Dispute Resolution and LTB Laws for Tenants in Manitoba

Dispute Resolution & LTB Manitoba published July 01, 2025 Flag of Manitoba

If you're a tenant renting in Manitoba, understanding your dispute resolution options and the laws that protect your rights is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with maintenance concerns, eviction threats, or disagreements over rent, Manitoba’s residential tenancy laws and its official tribunal can help you find a fair solution. This guide explains how those laws work and what steps you can take if you need support.

Manitoba's Residential Tenancy Law and the Role of the Branch

Tenant issues in Manitoba are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba[1]. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the official government authority handling tenancy disputes, evictions, rent increases, repairs, and other landlord-tenant issues. The RTB offers services to help tenants and landlords resolve problems through information, mediation, and legal decisions.

What Types of Issues Can Be Resolved?

Common disputes the RTB handles include:

  • Non-payment or disputes about rent
  • Eviction notices (validity, timing, causes)
  • Maintenance and repair disagreements
  • Disputes over security deposits
  • Harassment or quiet enjoyment issues
  • Unfair rent increases and lease changes

For tenants facing these situations, the RTB provides a neutral and accessible process to resolve issues before a hearing officer, with most matters settled through mediation or adjudication.

How Does Dispute Resolution Work for Tenants?

The Residential Tenancies Branch encourages resolving problems directly with your landlord first, but you can escalate your concerns to the RTB if needed. Key steps include:

  • Documenting your issue (dates, communication, evidence)
  • Contacting your landlord in writing to discuss the problem
  • If no resolution, applying to the RTB using the appropriate forms
  • Participating in RTB mediation or a hearing
Ad

Official RTB Forms Every Manitoba Tenant Should Know

  • Application for Order of Possession (RTB Form): Used when a landlord is seeking to evict a tenant, but tenants can also respond to this order.
    Practical example: If you’ve received a notice to move out but believe it’s unfair, you can use this form to present your case at a hearing.
    Find the official form and guidance: Residential Tenancies Branch Official Forms
  • Application for Tenancy Agreement Termination (Form RTB-4): If you believe you should end your lease early for good cause (e.g., landlord breach), this form helps you request permission from the RTB.
    Example: Your unit is unsafe, and the landlord is not making repairs—submit this form with your evidence.
    Form link: RTB Form RTB-4
  • Application for Security Deposit Refund: If your landlord withholds your deposit unfairly when you move out, use this form to request a ruling.
    Form and instructions: Security Deposit Refund Application
  • Application for an Order of Repair: Use this form to request an order for urgent or routine repairs your landlord has ignored.
    Practical example: You've notified your landlord of a broken furnace in the winter, but there's no fix. The RTB can order repairs after reviewing your application.
    Form: Order of Repair Application

It’s important to follow the RTB’s process, provide supporting documentation, and meet deadlines for each application.

Tip: Mediation is often faster and less stressful than a hearing—be clear, polite, and focus on evidence when making your case to the RTB.

Evictions and Rent Increases: Protecting Your Rights

Landlords must follow specific legal steps and give proper notice for rent increases or evictions. If you believe your rights are being violated, you have swift avenues for appeal.

  • Eviction notices must state the reason and follow the Residential Tenancies Act
  • Rent increases are subject to annual guidelines and must be served in writing, with advance notice (typically three months)
  • Tenants can apply to the RTB to dispute unfair rent increases or eviction notices

For a detailed overview of tenants’ overall rights and typical disputes, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Other Common Issues Tenants Face

Tenants often experience maintenance delays, safety concerns, or disagreements with landlords. For broad guidance on addressing these types of problems before escalating to the RTB, review the helpful guide Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. It covers practical advice for early resolution.

Key Facts About Manitoba's Rental Laws

  • Security deposits cannot exceed half a month’s rent.
  • Landlords must provide a written notice for any change in tenancy terms.
  • Tenants are protected from retaliatory eviction if they assert their rights lawfully.
  • Dispute hearings may be held in person, by phone, or in writing for convenience.
  • Decisions by the RTB are legally binding, with limited appeal options.

How the RTB Process Protects Tenants

Tenants in Manitoba are not left to navigate disputes alone. The RTB acts as both a procedural guide and an unbiased decision-maker, with trained staff to clarify your legal position and ensure a fair process.

For another helpful resource: Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find safe and legal housing options and compare your rights as a tenant across provinces.

  1. What is the RTB, and how can it help me?
    The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the official government body that handles rental disputes, evictions, deposit returns, and repairs. They offer mediation and legal hearings to fairly resolve issues between tenants and landlords.
  2. Can a landlord evict me without warning in Manitoba?
    No. Under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act, proper written notice and legal reasons are required for eviction. If you disagree with the notice, you can challenge it before the RTB.
  3. How do I dispute a rent increase?
    Your landlord must provide three months’ written notice for any rent increase. If you believe the increase is unfair or doesn’t follow the guidelines, apply to the RTB within 60 days of receiving the notice to dispute it.
  4. What if my landlord won’t return my security deposit?
    If a landlord withholds your deposit at the end of your tenancy without cause, you can file an Application for Security Deposit Refund with the RTB to get your money back.
  5. Will the RTB process cost me money?
    The RTB has modest application fees for formal hearings, but mediation and information services are free. Fee waivers may be available if you cannot afford the cost.
  1. How do I apply to the RTB for a repair order?
    Download and complete the Application for an Order of Repair from the RTB forms page. Attach proof and submit it to the RTB by email, mail, or in person.
  2. What steps should I take to dispute an eviction?
    Read your eviction notice carefully, gather evidence, and file a response using the Application for Order of Possession form. Attend the RTB hearing for your case if required.
  3. How do I dispute a rent increase under Manitoba law?
    Check if your increase follows the guideline and notice period. Use the RTB dispute application form if the increase is invalid or excessive, and file it within 60 days of getting the notice.
  4. How do I get my security deposit returned?
    If you move out and do not receive your deposit within the legal timeframe, fill out the Application for Security Deposit Refund with the RTB, including any move-out inspection reports.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba (CCSM c. R119.1)
  2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) official website
  3. RTB Forms and Applications

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
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

Related Articles