Landlord and Tenant Board: Manitoba Tenants’ Guide

If you're a tenant in Manitoba, knowing where to turn for help with rental problems—like repairs, rent increases, or concerns about eviction—can make all the difference. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Manitoba, officially called the Residential Tenancies Branch, is your main resource for resolving disputes and understanding your rights under Manitoba law. Let’s break down how the Board works and how you can use its services.

Who Oversees Tenants’ Rights in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) acts as the official tribunal for all residential rental housing matters. The RTB administers and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), providing a fair process for tenants and landlords to address concerns about rent, repairs, security deposits, evictions, and more.^[1]

What the Residential Tenancies Branch Does

The RTB is responsible for:

• Resolving disputes between tenants and landlords (like complaints about repairs or lease violations)
• Setting guidelines and approving Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know
• Handling applications for orders of possession (evictions) and rent arrears
• Overseeing the return of security deposits
• Providing information on tenant and landlord rights and obligations

For more details on Manitoba-specific rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Common Tenant Issues the Board Handles

The RTB helps with a variety of challenges tenants might face, including:

• Unreasonable rent increases
• Issues with security deposits
• Repairs and maintenance problems
• Evictions or threats of eviction
• Disagreements about lease terms

If you need to report health and safety issues in your rental, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for guidance about your next steps.

Key Forms and When to Use Them

• Application for an Order of Possession (Form 1)
• When to use: If your landlord is trying to evict you, the landlord must apply for an Order of Possession using this form. If you receive notice of this application, you can file an objection or claim a defense.
• Where to find it: Order of Possession Form – Manitoba RTB
• Application for Resolving Other Issues (Form 3)
• When to use: For disputes about repairs, withheld deposits, or breaches of the lease. For example, if your landlord doesn’t address necessary repairs, you can file this application.
• Where to find it: Application for Dispute Resolution – Manitoba RTB
• Request for Mediation (Optional form)
• When to use: Before a formal hearing, mediation offers a less formal way to settle disputes.
• Where to find it: Request for Mediation – Manitoba RTB

How Does the Board Process Work?

Anyone—tenant or landlord—can apply to the RTB. The general steps are:

• Fill out the appropriate application form online or at a local RTB office.
• Submit your form (with supporting evidence, such as photos or correspondence).
• The RTB sets a date for a mediation or hearing, where both sides can present their case.
• The Branch issues an order (a legally binding decision).

For in-depth advice on your mutual responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Understanding Your Legal Protections

Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act outlines rules on rent, eviction, deposits, repairs, and much more. This legislation ensures that tenants have basic legal protections and must be followed by all landlords. If you're unsure about certain provisions, reviewing the Act can clarify your rights.

What Tenants Should Do When Facing Issues

If you believe your rights under Manitoba's law are being ignored—whether it's an illegal rent increase, unfair deposit deduction, or a lack of essential repairs—your first step should be to gather evidence (like emails, written notices, or photographs). Then, contact the RTB for advice or file the necessary application.

You can also find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re considering a move or need alternatives.

FAQs – Manitoba Landlord and Tenant Board

1. What should I do if my landlord wants to evict me without proper notice?
   If you receive an eviction notice that doesn’t follow the legal process, immediately contact the RTB and consider formally disputing the eviction using the relevant form.
2. How can I dispute a rent increase that seems too high?
   The RTB reviews rent increases and can determine if they’re reasonable. You can challenge the increase by submitting an application before the effective date.
3. Can I request repairs through the Board?
   Yes, if your landlord is not completing required repairs, file an "Application for Resolving Other Issues" to seek an order for repairs to be done.
4. Where can I find information about my specific tenant rights?
   Up-to-date rights and rules for Manitoba tenants are summarized on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
5. How soon will I get a decision after my hearing?
   It depends on case complexity, but decisions are usually issued within a few weeks after the hearing or mediation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• The Residential Tenancies Branch is the main authority for tenant-landlord disputes in Manitoba.
• Use official RTB forms to challenge evictions, rent increases, and repair issues.
• Check the Residential Tenancies Act or contact the Branch for details on your rights.

Being proactive and informed helps protect your home and peace of mind as a tenant in Manitoba.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch – Manitoba: Official info, forms, and dispute resolution
• Phone: 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg), 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free Manitoba)
• Email: rtb@gov.mb.ca
• Manitoba Tenants’ Rights and Advocacy: See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for more details

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Government of Manitoba

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy