How to Check if Your Landlord is Licensed in Manitoba

Wondering whether your landlord is properly licensed in Manitoba? For tenants across the province, knowing a landlord’s compliance with provincial rental regulations is essential for your peace of mind and security. This guide explains how to check if a landlord is licensed, the importance of licensing, and what to do if you discover your landlord may not be compliant. We also provide links to resources, relevant legislation, and practical steps you can take as a Manitoba tenant.

Do Landlords in Manitoba Need a License?

Unlike some provinces and cities, Manitoba currently does not require a dedicated “landlord licence” or registration for most residential landlords. However, landlords must follow strict rules under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) of Manitoba, and certain municipal governments (such as the City of Winnipeg) require landlords to register specific types of properties (like rooming houses or apartment blocks) for safety and health reasons.

What Regulations Apply to Landlords?

• Landlords must comply with all provincial health and safety standards.
• Some municipalities require property registrations or business permits.
• Landlord obligations are enforced by the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba.
• Special licensing rules may apply for care homes, rooming houses, or short-term rentals.

For a breakdown of key rights and responsibilities affecting both landlords and tenants in Manitoba, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

How to Verify a Landlord’s Status in Manitoba

There is no central, province-wide landlord licensing list. But you can take several steps to verify whether a landlord or rental unit is operating legally and meeting compliance:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Call or email the RTB with the rental address to request any compliance history or confirm registration of large rental properties. Official site: Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.
• Check with Your Municipality: If renting in Winnipeg or another major city, check with city hall or their website to see if your rental type needs special registration (e.g., rooming houses).
• Ask to See Required Certificates: For properties that must be registered, you’re entitled to request proof that the landlord has complied with local regulations.

Always confirm that your rental meets local health and safety standards. If you notice issues with fire exits, pests, or property maintenance, you may have grounds to file a complaint or request an inspection—learn more in our guide on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What About Care Homes or Special Rentals?

Certain types of rentals, such as personal care homes or supportive housing, require specific provincial licensing and annual inspections. If you are living in one of these, always:

• Request to see the most recent inspection certificate or licence
• Contact Manitoba Health or your local health authority to check compliance

Regular apartments, houses, and condos usually do not require a landlord licence, but they must follow the RTA and local bylaws.

What Forms Are Relevant for Tenants?

While there is no specific “Landlord Licence Check” form, tenants in Manitoba have access to important dispute and information forms through the RTB:

• Request for Information (RTB Form): Use this to request official information from the RTB about your rental or landlord where compliance or registration is relevant.
  Practical example: You moved into a rooming house and want to ensure it’s registered as required – submit this form with your address details.
  Download forms from the Government of Manitoba.
• Tenant’s Application for Orders (RTB Form 2): If you have concerns about landlord compliance and it impacts your tenancy (such as unsafe conditions), you can use this form to ask the RTB to enforce repairs or other orders.
  Practical example: If there is an unresolved safety issue due to lack of legal property registration, file RTB Form 2.
  Access Tenant Application Forms.

Who Regulates Landlords in Manitoba?

All rental housing in Manitoba falls under the authority of the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). The RTB:

• Handles tenant-landlord disputes
• Investigates complaints about non-compliance or unsafe properties
• Issues official orders and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act

For additional help understanding legal obligations, see our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If You Suspect Your Landlord Isn’t Compliant

If you believe your rental isn’t properly registered or your landlord is not following Manitoba laws:

• Document any unsafe or non-compliant conditions (photos, emails, etc.)
• Contact the RTB and municipal authorities to report issues
• Submit a Request for Information or a formal complaint using RTB forms
• Review your rights and all options before taking action

Why Licensing and Compliance Matter

Renting from a compliant, rule-abiding landlord ensures your own rights are respected and reduces the risk of sudden eviction, unexpected repairs, or health and safety hazards. Tenant protection relies on landlords upholding the law.

Looking for a New, Safe Rental?

Ready to move? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings so you can find secure, legal homes across Manitoba or anywhere in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is landlord licensing mandatory in all parts of Manitoba? No, a province-wide landlord licence is not mandatory. However, some municipalities and special property types (such as rooming houses) require registration or local permits.
2. Can I check if my landlord is registered or compliant? Yes. Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch or your city’s property registry. You may also request documents directly from your landlord.
3. What if I discover my landlord isn’t compliant? Notify the Residential Tenancies Branch and your local municipality right away; you may have grounds for complaint or official intervention.
4. Does a lack of landlord licence affect my lease? Even if a landlord is not registered, your rights as a tenant are still protected under the Residential Tenancies Act. Illegal evictions or retaliation are not allowed.
5. Are tenants responsible if a landlord fails to register? No. Tenants are never responsible for landlord licensing or property registration obligations.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Manitoba does not require a universal landlord licence, but municipal and special requirements may apply.
• Always contact the Residential Tenancies Branch or your city hall to verify property compliance or report concerns.
• Your tenant rights are enforced by the Residential Tenancies Branch, even if your landlord is found non-compliant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – dispute resolution, information requests, and complaint forms
• City of Winnipeg Rooming House Licensing – for tenants in Winnipeg rooming houses
• Provincial Tenant Support Contacts – phone, email, and office locations
• For complete rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Government: Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba
3. City Licensing: Winnipeg Rooming House Licensing

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