Legal Aid Options After Eviction in Manitoba

If you’ve been evicted or face the risk of eviction in Manitoba, you still have rights and options for support. Legal aid and tenant resources are here to help you navigate appeals, understand your responsibilities, and secure fair treatment. This guide breaks down where and how tenants in Manitoba can access legal help and support after eviction, with practical steps and links to the official forms and resources you need.

Understanding Eviction and Tenant Rights in Manitoba

Eviction is the process where a landlord lawfully ends your tenancy and requires you to move out. In Manitoba, this process is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[1]. Even after receiving an eviction notice, you may have the right to appeal or seek legal remedies, depending on the situation, such as how the notice was delivered, the reason given, and whether proper procedures were followed.

It’s important to know that your responsibilities and rights as a tenant do not end immediately after eviction. For details specific to the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Where to Access Legal Aid After Eviction

Tenants can turn to the following organizations and agencies in Manitoba for help after eviction. Each offers support specific to tenancy, appeals, and related legal matters:

• Legal Aid Manitoba: Provides free or low-cost legal services to eligible tenants. Visit their official website or call 204-985-8500 for help with landlord and tenant issues, including eviction appeals.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch: This provincial board administers tenancy laws, hears disputes, and offers mediation. Access their official website for information, forms, and contacts.
• Community Legal Clinics: Winnipeg and other major centres have legal clinics such as the Community Unemployed Help Centre and University Law clinics, offering help with tenancy problems and advice on hearings.
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: If you believe your eviction involves discrimination, this independent agency investigates complaints. Learn more on the MHRC site.

Many services can help regardless of your income, while Legal Aid Manitoba operates on a sliding scale or eligibility basis. Be ready with paperwork: notice of eviction, tenancy agreement, rent receipts, and any correspondence with your landlord.

Key Forms for Tenants After Eviction

Dealing with eviction often means handling important forms. In Manitoba, tenants might need to use the following depending on their situation:

• Request for Order of Possession (Residential Tenancies Branch Form): Used by landlords to remove a tenant, but if a tenant wants to appeal or respond, they use the Dispute form below.
  Official forms page.
• Application for Order (Form RTB-1): Tenants may use this form to apply for remedies, such as deposit refunds or contesting eviction, after moving out.
  Get the Application for Order form.
  For example: If you believe the eviction was improper or you haven't received your deposit back, you can file this form to the Residential Tenancies Branch and request a hearing.
• Notice of Appeal (Form RTB-3): If you believe a decision was unfair, this lets you appeal a Residential Tenancies Branch order to the Residential Tenancies Commission.
  Download the Appeal form.

Action tip: Submit completed forms to the address or email listed on the official forms page, and keep copies for your records.

If You Need Housing After Eviction

After an eviction, it’s essential to find new housing quickly. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, offering up-to-date listings to help you secure your next home, even on short notice. Also explore local housing programs if you face urgent need.

Protecting Your Deposit and Documentation

After moving out, Manitoba law requires landlords to follow specific rules about returning your security deposit, usually within two weeks, unless there are deductions for damage or unpaid rent. Learn more about your rights by visiting How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

When to Seek Help: Common Tenant Issues Post-Eviction

Facing eviction can leave tenants with issues beyond housing—such as recovering a deposit, resolving property damage claims, or unfair charges. For more guidance, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after being evicted in Manitoba?
   Gather all relevant documents (such as eviction notice and rental agreement), seek legal advice, and connect with the Residential Tenancies Branch or Legal Aid Manitoba right away.
2. How can I appeal an eviction decision in Manitoba?
   Fill out the Notice of Appeal (Form RTB-3) from the Residential Tenancies Branch and submit it by the stated deadline to the Residential Tenancies Commission.
3. Am I entitled to get my security deposit back after eviction?
   Yes, unless the landlord claims damages or unpaid rent. Disputes can be taken to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
4. Is free or low-cost legal help available for tenants in Manitoba?
   Yes. Legal Aid Manitoba and community legal clinics offer assistance, especially to those with limited income.
5. Where can I find a new rental after being evicted?
   You can find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide choice of listings.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Legal aid is available in Manitoba even after eviction—don’t hesitate to ask for help.
• Submit forms like appeals or applications as soon as possible; be careful with deadlines.
• Stay informed about your ongoing rights and responsibilities as a tenant post-eviction.

Being proactive, getting advice, and keeping good records can help you secure a fair outcome and a fresh start.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch – Tenancy complaints, appeals, and information (Phone: 204-945-2476)
• Legal Aid Manitoba – Free and low-cost legal services
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – Discrimination and human rights complaints
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) – Current Law
2. Residential Tenancies Branch official site: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/
3. Legal Aid Manitoba: https://www.legalaid.mb.ca/
4. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: https://www.manitobahumanrights.ca/

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