Manitoba Rent Control Exemptions: Are You Protected?

As a tenant in Manitoba, understanding if your home is protected by rent control can greatly impact your housing costs. Rent control laws limit how much landlords can legally increase rent, but not all rentals are covered. Knowing if your unit is exempt can help you plan for potential rent hikes and avoid surprises.

What Is Rent Control in Manitoba?

Rent control in Manitoba is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The law sets annual rent increase guidelines and outlines when, how, and by how much a landlord can raise rent for most residential tenancies. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the provincial body that enforces the Act and mediates disputes between landlords and tenants (Residential Tenancies Branch).

Which Rentals Are Exempt from Rent Control?

While rent control covers most rentals, there are important exemptions. If your unit falls under an exemption, rent increases are not subject to the usual provincial limit and your landlord has more flexibility in setting new rent amounts.

Common Rent Control Exemptions

• New rental units: Units first occupied after March 7, 2005, are exempt for 20 years from the date first occupied.
• Owner-occupied dwellings: If you share your rental with the owner (e.g., renting a room in a single-family home), the unit may be exempt.
• Institutions: Nursing homes, hospitals, or not-for-profit senior residences can be exempt.
• Units rented under a program: Some social or government-assisted housing programs have separate rules for rent increases.

If you're unsure about your unit's status, contact the RTB for guidance or check your original rental agreement for occupancy dates.

How Exemptions Affect Your Rent

In an exempt unit, your landlord does not have to follow the annual rent increase guideline and can set increases above the usual cap, as long as they provide the correct legal notice.

Notice Requirements and Tenant Rights

Even in exempt rentals, landlords must provide proper written notice to increase rent. In Manitoba, the notice must be at least three months before the increase takes effect, and delivered using the correct form.

Key Form: Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7)

• Form Name: Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7)
• When to Use: Landlords must use this form to inform tenants of any rent increase, including in exempt units.
• How Tenants Use It: Review the notice for correct dates, amounts, and whether your unit truly fits an exemption. If unsure, you can contact the RTB for clarification.
• Access Form RTB-7 from the Manitoba RTB website

Tip: If you believe your landlord is applying an exemption incorrectly, you can file a dispute with the RTB. Tenants have the right to question any rent increase they believe is not allowed.

What If You Are Facing a Large Rent Increase?

Receiving a large rent increase or an exemption notice can be stressful. Manitoba law ensures tenants retain certain rights regardless of exemption status.

• You have the right to written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
• You can ask your landlord for documentation showing exemption status (e.g., occupancy permit, date first occupied).
• If in doubt, contact the RTB or start a dispute process.

Stay informed: Not every rent increase is legal, even in exempt units. If the proper process isn't followed, you might be able to challenge the increase.

If you want an overview of what happens when you sign your rental agreement and after, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

Even if your rental is exempt from rent control, other protections in the Residential Tenancies Act still apply. For example, notice periods for rent increases, rules about entry, and requirements for repairs remain in force. For a full overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Disputing a Rent Control Exemption or Increase

If you believe a rent control exemption is being misapplied or your rent increase is unfair/illegal, you may:

• Contact the RTB for advice or information.
• File a formal application to dispute the increase using the RTB's official forms.

Related Topics for Tenants

• For general information on how rent increases work (including notice and process), see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.
• To learn about negotiating with your landlord after being notified of a rent exemption or increase, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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FAQ: Rent Control Exemptions in Manitoba

1. How do I know if my Manitoba rental is exempt from rent control?
   Check the date when your unit was first occupied and verify your type of accommodation. If it’s a newer building (first occupied after March 7, 2005), or a type of exempt housing, it may not be covered.
2. Can my landlord raise my rent any amount if my unit is exempt?
   Yes, but only after giving at least three months’ written notice with the correct form. There is no cap, but tenants can file a dispute if increases seem unfair or the exemption is questionable.
3. What should I do if I disagree with a rent increase?
   You can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for clarification or file a dispute. Always keep all written communications with your landlord.
4. If my unit becomes eligible for rent control, will I be notified?
   Tenants are not automatically notified. If your building surpasses 20 years since first occupation, contact your landlord or the RTB to check on your status.
5. Are all condos and apartments automatically exempt?
   No. Exempt status depends on the date first occupied and other criteria, not just the type of building.

Conclusion: What Manitoba Tenants Should Remember

• Manitoba rent control exemptions apply mostly to newer units and special housing types.
• Even in exempt rentals, you must receive proper notice before rent is increased.
• Tenants have rights to dispute improper rent increases: act quickly if you have concerns.

Learning your rights now can help you stay secure in your home and avoid unexpected rent changes. Stay informed and reach out for support if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), Manitoba — Call 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg), 1-800-782-8403 (Toll-free).
• Tenant Information Portal (RTB)
• Dispute Resolution Process Guide (PDF, RTB)
• Manitoba Tenant Hotline (Legal Help Centre): 204-808-1212

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Full Text of the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancies Branch Main Page: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/index.html
3. Rent Increase Rules: Notice of Rent Increase Information