As a tenant in Manitoba, you want to feel secure in your home, but you may wonder about the legality of window bars and whether they pose a safety risk. Understanding the rules around window security bars in Manitoba rentals is essential for both health and safety, as well as compliance with the law.
What Are the Rules for Window Bars in Manitoba Rentals?
Window bars, also called security bars or grilles, can offer extra protection against break-ins. However, Manitoba law considers tenant safety from both fire and intrusions. The requirements around window bars in rental properties are shaped by provincial safety regulations and local fire codes.
- Egress requirement: Any bedroom that is not located on the ground floor must have a window that is large enough to allow escape in case of a fire. If window bars are installed, they must be easily opened from the inside—without any tools, keys, or special knowledge.
- Building Code and Fire Code: Both the Manitoba Fire Code (The Fires Prevention and Emergency Response Act) and the Manitoba Building Code require safe egress for bedrooms in all housing, including rentals.[1]
- Illegal window bars: Any window bars or security screens that cannot be easily opened in case of an emergency are not permitted. Landlords must ensure any window bars installed are compliant.
Landlords have a responsibility to maintain adequate safety in rental units, not just for security, but also to ensure safe emergency exits are always available.
Responsibilities: Landlords and Tenants
Both landlords and tenants have roles in keeping rental units safe.
- Landlords must install, maintain, and repair window bars (if present) to meet all codes. They are also responsible for ensuring all exits, including window egress in bedrooms, are never blocked.
- Tenants must not tamper with window bars or install their own without written landlord approval. Tenants should report immediately if they feel safety exits are compromised.
For a complete overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What Should Tenants Do If Their Window Bars Are Unsafe?
If window bars in your Manitoba rental unit cannot be opened easily from the inside, or you believe they block a necessary fire escape route, it is important to act quickly:
- Notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate attention.
- Keep a copy of your written complaint for your records, which may be important if further action is needed.
If your landlord does not resolve the issue quickly and you feel your safety is at risk, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba.
Filing a Safety Complaint: Which Form and How?
- Form Name: Repair Request/Complaint Form (Residential Tenancies Branch)
- How to Use: Fill out this form if your landlord does not fix unsafe window bars after you’ve made a written request. This form helps initiate an investigation by the branch.
- Access the form: Repair Request/Complaint Form – Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch
- Practical example: A tenant notifies their landlord that bedroom window bars cannot be opened easily, and the landlord does not fix them within a reasonable time. The tenant can then submit this form to the branch for help enforcing safety laws.
This process ensures tenants can have critical safety hazards corrected. The Residential Tenancies Branch will investigate and order necessary repairs where appropriate.[2]
Health and Safety Concerns You Should Know
Window egress and fire safety are just one part of your rights as a tenant. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to provide and maintain rental properties that meet minimum health and safety standards. Any physical barriers that limit safe exit may be a breach of these standards. For more information on overall rental safety issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Want to compare rights in other provinces? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for an at-a-glance factsheet.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are window security bars legal in all Manitoba rental units?
Yes, as long as window bars can be easily opened from the inside without tools or keys, and they do not block emergency egress as required by fire and building codes. - What should I do if my landlord refuses to remove unsafe window bars?
Document your request in writing and then file a repair complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch if the landlord does not act quickly to fix the problem. - Can a tenant install window bars?
No. Tenants must get written permission from the landlord before making any modifications, including adding security bars to windows. - Are there fire safety rules specific to window bars?
Yes. Manitoba fire and building codes require all bedroom windows above the ground floor to be usable emergency exits. Window bars must release quickly and easily without tools or keys. - Who enforces these safety rules?
The Residential Tenancies Branch enforces housing standards, while local fire departments handle fire code violations. If in doubt, contact both for guidance.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Window bars are allowed if they do not prevent a quick and easy exit in an emergency.
- Landlords are responsible for maintaining all safety features; tenants should never install or alter window bars without permission.
- If safety exits are blocked, escalate concerns through a written complaint and, if needed, to the Residential Tenancies Branch for help.
Being proactive about health and safety concerns, especially where emergency exits are involved, protects both your right to security and your life.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: File complaints, get advice, and download official forms
- Tenants can call the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg) or toll-free 1-800-782-8403
- For local safety concerns, contact your nearest fire department
- More resources and facts: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba
- See the Manitoba Building and Fire Code Guidelines for specific egress requirements and safety rules relating to window bars.
- The Residential Tenancies Branch enforces these standards—more information: Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba.
