Is Tenant Harassment Legal in Manitoba?

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Manitoba 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

Tenant harassment is a serious issue faced by many renters in Manitoba. The province provides a legal framework to protect tenants from such conduct, ensuring that your rights as a renter are upheld. In this article, we will explore the laws surrounding tenant harassment in Manitoba and provide you with the necessary guidance on how to address it.

What Constitutes Tenant Harassment?

Tenant harassment can take many forms, including repeated inconveniences caused by the landlord, inappropriate demands, or even unlawful eviction threats. Such actions violate a tenant's right to peaceful enjoyment of their home.

Examples of Tenant Harassment

  • Frequent, unnecessary visits by the landlord
  • Unjustified eviction notices or threats
  • Verbal abuse or intimidation
  • Withholding essential services like heat or water
Keep a running log of every harassment incident: dates, times, what happened, and any messages or witnesses. Save letters, texts, emails, and voicemails, and bring them when you file with the RTB or consult a tenant advocate.
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Legal Protections Against Harassment in Manitoba

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba, landlords are prohibited from engaging in any form of conduct that interferes with a tenant's reasonable peace, defense, and enjoyment of their rental property. If you believe you are being harassed, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) offers support and is the authoritative body to handle such disputes.

How to File a Complaint

  1. Document all instances of harassment, including dates, times, and descriptions.
  2. Attempt to resolve the issue by communicating with your landlord.
  3. If unresolved, file a formal complaint with the RTB using their Contact Form available on their official website.
When you file a complaint, attach the documented evidence and a brief timeline; RTB will review your submission and may schedule a hearing or mediation to resolve the issue.

Additional Resources and Steps

For more detailed guidance on your rights, you might also consider the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba. This can provide you with specific measures for maintaining your rights as a tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is considered harassment by a landlord? Actions such as unnecessary visits, verbal intimidation, or any behavior that disrupts your reasonable enjoyment of your rental unit can be classified as harassment.
  2. How do I prove landlord harassment? It is essential to keep detailed records, including dates, times, and any correspondence that may support your claims.
  3. Can a landlord legally evict me in Manitoba during alleged harassment? A landlord must follow proper legal procedures and cannot use harassment as a means to evict a tenant unjustifiably.
Proving harassment often hinges on consistent patterns. Keep witness statements or third-party notes and preserve relevant communications as evidence you can present to the RTB or a lawyer.

How To: Address Tenant Harassment

  1. Step 1: Document Incidents - Keep a comprehensive record of all harassment incidents, including dates, times, and evidence.
  2. Step 2: Communicate with the Landlord - Attempt a resolution by discussing the issues openly.
  3. Step 3: File a Formal Complaint - Use the RTB contact form and provide your documented evidence.
If harassment continues after filing, seek additional help from a tenant advocate or the RTB for further steps and keep documenting every incident.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenant harassment is illegal under Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act.
  • Document all instances of harassment, as this is key to resolving disputes.
  • Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for assistance if harassment continues.
Example: Prepare a one-page timeline listing dates, events, and outcomes to accompany your RTB filing or mediation request.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you're experiencing harassment or need further support, consider reaching out to the following resources:

1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
3. RTB Contact Form

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Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell

Senior Housing Rights Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Sarah has spent over a decade researching tenant legislation across Western Canada, with a particular focus on British Columbia and Alberta. She holds a certificate in Housing Policy from Simon Fraser University and has contributed to several housing advocacy organizations.

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