Legal Ways to Break Your Lease Early in Manitoba

Ending your tenancy before your lease term is up can feel overwhelming, especially with rules that vary by province. In Manitoba, tenants are protected under specific laws, and knowing your rights is key to breaking a lease legally. This guide explains the valid reasons to end your rental agreement early, necessary paperwork, and what protections exist for different tenant circumstances.

When Can You Break a Lease Legally in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Tenants must usually give proper notice and have a valid reason to break a fixed-term lease before it expires. Acceptable reasons include:

• You are leaving due to domestic violence (recent protection order or peace bond)
• Health and safety concerns that make the unit uninhabitable, where the landlord hasn’t resolved the issue
• You need to move to a care facility (as a senior or person with disability) and meet RTA criteria
• The landlord significantly breaches their obligations
• You and your landlord agree in writing to end the lease early

It's important to remember that wanting to move for a job, school, or personal preference is not usually a legal reason unless your landlord agrees.

Required Notice and Official Forms

Manitoba tenants must give written notice, and in some cases, submit an official form to the landlord and/or the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Standard Notice Requirements

• Fixed-term leases: Typically, you cannot end a fixed-term lease early without a recognized legal ground, or unless the landlord agrees in writing.
• Month-to-month leases: You must provide at least one full month's written notice before the last day of a rental period.

Be sure to include your address, your intention to end the tenancy, and the date you plan to move out.

Breaking a Lease Due to Domestic Violence

If you are facing domestic violence, you may apply to break your lease legally under Manitoba law. Use the Request for Early Termination Due to Domestic Violence or Long-Term Care (Form RTB 19). Find full details and the form through the Residential Tenancies Branch.

1. Obtain a copy of the protection order or peace bond, or a third-party professional statement.
2. Complete Form RTB 19 and submit it with supporting documents to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. The branch will review the application and can issue a written notice to the landlord, allowing you to leave with 1 month's notice.

Example: If you receive a protection order on May 10 and submit your application promptly, you might be able to legally end your tenancy by June 30.

Serious Repairs or Health Hazards

If the rental is unsafe and the landlord does not fix urgent health and safety problems (such as mould, heating failure in winter), you may be eligible to end your lease. Notify your landlord in writing and give reasonable opportunity for repair. If not resolved, file an application for termination to the Residential Tenancies Branch.

If you’re unsure about your landlord’s repair obligations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Moving for Long-Term Care or Medical Reasons

Seniors or tenants with disabilities who must move into a care facility may use the Request for Early Termination Due to Domestic Violence or Long-Term Care (Form RTB 19) with supporting medical documentation. Submit this to the Residential Tenancies Branch to request an early end to your lease.

Potential Penalties, Costs, and Protecting Your Deposit

If you break a lease without a legal reason or the landlord’s agreement, you may have to pay rent until the unit is re-rented or until the lease term ends. Landlords must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant, and you cannot be charged for more than their actual loss. Your security deposit may be at risk if you leave owing rent, damages, or insufficient notice.

Find tips to get your deposit back: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Always get any agreement to end a lease early in writing. This protects you from possible disputes down the road.

After You Give Notice: Final Steps

• Confirm receipt of your written notice with your landlord
• Record the exact date you plan to move out
• Complete any cleaning or repairs as required
• Attend the final property inspection with your landlord

For step-by-step guidance, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for additional protections and requirements.

If you are searching for a new home after ending your lease, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada with ease and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I break my lease in Manitoba if I just got a new job in another city?
   Usually, no. Job relocation is not a legal reason under the Residential Tenancies Act to break a fixed-term lease early. However, you can ask your landlord for written consent or try to find someone to take over your lease.
2. What if my rental unit is unsafe but the landlord won’t fix it?
   First, give written notice of the issues to your landlord. If unresolved, you may file an application for early termination with the Residential Tenancies Branch. Health and safety hazards are recognized reasons for early lease termination.
3. How much notice do I have to give if I use a legal ground (like domestic violence) to end my lease?
   If your application is approved by the Residential Tenancies Branch, you can end your tenancy with one full month’s written notice.
4. Am I responsible for paying rent after moving out?
   Yes, unless you break your lease for a legal reason or your landlord finds a new tenant. Landlords must try to re-rent the unit as soon as possible.
5. Where can I get the official forms for ending a lease early?
   All forms, including Form RTB 19 for early termination, are available on the Residential Tenancies Branch website.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – information, official forms, and dispute resolution
• Family Violence Prevention Program – help for tenants fleeing abuse
• Legal Help Centre (Winnipeg) – free drop-in legal information
• Residential Tenancies Branch Contact Information

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch
3. Official Manitoba Tenancy Forms

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