Insurance When Renovating a Manitoba Rental

Renovating a rental unit raises important questions for tenants about insurance, liability and who pays for damage. In Manitoba, renters should understand what tenant insurance covers, what remains the landlord's responsibility, and how liability works if contractors cause damage or injury. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take before, during and after renovations—documenting the condition of the unit, confirming written agreements with landlords and contractors, and checking or buying renter's insurance that includes liability and contents coverage. It also points to the provincial Residential Tenancies resources and common forms so tenants know where to get help and how to file a complaint if something goes wrong.

What insurance covers during renovations

There are two main insurance perspectives to keep in mind: the landlord's property insurance and the tenant's renter's (contents and liability) insurance. Landlord insurance generally covers the building structure and may include liability for common areas, but not the tenant's personal belongings. Tenant insurance (often called renter's insurance) usually protects personal property and covers tenant liability if you or someone working for you accidentally damages the unit or injures someone.

If a contractor hired by the landlord causes damage, the landlord's insurer typically handles the claim; if you hire the contractor, your landlord may expect you to accept responsibility for certain risks. Always confirm who hired the contractor and whether the contractor carries commercial liability insurance and WSIB or equivalent coverage.

Common coverage gaps tenants should check

• Loss of use or temporary accommodation costs if the unit is uninhabitable during major work.
• Deductibles and limits on contents coverage that leave tenants paying out of pocket.
• Damage to landlord-owned systems or structural elements caused by unlicensed or uninsured contractors.
• Gaps where tenant liability is assumed for work the tenant requested but did not properly document.

Before work starts: steps tenants should take

1. Provide written notice and get landlord permission for any tenant-requested changes, and keep a dated copy.
2. Agree on a clear schedule and scope of work that states start and end dates, access times, and clean-up responsibilities.
3. Confirm in writing who will pay for repairs, damage, permits, and any additional fees that arise during the renovation.
4. Ask for contractor proof of insurance, licences and references, and save copies of those documents.
5. Review your renter's insurance policy for liability limits and contents coverage and buy or top up coverage if needed.

During work: protect yourself day-to-day

While work is underway, keep valuables packed and off-site if possible. Keep a running log of any damage or safety issues and notify the landlord immediately in writing. If repairs are urgent or affect habitability, consult official guidance from the Residential Tenancies Branch^[1] about how to request emergency repairs and document the problem.

After work: documenting and claiming

• Take after photos and compare them to your pre-work photos; keep dates on all files.
• Ask for a written completion statement from the contractor and the landlord confirming that agreed repairs were completed.
• If you need to make an insurance claim, submit photos, receipts and correspondence to your insurer promptly.

Insurance and legal help

If you are unsure whether a loss should be covered by a landlord's or your policy, contact your insurer for a written explanation and keep it alongside your records. For disputes about responsibility, the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba guide explains provincial obligations and common examples. For urgent repair or safety issues during renovations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

When searching for alternate rentals during long renovations, a quick way to compare options is to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

Do I need renter's insurance when a rental is being renovated?

Renter's insurance is strongly recommended because it covers your personal belongings and liability; landlord insurance usually does not protect tenant contents.

Who is liable if a contractor damages the unit?

Liability often depends on who hired the contractor. If the landlord hired them, their insurer usually handles claims; if you hired the contractor, you may be liable. Keep written proof of who arranged the work.

Can I file a complaint if the landlord does not arrange proper insurance or repairs?

Yes. You can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for information on filing a dispute and use official forms to start the process^[3]. See the legislation for specific rights and timelines^[2].

How-To

1. Gather existing documents: your lease, photos of the unit, any prior repair requests and insurance policy details.
2. Send a written notice to your landlord describing the planned renovation, proposed dates, and who will do the work.
3. Request proof of contractor insurance and agree in writing who pays for damages, permits, and unexpected repairs.
4. Document daily progress with photos and dated notes and keep receipts for any expenses you incur because of the renovation.
5. If a dispute arises, file the appropriate RTB form and include all your documentation when you seek adjudication.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch - Government of Manitoba
• Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
• RTB forms and guides - Government of Manitoba

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch - Government of Manitoba
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (C.C.S.M. c. R119)
3. [3] RTB forms and guides - Government of Manitoba