Common Lease Agreement Mistakes to Avoid in Manitoba

If you're a tenant in Manitoba, reviewing and signing a lease agreement is a big step in finding a new home. However, some common mistakes can lead to stress, disputes, and even financial loss. Understanding your rights and responsibilities—before you sign—is your best protection. This guide covers the most frequent lease errors in Manitoba, how to avoid them, and where to get official support.

Key Lease Agreement Pitfalls for Tenants

Before moving in, take time to read and understand your lease agreement. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

• Not reading the entire agreement: Skipping details or "trusting" verbal promises can come back to haunt you. Everything should be in writing.
• Missing mandatory terms: In Manitoba, all leases must use the official Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form RTB-1). Using non-standard agreements or missing forms can risk your rights.
• Unclear about deposits and fees: Confusion around security or pet deposits often causes disputes. Be sure to know what you must pay, and when you’re entitled to a refund. For more on this, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Overlooking repair and maintenance clauses: Misunderstanding who is responsible for what repairs can lead to conflict. Manitoba law lays out clear duties for landlords and tenants. Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained offers more insight.
• Ignoring rules about notice and termination: Manitoba has specific rules for ending a lease or giving notice. Not following them could cost you your deposit or lead to further trouble.

Official Lease Form in Manitoba

In Manitoba, you are required to use the official Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form RTB-1) for all new tenancies. Using the right form helps ensure you receive your full legal rights as a tenant.

• Form Name: Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTB-1)
• When to use: Required for all new rental agreements in Manitoba (apartments, houses, mobile homes, etc.).
• How it works: Both the landlord and tenant fill out and sign the form before you move in. Keep your signed copy for your records.
• Access the official RTB-1 form here

If your landlord asks you to sign a different, non-standard agreement or asks for unusual terms not listed in the RTB-1, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba for guidance.

Common Lease Clauses to Watch For

• Rent increases: Terms about rent increases must follow Manitoba's rental laws. Illegal increases or clauses that try to bypass these rules are unenforceable. Before agreeing, review the official guidelines and check Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Repair and entry rights: Make sure your lease matches the legal standards for notice before entry and repair timelines.
• Additional fees: Only certain deposits (such as a security deposit, limited by law) and rent can be collected. Application fees or "non-refundable" fees are not legal in Manitoba.
• Pets and smoking: If you agree to specific rules (e.g., no pets or no smoking), you must follow them—even if they’re strict.

It's wise to get any unusual requests or "special terms" reviewed before signing.

Your Rights After Signing the Lease

Once the agreement is signed, both you and the landlord must follow the terms. If you move in and encounter issues with repairs, entry privacy, or unclear rules, Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch can provide help.

To learn more about what happens after you've finalized your lease—including your options if problems come up—see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Summary

Lease agreements in Manitoba are legally binding, so understanding each section protects your deposit and helps avoid stressful disputes. Using the correct forms and knowing your basic rights can prevent most common mistakes.

Tip: Never sign a lease you haven’t read fully. Ask for time to review and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if anything is unclear or feels unfair.

FAQ: Lease Agreement Mistakes & Manitoba Law

1. Do I have to use a standard lease in Manitoba? Yes. Manitoba law requires all landlords and tenants to use the official Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form RTB-1) for new leases.
2. What if my landlord adds their own extra terms? Extra rules may be included but cannot override the Residential Tenancies Act. Unlawful conditions are not enforceable.
3. How can I make sure my deposit is protected? Ask for a receipt, and check that the amount collected is within the legal limit. The deposit must be returned with interest when you move out, minus any legal deductions.
4. Can I break my lease if something changes? In most cases, you must give proper notice using the Notice of Termination form. Breaking a lease early without notice may mean losing your deposit or facing extra charges.
5. Where do I turn if I have a dispute about my lease? Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba for free guidance, mediation, or filing a claim. They resolve disagreements between landlords and tenants under the Act.

Conclusion: Tenant Takeaways

• Always use the official RTB-1 lease form for new rentals in Manitoba.
• Read your lease in full, including all "extra" terms.
• Protect your deposit and know your rights before signing—help is available if needed.

For a quick overview of provincial laws and tenant protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Searching for your next place? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings including apartments and homes across Manitoba and Canada.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch — Forms, contact numbers, FAQs, and dispute resolution
• Download lease and notice forms (official government site)
• Consumer Protection Office of Manitoba — Housing advice and complaints
• Community Legal Education Association (Manitoba) — Free tenant advice and legal resources

---

1. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Official website
2. Official lease and forms: Manitoba tenancy forms
3. Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy