Understanding what your lease says about repairs and alterations helps Manitoba renters protect their rights and keep a safe home. This guide explains common lease clauses — who is responsible for routine maintenance, what counts as an urgent repair, and the rules about making alterations like painting or installing shelves. It also covers how to ask a landlord for repairs, what to document, and when a tenant can seek dispute resolution if problems aren’t fixed. The language is plain and geared to tenants who want clear steps, relevant forms, and practical examples to use in conversations or filings with the province’s tenancy body.
What lease clauses typically cover
Many leases include clauses that describe repair responsibilities, permission for alterations, and procedures for urgent problems. Clauses can say that tenants must report issues promptly, that minor maintenance (like replacing light bulbs) is the tenant’s job, and that structural, plumbing, heating, and habitability repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. For Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Branch handles disputes and can explain how provincial rules apply to specific lease language [1].
Common repair and alteration clauses explained
Routine maintenance and tenant obligations
Typical clauses will list routine tasks tenants are expected to do and may require tenants to pay for damage they cause through neglect or misuse. If your lease refers to small repairs or tenant upkeep, compare that language to provincial guidance and to the landlord’s maintenance responsibilities. For more on who typically handles routine fixes and when to contact the landlord, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
Urgent and emergency repairs
Leases often define emergencies (no heat, major water leaks, gas smell, electrical hazards) and the process for rapid repairs. In Manitoba, report emergencies to your landlord immediately and follow up in writing so you have a record. If the landlord does not act in an emergency, provincial procedures allow tenants to escalate the issue to the tenancy branch or use emergency repair remedies described by the branch [1].
Alterations, repairs you want to make, and permission
Many leases require written permission before making permanent changes like drilling, changing fixtures, or repainting. Some leases allow minor, reversible alterations (for example hanging pictures or installing temporary shelving) without permission. If your lease requires approval, ask in writing and keep the landlord’s response. For clarity on tenant and landlord obligations generally, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
How to request and document repairs
Use a clear, written request when asking for repairs: describe the problem, note when it began, and say whether it’s urgent. Keep copies of messages and photos showing the issue and any damage. If the landlord schedules work, keep receipts and confirm in writing when repairs are complete.
When the landlord doesn’t act
If a repair isn’t completed in a reasonable time, Manitoba tenants can ask the Residential Tenancies Branch about dispute resolution and available forms and processes [1]. The provincial Residential Tenancies Act sets the legal standards for repairs and landlord duties; knowing the relevant sections helps when you make an application or attend a hearing [2]. The branch provides application forms and instructions online [3].
FAQ
- Who pays for routine repairs in Manitoba?
- Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs affecting habitability; tenants usually handle minor upkeep unless the lease or provincial rules specify otherwise.
- Can I make alterations to my rental unit?
- You should get written permission for permanent alterations; minor, reversible changes are sometimes allowed but check your lease and get the landlord s consent in writing.
- What if the landlord ignores an emergency repair?
- Report it immediately, document communications, and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch to learn about emergency remedies and dispute applications.
How-To
- Document the problem with photos, date-stamped notes, and a clear description of how it affects habitability or safety.
- Send a written repair request to your landlord by email or text and keep a copy of the message and any replies.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs if given proper notice, and confirm in writing when work is completed or if access was refused.
- If the issue is not fixed, file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and include your documentation.
- Keep all receipts and records after repairs; these are useful evidence if you pursue compensation or a hearing.
Key Takeaways
- Check your lease and know which repairs the landlord must handle.
- Always ask for permission in writing before making permanent alterations.
- Document issues and communications—photos and dated requests strengthen your case.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- RTB forms and applications
