Challenging an Illegal Rent Increase in Manitoba: Tenant Guide

If you’re a renter in Manitoba, understanding your rights around rent increases is essential—especially if you suspect your landlord hasn’t followed the law. Manitoba has clear rules under the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) about when and how rent can go up, and what you can do if an increase is unlawful. This guide explains the steps you can take to challenge an illegal rent increase, including where to find official forms and support resources.

What Makes a Rent Increase Legal in Manitoba?

Rent increases in Manitoba follow strict rules. Most residential units (including apartments, duplexes, and houses) are covered by provincial rent guidelines. Before a landlord can raise rent, they must:

• Give the tenant at least three months’ written notice before the new rent takes effect.
• Use the official form: Notice of Rent Increase (RTB Form).
• Raise the rent only once every 12 months.
• Not exceed the government-set rent increase guideline for that year (unless they’ve received approval for a higher increase).

Some situations—like new buildings, subsidized units, or care homes—have different rules. Always check your lease and the legislation for specifics.

Common Warning Signs of an Illegal Rent Increase

• The landlord did not provide the official written notice or used the wrong form.
• Notice was delivered less than three months before the increase starts.
• The increase is higher than the legal guideline without an approved exemption.
• The rent has been raised more than once in 12 months.

For more on tenant rights in Manitoba, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Your Rights as a Tenant

Tenants in Manitoba are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act. If your landlord asks for an unlawful rent increase or does not follow the proper process, you have the legal right to dispute it.

Who Oversees Disputes?

Disputes about rent increases are handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba. They help resolve tenant–landlord issues and can rule on whether a rent increase is allowed under the law.

How to Challenge an Illegal Rent Increase in Manitoba

If you believe your rent increase is unlawful, take these steps promptly:

Step 1: Review the Notice

• Check for correct dates, the required three months’ notice, and whether the right form was used.
• Compare the increase to the annual rent increase guideline.

Step 2: Talk to Your Landlord

• Raise your concerns in writing. Many issues are clarified at this stage.
• Keep copies of all communications.

Step 3: File a Formal Objection

• Complete the Objection to Notice of Rent Increase (RTB Form).
• This form lets you challenge the notice officially through the Residential Tenancies Branch. Submit it within 60 days of receiving the rent increase notice.
• Provide copies of your lease, the rent increase notice, and any supporting documents.

Example: If you received a notice of rent increase on April 1 for a July 1 change, and the increase is above the legal guideline or the form was not correct, submit the Objection form to the Residential Tenancies Branch by May 31.

What Happens Next?

• The Branch will review your objection. There may be an investigation or hearing, where both you and your landlord can explain your positions.
• If the Branch rules the increase is illegal, you do not have to pay the extra rent.
• If you have already paid at the higher rate and the increase is overturned, you may be entitled to a refund.

Wondering about your rent payment responsibilities even during a dispute? See Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for more details.

Official Forms and Documents

• Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must use the official Notice of Rent Increase form for residential tenancies.
• Objection to Notice of Rent Increase: Tenants use this form to dispute a rent increase through the Branch. Objection form and instructions here.

If you need to learn about deposits and how they're affected by rent changes, check out Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

For additional rental search options in Manitoba and across the country, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the rent increase guideline for Manitoba in 2024?
   For 2024, the guideline is set at 3.0%, meaning most rent increases can’t exceed this amount unless the landlord has approval for more.¹
2. What should I do if I get a rent increase notice with less than 3 months’ warning?
   If you receive less notice than the law requires, notify your landlord of the error. If not resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and consider filing an objection.
3. Can I be evicted for disputing a rent increase?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant as retaliation for asserting their rights or challenging an unlawful rent increase.
4. Do I have to pay the increased rent while my objection is being reviewed?
   You should continue paying your regular rent. Only pay the increased amount if the Branch decides the increase is legal.
5. Where can I get help with the objection process?
   The Residential Tenancies Branch offers guidance, and tenant advocacy groups may also assist with forms and hearings.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Your landlord must use the correct notice, provide 3 months’ advance warning, and follow the government rent guideline.
• You can formally object to a rent increase—don’t ignore an illegal notice!
• Help is available from the Residential Tenancies Branch and tenant advocacy services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba – Call 204-945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403. rtb@gov.mb.ca
• Find forms, guidelines, and support at RTB Rent Increase Forms.
• Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) Manitoba – Advocacy and help with disputes.
• Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) – Legislation
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – Official website
3. Annual Rent Increase Guideline – Government of Manitoba
4. Objection to Notice of Rent Increase Form – Guide and Download

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