Manitoba Rules on Dangerous Building Orders and Rights

Living in a rental that’s been declared unsafe raises urgent questions for tenants. This guide explains what a dangerous building order means in Manitoba, who issues those orders, and what immediate steps renters can take to protect their health, belongings and legal rights. You’ll learn when to document damage, how to contact your landlord and municipal building officials, when to call the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute help, and what forms might apply. Practical examples and timelines make it easier to act quickly if your unit loses heat, water, or structural safety. The language is plain and focused on tenant options, including relocation, rent adjustments, and filing applications when repairs or orders affect habitability.

What is a dangerous building order?

A dangerous building order is an official declaration by a municipal building inspector or fire official that part or all of a building is unsafe to occupy. When issued, the order will describe the hazards and any required repairs or prohibitions on occupancy. Municipal orders relate to structural problems, fire risk, or severe utility failures; they can overlap with tenancy issues when rental units are affected.^[4] Tenancy remedies and dispute resolution are handled through the Residential Tenancies Branch.^[1] The Residential Tenancies Act sets legal standards for repairs and habitability in Manitoba.^[2]

Who issues them and what triggers an order?

Municipal building officials, fire prevention officers, or other designated inspectors issue dangerous building orders after observing hazards such as structural collapse risk, major water or fire damage, gas leaks, or electrical dangers. Orders can require immediate evacuation, phased repairs, or full demolition. These are municipal safety tools; they are not tenancy forms, but they affect rental rights and obligations.

What tenants should do if your rental is declared dangerous

• Contact your landlord immediately and get written confirmation of next steps.
• Document the condition with clear photos, video and dated notes.
• Keep copies of any city notices, building orders, and communications from your landlord.
• If you must move out, store belongings safely and keep receipts for temporary housing and moving costs.

Official forms and when to use them

If repairs, relocation or rent adjustments are needed, provincial forms help tenants request dispute resolution or record actions with the Residential Tenancies Branch.^[1] The Branch posts official forms and instructions online.^[3]

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Residential Tenancies Branch) — use this form to ask the Branch to decide on repairs, rent abatement, or reimbursement for temporary housing. Example: after several days without heat and no repair plan, a tenant files the application to request a rent reduction and an order for prompt repairs.^[3]
• Notice to End Tenancy or Tenant Notice — use when a unit is uninhabitable and you choose to end the tenancy under the act. Example: if the landlord cannot restore safety within reasonable timelines, a tenant may give notice and preserve claims for compensation.^[3]
• Municipal dangerous building order or code violation notice — retain the official order as evidence when applying for dispute resolution or compensation. The city’s order explains required steps and deadlines from the inspector.^[4]

If you need temporary housing while repairs are done, keep all receipts and records of where you stayed, for how long, and why the move was necessary. For more on basic rental health and safety expectations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For urgent repair processes and timelines, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. If you must look for a temporary rental or permanent alternative, consider searching listings: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

Can my landlord require me to stay if the unit is declared unsafe?

No. You are not required to occupy an unsafe unit; follow municipal orders, notify your landlord in writing, and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute options and next steps.^[1]

Can I withhold rent or stop paying if my unit is unsafe?

Withholding rent without using the Branch process can lead to eviction. Instead, document the problem, notify the landlord in writing, and apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch to seek a rent reduction or order for repairs under the Residential Tenancies Act.^[1][2]

Who pays for temporary housing or repairs?

Responsibility depends on the cause and whether the landlord failed to maintain the unit. Keep receipts and timelines and apply to the Branch to claim costs or a rent abatement if the landlord is at fault.^[1]

How-To

1. Document and preserve evidence with photos, video, and dated notes.
2. Contact your landlord in writing and ask for a clear repair or relocation plan.
3. If the issue is not resolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution using the Application for Dispute Resolution form and attach municipal orders and evidence.^[3]
4. Arrange safe temporary housing if needed and keep all receipts to support claims for reimbursement.

Key Takeaways

• Document everything promptly and keep copies of official orders.
• Contact both your landlord and the Residential Tenancies Branch early to protect your rights.
• Keep receipts for temporary housing and moving costs to support any claims.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
• Contact City of Winnipeg building safety

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Branch forms and applications
4. [4] City of Winnipeg dangerous buildings and orders