Living in Manitoba means tenants may face cold winters and questions about heating, repairs, and safe habitability. This guide helps renters understand their rights and responsibilities, explains when landlords must provide heat, and shows practical steps to request repairs or file for dispute resolution. You will learn what to document, which forms to use, relevant timelines, and how to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help. The tone is plain and supportive so tenants can act confidently when heating fails, pipes freeze, or heating systems are unreliable. If you share a building or have a combined utility agreement, read the sections on shared systems and what to do when landlords delay work.
What the law requires
Landlords in Manitoba must provide and maintain heating so rental units meet basic habitability standards. If heating is inadequate or fails, tenants should notify the landlord in writing and request repairs. For official guidance, forms, and dispute resolution options, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch[1].
When heat is required
- Common areas and individual units must be kept reasonably heated during cold weather to prevent health and safety risks.
- If a lease allocates utility responsibilities, the arrangement must still allow the unit to meet basic heating standards.
- Landlords should not deliberately shut off heat except for urgent repairs and must restore safe conditions promptly.
How to request repairs and document problems
Take clear, dated steps so you have a record if the issue escalates. Start with a written request, keep copies, and follow up if repairs are delayed. If a heating failure creates a health or safety risk, tell the landlord immediately and document any impacts (missed work, medical issues, extra heating costs).
- Send a written notice describing the problem, date you first noticed it, and a request for prompt repair; keep a copy for your records.
- Follow up in writing if the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time and ask for an estimated repair date.
- Keep receipts for temporary fixes or emergency heating expenses and a log of communications and repair visits.
If the landlord refuses or delays repairs, tenants may file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch. For information on filing and available forms, see the RTB resources and forms page[3].
Important forms and when to use them
- Application for Dispute Resolution — used to ask the Residential Tenancies Branch to hear the dispute when the landlord wont fix heating. Example: you gave written notice, waited a reasonable time, and still have no heat; file the application to request an order for repairs.
- Written repair notice — a dated written notice to your landlord describing the heating failure and requesting repairs; keep a copy as evidence if you later apply for dispute resolution.
For guidance on health risks tied to heating and safety concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and for routine maintenance responsibilities see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
FAQ
- What should I do if my heater stops working in winter?
- Notify your landlord in writing immediately, request urgent repairs, document the issue with photos and dates, and if repairs do not happen promptly, apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution.
- Can a landlord turn off heat to save on bills?
- No. Landlords cannot shut off heat in a way that makes a unit uninhabitable; if a tenants unit becomes unsafe or unhealthy due to lack of heat, the tenant should follow written notice and dispute resolution steps.
- How long must a landlord take to fix heating?
- There is no fixed single time for every situation; reasonable time depends on the severity. For urgent lack of heat in cold weather, repairs should be completed quickly. If delays occur, document them and use the RTB application process.
How-To
- Write a clear dated notice to your landlord describing the heating problem and request an immediate repair; keep a copy.
- Allow reasonable access for repair people and record the date and time of each visit or missed appointment.
- If repairs are not made in a reasonable time, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and include your documentation.
- If you need temporary alternative housing, search options and consider "Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme" to find nearby listings while repairs are arranged.
Key Takeaways
- Document heating problems with dates, photos, and written notices to build strong evidence.
- Start with a written request to your landlord and escalate to the Residential Tenancies Branch if repairs are delayed.
- Use official RTB resources for forms and filing; contact the branch for procedural help.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch - Government of Manitoba
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Manitoba Housing and Homelessness
