As a tenant in Manitoba, knowing your rights about when and how a landlord can enter your rental unit for maintenance is essential for your privacy and peace of mind. Whether it’s for repairs, routine upkeep, or emergency situations, the Residential Tenancies Act sets clear entry rules that every tenant and landlord must follow.
When Can a Landlord Enter Your Unit for Maintenance?
In Manitoba, landlords can enter your rental unit for maintenance or repairs, but they must meet specific requirements. This helps protect your privacy while ensuring necessary repairs are completed.
- Written notice is required: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for non-urgent maintenance or repairs.
- Permitted times for entry: Entry must occur between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless you agree to another time.
- Purpose of entry: The notice must state the reason for entry, such as maintenance, inspection, or showing the unit to prospective renters or buyers.
- Emergency exception: No notice is needed if there’s an emergency (such as a fire, flood, or urgent repairs to prevent property damage or harm).
Whenever possible, landlords should attempt to schedule maintenance at a convenient time for both parties. If you’re repeatedly inconvenienced or your landlord tries to enter without proper notice, you have options to address the issue.
What Must Be Included in the Notice?
For notice to be valid, it has to include:
- Your address and the landlord's contact information
- Date and time of entry (within approved entry hours)
- The reason for entry (e.g., routine maintenance, repairs)
Landlords may deliver the notice in person, by email (if you agree), or by posting it on your door.
What If There’s an Emergency?
In emergencies—like a broken pipe, fire, or something that threatens tenant safety or the property—a landlord can enter your rental unit without providing notice. However, they must inform you as soon as reasonably possible after the emergency entry.
Tip: If you feel your landlord entered your home without notice and it wasn’t an emergency, document what happened and contact the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch for help.
Refusing Entry: What Are Your Rights?
Landlords cannot enter without notice for non-emergency repairs. If your landlord doesn’t give proper notice or tries to enter at unreasonable times, you can:
- Politely remind them of the rules
- File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba
This protects your right to quiet enjoyment of your home.
Special Situations: Routine and Emergency Repairs
Sometimes repairs can’t wait, while others are routine.
- Routine repairs: 24 hours' written notice is needed for repairs that aren’t urgent. See our resource on Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for more details.
- Emergency repairs: No notice required; landlord may enter immediately to fix the issue.
If you have unresolved maintenance issues, learn how to get help in emergency situations with Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Which Form Do You Need?
For tenants in Manitoba, there’s no specific "Entry Notice" form required, but landlords must still provide written notice. If you feel your landlord repeatedly violates entry rules, you may use the:
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Application for Order of Possession (RTB Form): Used by tenants to ask for an order preventing illegal entries, or in severe cases, requesting the termination of the tenancy.
Find the form and instructions on the Residential Tenancies Branch website.
Example: If your landlord enters without notice multiple times, use this form to initiate a complaint or request an order that better protects your privacy.
Relevant Legislation
All rules about entry are governed by the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act[1]. This provincial law outlines notice periods, entry rights, and what’s permitted by landlords during a tenancy.
Who Oversees Tenant and Landlord Issues in Manitoba?
Residential tenancy issues in Manitoba are managed by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). This government body handles complaints, provides official forms, mediates disputes, and enforces provincial rental housing laws.
For a detailed overview of your rights and responsibilities in the province, explore Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
Looking for a new place after maintenance disruptions? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much notice does my landlord have to give before entering for repairs?
Generally, your landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice, except in emergencies. - Can my landlord enter for maintenance if I’m not home?
Yes, with proper written notice and during permitted hours, your landlord can enter even if you aren’t present. - What if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
You can document these incidents and file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch for possible remedies. - Who do I contact for unresolved or repeated entry issues?
You should file a complaint with Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch; they provide guidance and enforcement for these situations. - What should the landlord’s written entry notice include?
The notice should have your address, the date/time of entry (between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.), and the reason for entry.
Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants
- Landlords need to give at least 24 hours’ written notice for routine maintenance or repairs unless it’s an emergency.
- You have the right to quiet enjoyment and can file complaints if these rules are not followed.
- In emergencies, landlords can enter without notice, but you must be informed as soon as possible afterward.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Filing complaints, access to forms, and tenant/landlord support
- RTB Contact Page – Phone numbers and office locations
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – Up-to-date info on laws and procedures
