Do Manitoba Tenants Have a Right to Cooling During Heatwaves?

Extreme summer heat is becoming more common in Manitoba, and many tenants are concerned about their rights to cooling in their rental homes. Understanding provincial legislation, landlord obligations, and your practical steps as a renter is essential when heatwaves strike.

What Are Landlords Required to Provide During Heatwaves?

In Manitoba, rental housing standards are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).^[1] There is no automatic legal entitlement for tenants to have air conditioning. However, landlords must provide safe, habitable living conditions. This means that if a unit becomes dangerously hot and poses a health risk, it could be considered a health or safety issue under provincial regulations.

• Landlords are always responsible for ensuring basic health and safety, including protection from extreme temperatures.
• If your building was provided with air conditioning at the start of your tenancy, the landlord is expected to maintain it in good working order unless your lease says otherwise.
• When natural ventilation is not enough and heat becomes a threat, the Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting are important to understand.

While cooling is not explicitly mandated, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) may intervene if lack of cooling is making your home unsafe. If you think your living conditions are dangerous, you may have grounds to file a complaint, especially for vulnerable tenants such as the elderly or those with specific health conditions.

What About Buildings With Central Air?

If a landlord supplies central air conditioning as part of the tenancy agreement, they must keep it working and promptly address breakdowns. Check your written rental agreement to confirm which amenities are included and who is responsible for repairs. For more about what happens after you sign your lease, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Minimum Health and Safety Standards in Manitoba Rentals

Landlords must not allow conditions that could jeopardize your health. If extreme heat causes your home to become unreasonably uncomfortable or unsafe—particularly for children, seniors, or people with health problems—you should document the temperature and consult public health resources.

Relevant provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act focus on ensuring “vital services” like heat, water, and power, but do not specify air conditioning. If your unit becomes uninhabitable due to excessive heat, the RTB may consider special circumstances under the Act.

What Can Tenants Do If Their Rental Is Too Hot?

If your rental lacks sufficient cooling options during a heatwave, here are steps you can take:

• Contact your landlord in writing to request repairs to existing air conditioning or to allow temporary cooling units (e.g., portable air conditioners or fans).
• Keep a written record of all correspondence, including dates and landlord responses.
• Use a thermometer to document the temperatures within your unit during a heatwave.
• If the landlord fails to address unsafe conditions, consider contacting the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) and local Public Health for guidance.

Filing a Complaint With the RTB

Manitoba tenants may apply to the RTB for an order to address inadequate living conditions. While no specific form exists for "lack of cooling," you can use the Application for Orders (Form 8) to outline your complaint.

• Form Name: Application for Orders (Form 8)
• When to Use: If your rental unit has become unsafe due to extreme heat and your landlord has not addressed the issue.
• How to Use: Fill out the form, attach evidence (temperature logs, correspondence), and submit it to the RTB. See the official link to Manitoba RTB Forms.

Can Tenants Install Their Own Cooling Units?

Tenants should always get written permission from their landlord before installing window air conditioners or making changes to the property. Unauthorized installations could lead to a breach of lease or loss of your security deposit. Consult the landlord and clarify who pays for additional utility costs.

Summary of Tenant Cooling Rights in Manitoba

In summary, Manitoba law does not make cooling an automatic right, but landlords must ensure your home is safe and habitable. Landlords need to maintain any included air conditioning, repair failing systems, and address unsafe conditions promptly. If your unit becomes dangerously hot, you have the right to request repairs and contact the RTB if needed. For more on your provincial rights and legislation, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Need to move because your home is unsafe or not meeting your needs? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for your next rental opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooling and Rentals

1. Does Manitoba law require landlords to provide air conditioning?
   No, landlords are not legally required to provide air conditioning unless it is specifically included in the lease agreement.
2. What if my apartment is dangerously hot in a heatwave?
   If the heat poses a significant health risk, contact your landlord to address the issue. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the RTB using Form 8.
3. Can I use a window air conditioner in my rental?
   You should always get written permission from your landlord before installing a window AC unit.
4. Who maintains air conditioning if it came with my apartment?
   If air conditioning was part of your rental agreement, the landlord must maintain it in working order, unless your lease says you are responsible.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba: Information, complaint forms, and tenant-landlord dispute resolution.
• Manitoba Consumer Protection and Government Services – Landlord/Tenant Rights
• Official Manitoba RTB Forms
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba
3. Application for Orders (Form 8), RTB 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