Can my landlord do random inspections for cleanliness in Manitoba?

No. Landlords must give at least 24-hour written notice and have a health, safety, or repair reason. Random or overly frequent checks are not allowed.

What can I do if my landlord enters without permission?

You should document the incident and contact the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch. You may file a complaint if your rights are violated.

Are landlords allowed to set a housekeeping schedule?

No, landlords in Manitoba cannot set arbitrary cleaning schedules or conduct inspections for general tidiness unless there's a valid health or safety concern.

What forms are used for cleanliness or inspection reports?

The Move-In/Move-Out Condition Report (Form RTB-27) is used for documenting the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out.

Landlord Cleanliness Inspections: Tenant Rights in Manitoba

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Manitoba published: June 20, 2025

Many tenants in Manitoba wonder whether their landlord can enter their unit for a cleanliness inspection. Understanding your rights ensures your home remains private, safe, and free from unnecessary disruptions. This article breaks down what the law says, how landlords should handle inspections, and the steps you can take if you have concerns.

Can a Landlord Inspect for Cleanliness in Manitoba?

Under Manitoba law, landlords have the right to access your rental unit for certain reasons, including inspecting the state of repair or health and safety. However, there are specific rules they must follow—and they cannot enter your rental property simply at will or for reasons outside of legal parameters.

Cleanliness concerns are usually addressed in two ways:

Routine Inspections: To ensure the unit meets basic health and safety standards.
Complaint-Driven Inspections: If there’s evidence your unit may pose a health risk (e.g., pests, mold, hoarding).

Your Right to Privacy and Proper Notice

The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) protects your right to quiet enjoyment and privacy in your rental home¹. Landlords must:

Give at least 24-hour written notice, stating the date, time, and reason for entry
Enter only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless you agree otherwise
Limit inspections to reasonable frequency

If your landlord wishes to conduct a cleanliness inspection, it should be because of a legitimate concern—such as risks to health or the building’s condition—not just a desire to check how tidy you are.

What Are Landlords Looking For?

During inspections, landlords are generally checking for:

Mold, excessive clutter, or situations that could attract pests
Fire hazards or blocked exits
Conditions that break municipal by-laws or health regulations

Any action taken must be reasonable and with proper notice. If the concern is related to your health or safety, refer to Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information on your obligations and protections.

Remember: General untidiness is usually not enough for a landlord to issue warnings or enter your unit. The issue should affect health, safety, or property maintenance.

Inspections at Move-in and Move-out

In Manitoba, landlords and tenants are encouraged to complete a move-in and move-out inspection report. These are not specifically for cleanliness but focus on the overall condition of the unit before and after your tenancy.

For a detailed guide, visit Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

What Happens If There Are Cleanliness Issues?

If the landlord finds a cleanliness issue that threatens health or safety, they may issue a written notice to remedy the problem. If you don’t act within a reasonable time, the landlord may contact the Residential Tenancies Branch, the official body handling rental disputes in Manitoba.

Tenant and landlord responsibilities regarding cleanliness and maintenance are outlined in the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

Required Forms and How to Respond

Move-In/Move-Out Condition Report (Form RTB-27): Used at the start and end of your tenancy to document unit condition.
Download from Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch
Example: When moving in, you and your landlord fill this out together. It protects both parties if there are claims related to cleanliness or damage at the end of the lease.
Notice to Enter (no standard number): Landlord provides at least 24 hours’ written notice for inspections. Should state the reason for entry.
Sample Notice from Official Government Source
Example: If you receive one that doesn’t specify a reason, or gives less than 24 hours, you may challenge it with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

What If You Disagree With a Cleanliness Inspection?

If you believe your landlord has entered without proper notice, or is requesting unreasonably frequent or intrusive inspections, you can:

Discuss your concerns directly with your landlord in writing
File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch
Use the Branch’s Resolution Process to address disputes

Summary: Manitoba tenants have strong rights to privacy. Inspections for cleanliness are allowed, but only with proper cause and notice, and should never be used to harass tenants.

For more information about broader tenant and landlord rights and regulations specific to the province, review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page.

Looking for a safe new home, or want to compare your options? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord do random inspections for cleanliness?
No. In Manitoba, landlords cannot conduct random inspections. They must provide 24 hours’ written notice and have a legitimate reason, such as health or safety concerns.
What should I do if my landlord enters my unit without permission?
Document the incident and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch. You may have grounds to file a complaint if your privacy has been violated.
Are regular housekeeping inspections allowed?
Landlords may inspect for repair, health, or safety issues, but cannot set an arbitrary cleaning schedule or inspect only for tidiness without a valid concern.
What forms are used for inspections?
The most common form is the Move-In/Move-Out Condition Report (Form RTB-27). Landlords should also provide written notice before any inspection.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Landlords can inspect rental units in Manitoba for health, safety, or repair reasons, but must give at least 24-hour written notice.
General cleanliness checks require a legitimate cause and cannot be arbitrary or harassing.
If you feel your privacy is being violated, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for support.

If you want to learn more about tenant obligations or your rights during the tenancy, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): Tenant dispute resolution, forms, and legal information
Phone: (204) 945-2476 or Toll-free in Manitoba: 1-800-782-8403
Local tenant advocacy groups and legal clinics may offer assistance with inspections or privacy disputes.
Always consult official guidance if you’re unsure of your rights.