Condo Repairs in Manitoba: Who’s Responsible for What?

Renting a condo in Manitoba comes with unique rights and responsibilities compared to traditional apartment rentals. If you’re unsure about who handles maintenance or repairs in your Manitoba condo, this guide explains what tenants can expect and what to do if issues arise. Understanding your obligations and those of your landlord (who is often the condo owner) is key to a safe, comfortable home.

Who Handles Condo Repairs in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, most repairs in condos fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)¹. However, when renting a condo, responsibility is sometimes split between:

• The tenant (you)
• The landlord (usually the condo owner)
• The condominium corporation (for building common areas)

Typically, landlords must keep the rental unit in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. Tenants are responsible for their own cleanliness, reporting problems, and not causing damage themselves.

Common and Private Areas: What’s the Difference?

Manitoba condos have areas known as “common elements” (lobbies, elevators, hallways, shared amenities) and “private units” (your living space). The condo corporation handles repairs to the common elements, while your landlord is responsible for repairs inside your unit—unless the tenant or guests caused the damage.

Landlord’s Repair Responsibilities

• Fixing major appliances (if provided with the unit)
• Plumbing, heating, electrical issues within the condo unit
• Structural problems inside the unit (ceilings, walls, windows, doors)
• Ensuring health and safety standards are met (e.g. functioning locks, smoke detectors)

If your landlord does not complete necessary repairs after being notified, you may file a complaint with the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.

Tenant’s Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities

As a tenant, you must:

• Keep your unit reasonably clean
• Repair or pay for damage you or your guests cause, even accidentally
• Report any problems to your landlord promptly

Role of the Condominium Corporation

The condo corporation is responsible for maintaining and repairing all common areas and sometimes specific features (like windows or exterior doors) depending on the condominium’s bylaws. If a shared area issue (like a broken elevator) impacts your tenancy, notify your landlord. They will coordinate with the condo board.

Requesting Repairs: How to Take Action

If something in your condo unit needs fixing, here is what to do:

• Contact your landlord (the condo owner) with details of the repair—ideally in writing.
• If there is a safety concern or the repair is “emergency” in nature (like no heat in winter), notify the landlord right away and state that it is urgent.
• If the issue is not addressed within a reasonable time, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for assistance.

The official Tenant Application for Repairs & Services (Form 3) is used to request repairs through the Branch if your landlord does not act. You can find the form and instructions on the Manitoba government website: Tenant Application for Repairs & Services (Form 3).²

For more on health and safety concerns, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Understanding Routine vs. Emergency Repairs

• Routine repairs include drippy taps, broken appliances, or minor wall damage. These should be reported and fixed by the landlord within a reasonable timeframe.
• Emergency repairs address immediate health or safety issues (such as loss of heat in winter, flooding, or electrical hazards). These must be prioritized by the landlord—if not, you may contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for urgent assistance.

See Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for more advice on urgent maintenance issues.

Key Manitoba Forms and How to Use Them

• Tenant Application for Repairs & Services (Form 3)
  • When to use: If your landlord does not repair an essential item or resolve a major problem after notification.
  • How: Complete Form 3 (including details and evidence), submit to the Residential Tenancies Branch, and await instructions or a hearing date. The form is available on the official Manitoba government website.
  • Example: You have leaking water in your bathroom, your landlord was notified two weeks ago but has not responded—file Form 3 to request government intervention.

For a closer look at your legal rights and responsibilities in Manitoba condos, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Tips for a Smooth Condo Tenancy

• Do a move-in inspection with your landlord and document the condo’s condition at the start of your tenancy.
• Review your lease and ask your landlord questions about condo corporation rules.
• If a repair relates to a common area, keep your landlord in the loop.
• Always communicate about repairs in writing—email or a letter is best.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in my Manitoba condo?
   If your landlord does not address needed repairs, you should notify them in writing, then file a Tenant Application for Repairs & Services (Form 3) with the Residential Tenancies Branch if the issue is still unresolved.
2. Who fixes problems in common areas of the condo building?
   The condominium corporation is responsible for repairs to common areas (lobbies, hallways, elevators). Let your landlord know if common area issues affect your tenancy—they will follow up with the condo board.
3. Does a tenant have to pay for repairs if the damage is not their fault?
   No, tenants are generally only responsible for repairs to damage they (or their guests) cause. Landlords must handle normal wear-and-tear and issues that are not the tenant’s fault.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not completed?
   No, Manitoba law does not permit tenants to withhold rent because of uncompleted repairs. Instead, follow official complaint procedures to resolve the situation.
5. How quickly should emergency repairs be completed?
   Emergency repairs—such as no heat during winter or electrical hazards—should be addressed as soon as possible. If not, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch immediately.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Condo Tenants

• Landlords are responsible for most repairs inside the condo unit
• The condo board handles repairs in common areas
• Use Form 3 and reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch if your landlord doesn’t act on repair requests

Being proactive, communicating in writing, and knowing your rights help ensure a safe and comfortable condo rental experience in Manitoba.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – For advice, forms, and to file complaints (1-800-782-8403)
• Official tenancy forms for repairs, disputes, and more
• Legal Help Centre: Free tenant legal information for Manitobans
• For a broad overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch Official Forms

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