Is Your Rent Increase Legal? Manitoba Tenant Guide

Facing a rent increase can be stressful for any tenant in Manitoba, especially if you're not sure whether it follows the law. Understanding your rights, the process your landlord must follow, and what to do if a rent hike seems unfair can help you feel confident and secure in your home. This guide covers key rules, official forms, and action steps so you can check if your rent increase is legal and know what to do next.

How Manitoba Regulates Rent Increases

Most residential rentals in Manitoba are protected by rent control. This means there are strict rules about how much, when, and how often your landlord can increase the rent.

Who Is Covered (and Who Isn’t)

Most apartments, houses, shared homes, and condos are covered by Manitoba's rent increase rules. However, some rentals—like those built and occupied after March 7, 2005, or certain cooperative and non-profit housing—may be exempt from rent control. Always check your situation if you're unsure.

Annual Rent Increase Guideline

Manitoba sets a rent increase guideline each year. For 2024, the guideline is 3.0%¹. Landlords cannot increase your rent by more than this amount unless they receive approval from the Residential Tenancies Branch for a higher increase due to specific reasons, such as major renovations.

Proper Notice of Rent Increase

Landlords must provide written notice at least three months in advance before the rent increase takes effect. This gives tenants time to plan or consider their options.

• The notice must state the new rental amount and the date it starts.
• Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months.

If you have questions about your rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Official Forms and Documents Used in Manitoba

All rent increases must be provided to tenants on the official Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB - 8).

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-8)
  • When used: Landlords must use this form to give tenants official notice of a rent increase.
  • How it's used: Landlord fills out and delivers the form to the tenant at least three months before the new rent takes effect.
  • Download the official Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-8)
  • Example: If your lease renews on July 1, your landlord must give you this form no later than March 31.

What If My Rent Increase Is Over the Guideline?

If your landlord wants to raise your rent more than the guideline amount, they must first apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for approval. Tenants should receive notice about any application and have an opportunity to comment or object.

How to Check If Your Rent Increase Is Legal

Follow these steps to protect your rights and assess if your rent increase is legal:

• Check the date on your rent increase notice. Is it at least three months before the new rate starts?
• Verify the rent increase amount. For 2024, the increase can't be more than 3.0% unless the landlord received an exemption.
• Confirm that your rent hasn't increased in the last 12 months.
• Was the official Form RTB-8 used? If not, ask your landlord to use the correct form.
• If you think the increase breaks the rules, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for advice or to file a complaint.

Understanding these steps can also help you with other rent-related issues—read Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more details on your rights and responsibilities.

What to Do If You Disagree with the Rent Increase

If your landlord hasn't followed the law, or you believe your increase is too high, you can:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch directly for help.
• Submit a written objection within the deadline given in the rent increase notice or RTB-8 form.
• Ask for a rent reduction review if you believe the increase is unjustified.
• Keep copies of all communications and forms.

For the most up-to-date tenant and landlord rights across Manitoba, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Where to Get More Rental Information

Knowledge about rent increases goes hand-in-hand with other tenant responsibilities. For paying rent, understanding deposits, your obligations, and moving out, check the helpful guides and resources on our site.

You can also Browse apartments for rent in Canada using interactive search tools, reviews, and more on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Increases in Manitoba

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give before increasing rent?
   In most cases, your landlord must give you at least three months' written notice using the official RTB-8 form.
2. Can my landlord raise the rent by more than the guideline?
   Only if the Residential Tenancies Branch gives them approval after an application process—and you should receive notice and a chance to respond.
3. What should I do if I believe my rent increase is not legal?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch, do not pay the increased amount, and prepare to file a complaint using the information on your notice.
4. Are all rental properties in Manitoba regulated under rent control?
   No. Some newer buildings, non-profits, or cooperatives may be exempt. Check your tenancy type if you are unsure.
5. Can my landlord increase rent more than once a year?
   No. Rent in Manitoba can only be increased once every 12 months for the same tenancy.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Most rent increases in Manitoba are capped at the government guideline (3.0% for 2024).
• Written notice using the correct form and given three months early is required.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if something doesn’t seem right—resources are available to help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba – official government resource for tenant-landlord disputes and forms.
• General rent guidelines and legal information: Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba).
• Download all RTB forms and documents: Manitoba Residential Tenancies Forms.
• For province-wide rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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1. 2024 Rent Increase Guideline – Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) – See sections on rent increases
3. Residential Tenancies Branch forms library

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