How Renovations Can Affect Rent for Tenants in Manitoba

Renovations can be stressful for Manitoba tenants, especially if you're worried about changes to your rent or your living situation. Understanding your rights and what landlords are allowed to do can help you make informed decisions and protect your home. This article explains how renovations affect rent, what the law says, and the steps to take if you're affected.

Who Oversees Rental Renovations in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) oversees landlord and tenant rights, including situations involving renovations. The main law that applies is the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[1].

Can Your Landlord Renovate Your Rental?

Yes, landlords are allowed to perform renovations, repairs, or upgrades on a rental unit. However, landlords must give tenants written notice before entering for renovations (usually at least 24 hours' notice) unless it's an emergency. Construction must also follow health and safety standards.

Your Rights During Renovations

• You do not have to move out unless the renovations make your unit unsafe or unlivable.
• If you are temporarily displaced, your landlord may be responsible for covering relocation and moving costs.
• Work must comply with health and safety regulations. If you feel your living situation is hazardous, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Tenants should be given clear information about the work being done, timelines, and how the landlord will minimize disruption.

How Do Renovations Affect Rent Increases?

One of the most common concerns is whether landlords can raise your rent after renovations. In Manitoba, there are specific rules about when and how much rent can increase—especially after major improvements.

• Most rent increases must follow the annual rent increase guideline set by the Manitoba government, unless the landlord receives special approval.
• Landlords can apply to the RTB for an above-guideline rent increase if they've made significant improvements (e.g., new windows, roofing, major system upgrades).
• The RTB reviews applications to ensure increases are fair and justified based on actual costs of improvements.

Understanding Above-Guideline Rent Increases

If a landlord wants to increase your rent above the guideline due to renovations, they must:

• Apply to the RTB for approval using the official Application for an Order Approving a Rent Increase Above the Guideline (Form 3)
• Provide detailed documentation about the improvements and their costs
• Give you written notice and the right to comment or object on the application

For tenants, this means you can review the landlord’s reasoning and submit your side to the RTB before any decision is made. Learn what to expect during this process in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Practical Tenant Example

Imagine your landlord renovates the bathroom and kitchen, then applies to the RTB using Form 3 to increase rent beyond the annual guideline. You will receive a written notice with details of the improvements. If you believe the proposed increase is too high or the work doesn't benefit you, you can submit your comments or objections in writing to the RTB by the deadline stated in your notice.

• Form Name: Application for an Order Approving a Rent Increase Above the Guideline (Form 3)
• When Used: When a landlord wishes to raise rent more than the government’s annual guideline, usually due to major renovations or capital improvements
• Where to Get It: Official Form 3 (Government of Manitoba)

Eviction and Renovations (“Renoviction”)

Landlords cannot evict tenants just because they want to renovate, unless the renovations are so major that it requires the tenant to move out permanently. Strict rules govern these “renovictions” in Manitoba.

• Written notice is required—usually at least five months in advance if ending the tenancy for major renovations.^[1]
• The landlord must use Notice to Terminate Tenancy for Material Changes—Form 10 (or similar RTB-approved form).
• You have the right to dispute a notice with the RTB.
• Eviction for minor or cosmetic renovations is not allowed.

Protecting Yourself During Renovations

Keep written records of all communications with your landlord. Before and after renovations, documenting the condition of your unit is important. For more about this process, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you are considering relocating during lengthy renovations.

Want more Manitoba details, including deposits, lease rights, and more? See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

FAQs: Manitoba Renovations and Rents

1. Can my landlord increase the rent right after renovations?
   Not automatically. Rent increases after renovations in Manitoba must either follow the annual guideline or be approved as an “above-guideline” increase by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
2. What can I do if renovations make my unit unlivable?
   If renovations make your home unsafe or unlivable, you may be entitled to temporary accommodation or a rent reduction. Report concerns to your landlord and the RTB immediately.
3. Do I have to move out during renovations?
   You only need to move out if the renovations require the unit to be vacant for safety or structural reasons, and the landlord follows specific notice rules. Minor renovations do not require you to leave.
4. How much notice is required for renovations or eviction?
   For major renovations ending in eviction, at least five months’ written notice is required. For simple entry for repairs, usually 24 hours’ notice is needed.
5. Can I dispute a rent increase or ‘renoviction’?
   Yes. You can object to a rent increase above the guideline or dispute a renovation-related eviction notice by submitting your case to the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Renovations do not remove your tenant rights or allow automatic rent hikes—proper process must be followed.
• Major rent increases and evictions for renovations require approval and notice through the RTB.
• Understand the forms and timelines—respond quickly if you wish to dispute an action.

In short, knowledge is your strongest tool as a tenant when facing renovations. Your home and rights matter—don’t hesitate to reach out for help or clarification when you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Inquiries, complaints, official forms, and dispute resolution.
• Manitoba Tenant Information Services – Advice and advocacy for renters.
• RTB Forms and Resources
• Local tenant support groups or community legal clinics

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
3. RTB Forms and Resources

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