hearing when parties cannot resolve issues about adding or removing occupants, deposit disputes or unpaid rent; attach evidence such as written consent, inspection photos and payment records.[3]
Practical example: if a roommate leaves owing partial rent and the remaining tenants disagree on responsibility, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Branch and include the lease, payment records, and inspection photos as evidence.[1]
FAQ
- Do I need my landlord's permission to add a roommate?
- Usually yes; most leases require written consent from the landlord. If consent is withheld, tenants can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Can a landlord charge a fee to add a roommate?
- Any fee must be lawful under the Residential Tenancies Act; landlords cannot create arbitrary charges. Ask for written details and consider disputing unlawful fees with the Branch.
- What happens to the security deposit when a roommate leaves?
- Deposit handling depends on the lease and agreements between tenants; document any deductions, request receipts for repairs, and apply to the Branch if funds are withheld without justification.
How-To
- Contact your landlord early and request written consent to add or remove a roommate.
- Prepare a written amendment or new lease that clearly states rent shares, deposit arrangements and the move-in or move-out date.
- Complete a joint inspection and keep dated photos and signed notes as evidence.
- If a dispute continues, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and attach all supporting evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch, Government of Manitoba
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- RTB forms and guides
