Can Your Employer Evict You in Manitoba? Key Housing Rights

If you’re renting from your employer in Manitoba—such as in a staff or farm worker’s home—you may wonder about your eviction rights and protections. Understanding what your employer can and cannot do is crucial to feeling secure in your home. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch oversees such rentals and ensures your rights are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba).^[1]

Employer-Tenant Housing: How It’s Different

When your rental unit is provided as part of your employment, you have what’s called a “service tenancy.” This means your right to live in the rental often depends on your employment status. However, Manitoba law offers you specific protections—it’s not the same as simply living at your boss’s mercy.

What Is a Service Tenancy?

A service tenancy arises when an employer provides housing as a condition of employment. For example, live-in caregivers, farm workers, or building managers may live in housing supplied by the employer.

• The tenancy is usually tied to the job—ending employment could affect your right to stay.
• Even if you lose your job, employers must still follow legal eviction procedures as outlined by the Residential Tenancies Branch.

When Can an Employer Evict You?

Employers cannot evict you immediately, even if your employment ends. They must serve you legal written notice. The rules are:

• If your housing was provided strictly as a condition of employment, your employer can give you written notice to vacate when your job ends.
• Standard notice periods (usually three days) apply, but they must use the proper form and process.
• They may not force or threaten you out—doing so may be considered an illegal eviction under Manitoba law.

Check your employment contract or rental agreement for specific terms relating to housing. These documents should explain your situation.

Required Official Anti-Eviction Forms and Processes

Employers must file specific forms and follow exact processes when evicting a tenant whose home is tied to employment:

• Notice of Termination by Landlord (Form 9)
  When to use: Employers (as landlords) use this form to give tenants written notice to end the tenancy. The form provides required information and notice periods. Download Form 9 from the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.
  Example: A farm owner provides a house for a seasonal worker. At the end of the season—when employment ends—the employer must serve Form 9 with the correct notice period. The tenant gets time to find other accommodations.

Your Rights During and After Employment

As a service tenant, you have all the rights of regular tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act. This includes the right to proper notice, privacy, and access to health and safety standards in your rental. You may also be entitled to a security deposit refund.

What to Do If You Receive a Notice to Vacate

If your employer gives you notice:

• Read the notice—make sure it is properly completed (Form 9) and observe the required notice period.
• If you believe the notice is unfair or illegal, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch immediately to dispute it.
• Gather all documents, including your employment contract, rental agreement, and any correspondence with your employer.

If the notice or living situation does not meet standards, you may file a dispute or complaint. The Residential Tenancies Branch investigates and can order repairs, compensation, or stop illegal evictions.

Health and Safety Considerations

No matter the employment relationship, employers must ensure your rental meets all health and safety codes. Unsafe conditions, overcrowding, or lack of heat are not allowed. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Rights and Protections Under Manitoba Law

• All tenants—including those renting from employers—are protected under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act.
• You have the right to written notice and a dispute process through the Residential Tenancies Branch.
• Eviction is only legal if all procedures and notices are followed—illegal evictions can be challenged.

If you want to learn more about all tenant and landlord rights in Manitoba, explore Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Looking for another place to rent after employment or tenancy ends? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employer Eviction in Manitoba

1. Can my employer evict me the same day my job ends?
   No, employers must provide written notice using Form 9. The usual notice period is three days, but always check your agreement and the notice itself.
2. What if my employer tries to evict me without notice?
   This is considered an illegal eviction in Manitoba. Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help and dispute resolution.
3. Do I have to move out if my job ends, even if I have a lease?
   It depends on whether your tenancy is truly tied to your job. If you signed a standard lease that’s not dependent on your employment, your employer must follow usual landlord-tenant rules. Always review your agreement and contact the RTB with questions.
4. How do I dispute an unfair eviction?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch immediately. They’ll provide forms, guide you through the process, and may help schedule a hearing.

Conclusion: What You Need to Know

• Your employer cannot evict you immediately—written notice and proper procedures are required.
• File disputes with the Residential Tenancies Branch if you think your eviction is unfair or illegal.
• Always document your tenancy, notice, and communications to protect your housing rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) — Housing dispute resolution, forms, and tenant support.
• Employment Standards Manitoba — For questions about employment tied to housing.
• Legal Help Centre — Free and low-cost legal advice for tenants in Manitoba.

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1. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act: See current official legislation
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Provincial board for tenant-landlord disputes

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