Finding an unauthorized person living in or using your rental can be stressful and confusing for tenants. This guide explains practical safety steps, documentation tips, and the official processes available in Manitoba so renters know how to protect themselves and their tenancy. It covers when to call police, how to gather evidence, when to notify your landlord, and how to start a formal dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch. The language is plain and focused on what a tenant or renter can do right away and how to follow Manitoba's official procedures without giving up their rights.
Immediate steps to stay safe
If you discover a trespasser or someone claiming to squat in your rental, your first priority is personal safety. If anyone is violent or threatening, call 911. If the situation is not immediately dangerous, try to keep a safe distance, lock yourself in a secure room, and contact your landlord or property manager.
- Call emergency services if you or others are at risk.
- Document what you see with dated photos, short video, and written notes.
- Avoid direct confrontation; clear communication and safety come first.
- Notify your landlord or superintendent as soon as possible.
- Secure doors and change locks later if you have the landlord's permission or legal right to do so.
How Manitoba's official process works
Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch handles disputes between tenants and landlords about occupancy and eviction. If the person in your unit is not a tenant, the landlord may need to start a formal process to remove them. Tenants can also apply for protection or clarification about their rights through the Residential Tenancies Branch [1]. If the issue involves unlawful entry, criminal behaviour, or immediate danger, police handle those matters first and the tenancy branch handles the civil aspects.
- Landlords typically serve a written Notice to Vacate or similar form to begin a removal process; tenants should read any notice carefully.
- If the landlord files an application, the branch will schedule a dispute resolution or hearing to decide rights and next steps.
- Deadlines to respond or apply vary; follow any timelines on notices and the branch's instructions.
Filing forms and required documents
There are official forms for tenants and landlords when a dispute involves occupancy or eviction. Common documents include a formal application to the Residential Tenancies Branch to request dispute resolution and the landlord's notice to end a tenancy or notice to vacate. Tenants should keep copies of all notices, photos, messages, and any police reports to support their case [2]. If you need a particular form, the branch provides downloadable forms and guides explaining when to use each one [3].
Practical examples: When to use forms
- Notice to Vacate: typically used by a landlord to start a removal process when someone is occupying a unit without permission.
- Application for dispute resolution (Residential Tenancies Branch): used by either tenant or landlord to ask the branch to schedule a hearing when informal resolution fails.
- Police report: not a tenancy form, but useful evidence if unlawful entry or criminal conduct occurred.
Preventing future incidents
After the immediate issue is resolved, tenants and landlords can work together to reduce future risk. Tenants should keep a copy of their lease, ensure the landlord has updated tenant records, and consider renter's insurance. Landlords should screen occupants, maintain secure locks where permitted, and respond quickly to reports of trespassers.
- Change or rekey locks with the landlord's agreement or through the official process if keys were taken.
- Install or request basic security measures like better outdoor lighting or secure entry systems.
- Consider renter's insurance to protect belongings and liability while you live in the unit.
- Keep open lines of communication with your landlord and know how to raise concerns formally via How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.
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FAQ
- Can I call the police about a trespasser?
- Yes. If anyone is in danger, threatening, or if a crime has occurred, call 911 first and obtain a police report to support any tenancy action.
- What official branch handles disputes about occupancy in Manitoba?
- The Residential Tenancies Branch handles civil tenancy disputes and can schedule dispute resolution for eviction or occupancy issues. See the branch for forms and procedures.[1]
- What documents should I gather before filing with the branch?
- Collect dated photos, messages, lease copies, notices received, and any police reports; these documents make your application clearer and stronger.
How-To
- Gather evidence: photos, messages, the lease, and any police report.
- Ask your landlord to serve appropriate notices, and keep copies of all correspondence.
- Download and complete the branch's application form for dispute resolution.
- Submit the application by the method specified on the form and note any hearing dates.
- Attend the dispute resolution or hearing and present your evidence clearly and calmly.
- Follow the branch decision and obtain written orders or directions to enforce any outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize your safety and contact police when there is a threat.
- Document everything: photos, messages, notices, and police reports help resolve disputes.
- The Residential Tenancies Branch is the official route for civil tenancy disputes in Manitoba.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch ">Government of Manitoba
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Official forms and guides
