Filing a Group Tenant Complaint in Manitoba: Guide & Steps

If you're a tenant in Manitoba experiencing the same issue as other tenants in your building—like delayed repairs, rent increases, or poor maintenance—you have the right to file a group complaint. This process can help strengthen your case and streamline dispute resolution. Understanding the steps, forms, and your rights under Manitoba law is essential to protecting yourself and advancing a fair solution.

What Is a Group Tenant Complaint?

A group complaint allows several tenants facing similar problems—such as ongoing repair delays, maintenance concerns, or illegal rent increases—to make a single complaint together to the official body responsible for residential tenancies in Manitoba. This approach is often more effective than submitting separate individual complaints.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Manitoba?

All rental disputes in Manitoba are managed by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). The RTB is the official provincial tribunal for tenant-landlord issues and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

When Should You File a Group Complaint?

Consider making a group complaint if:

• Two or more tenants have the same issue with the same landlord or property manager
• The problem affects several rental units (for example, lack of heating or common area repairs)
• Your landlord is not responding to repeated requests to address the issue

This can include problems such as:

• No heat or hot water affecting multiple units
• Pest infestations in common areas
• Improper or above-guideline rent increases
• Failure to maintain essential services

How to File a Group Complaint: Step-by-Step

Here's a practical guide to coordinate and file a group complaint in Manitoba:

1. Get Tenant Support and Agree on the Issue

Reach out to your neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same problem. Discuss your complaint and agree on the main issue(s) to include in the application.

2. Gather Documentation and Evidence

• Collect emails, photos, maintenance requests, and any written communication with the landlord related to the problem.
• Prepare a list of tenants involved in the group complaint, including their unit numbers and contact details.

3. Complete the Official RTB Application Form

For most group disputes—such as rent or repair issues—use the “Application for an Order of Possession, Termination of Tenancy, Order to Vacate, or Compensation” (RTB Form). Include an attachment with the names and signatures of all tenants joining the group application.

• Form Name: RTB Application for an Order (no assigned number as of 2024)
• When to use: If you want the RTB to order repairs, compensation, or other remedies for a group of tenants
• Download the official form here: Application for an Order (RTB)

4. Submit the Application to the RTB

You can submit your completed application and attachments by mail, fax, or in person at any RTB office location. There is a fee to file most types of applications; check the RTB's fee schedule before submitting.

5. Prepare for the RTB Hearing

The RTB may schedule a hearing for your group complaint. All tenants listed can attend, provide evidence, and speak at the hearing. The decision will be based on the evidence for the group as a whole.

For more information on addressing common tenant issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Tips for a Strong Group Complaint

• Make sure all tenants understand the application and agree to participate
• Keep detailed records of your communications with the landlord
• Present clear, collective evidence—such as maintenance requests affecting everyone

If your issue relates to building safety or health, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For a detailed look at tenant and landlord rights in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Need to find a new place or compare rental options? Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions: Group Tenant Complaints in Manitoba

1. Can my landlord retaliate against me for joining a group complaint?
   No, Manitoba law protects tenants from retaliation for asserting their legal rights, including joining a group complaint with the RTB.
2. How many tenants must be involved for it to be considered a group complaint?
   Usually two or more tenants with similar complaints about the same landlord or property manager may file together.
3. Is there a fee for submitting a group complaint to the RTB?
   Yes, but the filing fee is per application, not per person. Tenants can share this cost.
4. Can a tenant join a group complaint after it’s been filed?
   Generally no; all participating tenants should be listed on the application before submission. Late additions may require submitting a new application.
5. If our complaint is successful, will the remedy apply to all group members?
   Yes, decisions and orders by the RTB resulting from a group complaint generally apply to all tenants named in the application.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• A group complaint is an effective way for multiple Manitoba tenants to address shared rental issues together.
• Document all problems and submit a complete, signed application with clear evidence to the RTB.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch is there to help tenants resolve disputes fairly and according to Manitoba law.

Remember: Working together with other tenants increases your ability to hold landlords accountable and resolve ongoing problems in your building.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Guide to forms, complaint process, and tenant rights
• RTB Contact Information (phone, in-person offices)
• Legal Aid Manitoba – Free legal advice for eligible tenants
• Manitoba Family Services – Tenant Assistance
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba (summary of Manitoba tenant-law basics)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Government of Manitoba
3. Manitoba RTB Forms

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