Landlord Entry Rules in Manitoba During COVID-19 & Health Orders

Understanding your privacy and your landlord’s right to enter your rental unit is especially important when public health emergencies—like the COVID-19 pandemic—affect day-to-day life in Manitoba. Landlords typically have the right to enter your home under certain conditions, but health orders issued by the province can create new requirements or temporary rules. This article will help you navigate landlord entry rules during COVID-19 or similar health emergencies so you know how your rights and safety are protected.

Landlord Entry Rules in Manitoba: The Basics

In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out when and how a landlord can enter your rental unit. Usually, your landlord can enter only after giving you at least 24 hours' written notice, stating the reason and time for entry. Entry is typically only allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

• Entry can be for repairs, inspections, or to show the unit to prospective tenants.
• No notice is required in emergencies—such as fires or major floods.
• During COVID-19 or health orders, the same legal framework applies, but public health guidance must be followed for everyone’s safety.

Changes During Public Health Emergencies

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitoba’s public health orders may introduce additional restrictions or best practices for landlord entry. For example, the province strongly advised minimizing in-person entry and making virtual arrangements when possible.^[1]

• Landlords should avoid non-essential visits
• Where entry is necessary, all parties must follow public health rules—like distancing and mask use
• You can ask your landlord to postpone entry if you are sick or isolating

Your Rights: Privacy, Health, and Safety

Your right to privacy is protected by law, but so is the responsibility to cooperate with essential repairs or safety checks. Health emergencies may also engage Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Both tenants and landlords should work together to balance these interests respectfully.

• Your landlord must still provide required notice for entry (except emergencies).
• You have the right to reasonable privacy and security inside your home.
• If you or a household member are at higher risk or isolating, discuss options to delay non-urgent entry.

These rules remain in effect even when special health orders are issued by Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer. Be sure to check official public health orders for the latest updates.

When Entry May Be Denied or Delayed

You can request to postpone your landlord’s entry in the following situations:

• You are isolating due to COVID-19 or a similar contagious illness
• There is an active public health order restricting access to rental units
• Vulnerable residents (elderly, immunocompromised) reside in the unit

However, if the entry is for an emergency repair or an urgent health and safety issue, the landlord is permitted to enter regardless of other considerations. You can learn more about these situations in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Forms and Steps for Tenants: What to Do If Entry Rules Are Not Followed

If you believe your landlord entered your home without proper notice or contrary to health orders, you can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch:

• Form Name: Tenant Complaint Form
  Official source: Manitoba RTB Forms
  When to use: Use this form to report a landlord’s failure to follow entry rules or health guidance.
  Example: Your landlord shows up without notice for a non-emergency, or isn’t following mask requirements during a health order.

Submit the completed form to your local RTB office by mail, email, or in person. The RTB will review the complaint and may investigate or arrange for dispute resolution.^[2]

The Provincial Tribunal

In Manitoba, all disputes about entry, privacy, or health violations in rental units are handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). The Branch offers forms, mediation, and arbitration services to resolve issues.

Safety and Rental Market Tips During Health Orders

During public health emergencies, rental procedures may shift online. For safe and flexible rental options, Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find units with contactless appointments or virtual viewings.

For a summary of Manitoba’s general rental rules and protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice during COVID-19?
   Only in true emergencies. Otherwise, at least 24 hours’ written notice is required—even during a pandemic.
2. What if I am self-isolating or have COVID-19?
   Inform your landlord as soon as possible. Non-urgent entry should be rescheduled, and safety protocols should always be followed for urgent repairs.
3. Can I refuse landlord entry if public health orders are in place?
   You can request to delay entry for non-emergencies, but emergency entry for repairs or safety is still allowed by law.
4. How do I file a complaint about unauthorized entry?
   Use the Tenant Complaint Form from the RTB. Complete it and send it to the Branch for investigation.
5. Does my landlord have to follow mask or hygiene protocols?
   If mandated by public health orders, yes. Both tenants and landlords must follow all applicable health rules during entry.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Landlords must always give written notice before entering unless it’s an emergency.
• Health emergencies may change entry practices but not your core rights.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if you feel your rights were violated.

Stay informed and, when in doubt, communicate clearly and document your situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Questions about landlord entry, forms, or disputes
• Current Public Health Orders - Manitoba Government
• Find local tenant advocacy services or legal aid clinics for advice
• Learn more about your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. Manitoba Government - Residential Tenancies Branch
2. Manitoba Government - Residential Tenancies Branch Forms
3. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

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