If your rental unit in Manitoba has been broken into, you may be worried about safety, damaged locks, or stolen belongings. As a tenant, you have rights to reasonable security and timely repairs, and landlords have duties to secure entry points, repair damage, and restore habitability. This guide explains practical steps you can take after a break-in: documenting the scene, notifying police and your landlord, asking for urgent repairs or lock changes, and when to apply for dispute resolution if the landlord does not act. It also points to the official Residential Tenancies resources and forms in Manitoba, outlines timelines to expect, and explains how to keep clear records to protect your rights and safety.
What landlords must do after a break-in
Landlords are responsible for maintaining a reasonable level of security and habitability in rental units. In Manitoba the Residential Tenancies Branch offers information and can intervene in disputes; tenants can contact the Branch for guidance and to file applications.Residential Tenancies Branch[1]
- Secure or replace damaged locks, doors and windows promptly to restore safety.
- Repair broken windows, doors, or other damage that affects habitability.
- Preserve evidence by allowing tenants to photograph damage and provide documentation.
- Communicate with tenants about steps being taken and provide a contact for updates.
What you should do as a tenant
Follow safety first: call police for criminal matters, get medical help if needed, then document and notify your landlord in writing. Keep copies of every message, photo and receipt. If the landlord does not act, you may apply for dispute resolution with the provincial body that handles tenancy matters.
- Call emergency services if anyone is injured and report the break-in to police.
- Take photos and make an itemized list of damage and missing items as evidence.
- Send a written repair request to your landlord (email or text alone may be fine, but keep copies).
- If you feel unsafe, ask the landlord for immediate lock changes or temporary security measures.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Branch for a remedy.
Official forms and how to use them
Manitoba provides specific forms and an application process for tenancy disputes. Below are the most relevant items tenants commonly use after a break-in.
- Application for Dispute Resolution — use this form to ask the Residential Tenancies Branch to hear a dispute about repairs, security, or compensation. Example: you asked the landlord to replace locks and submit repair requests in writing but nothing was fixed after a reasonable period; submit this application to request an order for repairs and possible reimbursement. Access forms and filing instructions[3]
- Written repair request (no special government form required) — always send a dated message asking for fixes, keep the copy, and note when repairs are needed to show timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must act to restore security and habitability after a break-in.
- Document damage, keep records, and communicate in writing to protect your rights.
- If the landlord won’t act, apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution.
FAQ
- Do landlords have to change locks after a break-in?
- Yes, landlords are generally required to take reasonable steps to secure the rental unit; changing locks or repairing entry points is commonly expected to restore safety.
- How quickly must repairs happen?
- Repairs that affect safety or habitability should be done promptly; what is reasonable depends on the issue, but emergency matters such as broken locks or windows should be addressed right away.
- Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not fix security issues?
- Withholding rent is risky and not usually recommended; instead document the problem, request repairs in writing and apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for an order if needed.
How-To
- Contact police and prioritize personal safety immediately after the incident.
- Document the scene with photos, an itemized list of damage, and gather witness or police report information.
- Send a dated written repair request to your landlord asking for lock changes and repairs and keep a copy.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, complete and file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Seek local supports for temporary safety if needed and consider tenant advice services for help with the process.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Branch forms and filing information
