Landlord Rules for Tenant Visitors in Manitoba

Many tenants in Manitoba wonder if landlords can restrict guests or control who is allowed to visit their home. Understanding your rights around visitors is essential for protecting your privacy and feeling secure in your rental. This article explains what Manitoba law says about tenant visitors, outlines what landlords can and cannot do, and shows you how to take action if a dispute arises.

Tenant Visitor Rights in Manitoba

In Manitoba, tenants have the right to invite guests to their home, subject to reasonable rules set by the landlord. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the official body that oversees tenant-landlord matters in the province. The key legislation guiding these rights is the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba^[1].

Landlords cannot prohibit you from having visitors or overnight guests. However, they can create reasonable rules if your guests disturb other residents, damage the property, or violate other terms in the rental agreement.

What is a "Reasonable" Restriction?

According to Manitoba law:

• Tenants can have friends, family, or other visitors at their home at any time, unless causing problems for others or the property.
• Landlords cannot charge fees for tenant visitors.
• "No visitor" clauses in leases that go against legislation are not enforceable.
• Long-term stays (e.g., more than 30 days) may be considered a "new occupant," requiring landlord notification.

Privacy, Quiet Enjoyment, and Guests

Tenants have the right to "quiet enjoyment" and privacy in their rental. Landlords cannot enter or surveil your home to monitor visitors except as permitted by law (for example, notice for inspections). For more about ongoing tenant and landlord duties, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Actions Can a Landlord Take About Visitors?

Generally, if your visitors:

• Stay for a short period (less than 30 days)
• Do not create excessive noise or disturbance
• Do not cause damage or safety concerns

then the landlord cannot prevent visits. If a guest turns into a "new occupant," the landlord may request they be added to the lease as per Section 82 of the Act^[1]. If you face unwarranted visitor restrictions, keep written records of communications and consult the RTB.

If Your Lease Has Visitor Restrictions

Some rental agreements wrongly contain restrictive visitor clauses. Manitoba law overrides any lease terms that contradict the Residential Tenancies Act. You always have the right to question or dispute unfair rules.

How to Respond to Unfair Visitor Restrictions

If your landlord tries to restrict your legal rights regarding visitors, you can:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for advice or file a complaint.
• Maintain documentation (emails, texts) of any communication with your landlord.
• Submit necessary forms (see below) if a dispute arises.

This approach applies whether you are dealing with visitor rules or other common rental issues — see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for more tips.

Relevant Official Forms

• Application for Orders (RTB Form) — Used when requesting the RTB to resolve a dispute about tenant/guest rights or lease terms.
  Example: If your landlord threatens eviction due to visitors, you can apply using this form.
  Where to get it: RTB Forms and Documents

Quick Summary: What Tenants Should Know

• Your right to have guests is protected by provincial law and cannot be removed by private lease terms.
• "Reasonable" rules can be set to prevent property damage, safety issues, or ongoing disturbances.
• If in doubt, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch or seek tenant advocacy help.

For a broader overview of rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Guest and Visitor Rules in Manitoba Rentals

1. Can my landlord stop my friends from visiting my apartment?
   Landlords generally cannot ban friends or family from visiting unless your visitors disturb neighbors, damage property, or violate reasonable house rules supported by the law.
2. What if a guest wants to stay for a few weeks?
   Short-term stays by guests are usually fine. If someone stays over 30 days, they may be considered a new occupant, and you should inform your landlord as required by the Residential Tenancies Act.
3. Do I need my landlord’s permission for overnight guests?
   You do not need advance permission for occasional overnight guests. Persistent long-term stays could require notification.
4. What can I do if my landlord tries to add unfair visitor rules to my lease?
   Unfair restrictions are not enforceable. You can contact the RTB or file a complaint to resolve the issue.
5. Is my landlord allowed to charge extra fees for guests?
   No, landlords cannot charge extra for visitors in Manitoba. Fees for short-term guests are not permitted under provincial law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Tenant Visitor Rights

• Tenants in Manitoba are legally allowed to have visitors and overnight guests in their rental homes.
• Landlord rules must be reasonable, non-discriminatory, and in line with provincial law.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if you face disputes about visitor rights.

Understanding both your rights and your responsibilities will help prevent misunderstandings. Taking action early can resolve issues before they become major problems.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
• Phone: 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg) or Toll-Free: 1-800-782-8403
• Official Forms and Applications – How to file complaints or request dispute resolution
• Tenant Rights Resources – Manitoba government housing services

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba

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