How to Add Someone to Your Lease Agreement in Manitoba

If you’re renting in Manitoba and want to add another occupant—such as a roommate or partner—to your existing lease, it’s important to follow the right legal process. Whether you plan a long-term arrangement or just want to ensure everyone is protected, properly updating your lease helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear. This guide explains how Manitoba tenants can add someone to their lease and which official steps and forms are required.

Understanding Lease Changes Under Manitoba Law

In Manitoba, residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act¹. Changes to a tenancy agreement, including adding a new tenant, generally need written consent from both the landlord and all current tenants. Making these changes ensures everyone listed on the agreement understands their rights and obligations, and it informs the landlord who is occupying the unit. For official guidance, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the authority handling rental housing matters in Manitoba. Visit the Residential Tenancies Branch for up-to-date forms and advice.

Who Can You Add to Your Lease?

You can add other adults to your lease as either a co-tenant or an approved occupant. Co-tenants share full legal responsibility for the tenancy, while additional occupants may not have the same rights under the lease unless officially added. Always clarify the status of the new person with your landlord and in the written amendment process.

Steps to Add a Person to Your Lease in Manitoba

Here’s a concise walkthrough of the process. Adding someone without following proper procedure could lead to issues with your tenancy, so be sure to work with your landlord and inform the Residential Tenancies Branch if needed.

• Talk to your landlord first: Explain why you want to add someone and whether they will be a co-tenant or occupant.
• Get everyone’s written agreement: All parties—current tenants, the landlord, and the new person—should agree in writing.
• Use the required forms: The RTB has a standard form for lease amendments:

• Form: Request to Amend a Tenancy Agreement – Residential
• When to use: When you need to change the lease, such as adding or removing a tenant
• Example: You and your landlord complete the form together, listing the new tenant’s name and details, then sign and date it

After submitting the form and receiving written confirmation from your landlord, the agreement is officially updated. The landlord may require a new reference check or proof of identification for the prospective tenant.

Landlord’s Right to Approve or Deny

Landlords in Manitoba cannot unreasonably refuse a request to add an occupant but may have valid grounds for denial (such as limits on occupancy or concerns about the new tenant’s background). If you feel your request was unfairly refused, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for assistance or dispute resolution.

If possible, always keep copies of any communications and signed forms for your records. This helps avoid disputes later.

What Happens After the Lease is Amended?

Once the new person is officially added as a tenant, their name and contact information become part of the rental agreement. They assume the same rights and responsibilities as the other tenants.

This means all tenants:

• Are jointly responsible for paying rent on time
• Must comply with rules set out by the Residential Tenancies Branch
• Share obligations for property condition and damages

If you’re unsure about your ongoing responsibilities, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand Manitoba’s expectations for both parties.

Other Important Considerations

• Security deposits: If you add a new tenant, your landlord may request an updated deposit amount to cover the extra occupant. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Rental insurance: Check if your current policy needs updating when another person joins your household.
• Communication: All new and existing tenants should stay informed about changes to the agreement and ongoing tenancy matters.

Before you move forward, you may want to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare options, or if a lease update isn’t suitable for your situation.

For more information about tenant protections in Manitoba, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add someone to my lease?
   Yes, in Manitoba you must always obtain written consent from your landlord before adding someone to a lease agreement.
2. Can my landlord increase the rent if I add a new tenant?
   Your landlord may request a rent increase at the next legal opportunity if the agreement allows, but they cannot immediately raise rent solely due to an added tenant. Rent increases must comply with the law and notice requirements.
3. What happens if my landlord refuses to add my roommate?
   If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you may file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch for mediation or a hearing.
4. Is there a fee to change the lease?
   No, there are no mandatory government fees for amending a lease to add a tenant in Manitoba, though your landlord may require a new deposit if occupancy increases.

Key Takeaways

• Always get landlord approval and use the proper RTB amendment form when adding someone to your lease.
• Once added, the new tenant shares equal legal responsibilities and rights under Manitoba law.
• If in doubt or you face refusal, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help or dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) — The official board handling rental disputes, tenant queries, and forms in Manitoba
• RTB Forms and Applications — Download lease amendment and other tenant/landlord forms
• Manitoba Renters’ Hotline — Advocacy, information, and referrals for Manitoba tenants
• Legal Aid Manitoba — Support for tenants needing legal assistance

1. Residential Tenancies Act. Read the Manitoba legislation here.
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Official RTB Website.
3. RTB Lease Amendment Form: Download from Manitoba Government.