Manitoba Tenant Guide: Rent, Deposits & Your Rights

If you're renting a home or apartment in Manitoba, understanding your rights about rent payments and deposits can help protect you from costly mistakes and unnecessary stress. This guide explains what you need to know about rent increases, paying rent, deposits, and how to resolve problems when they arise—all under Manitoba's current tenancy laws.

Rent Payments: What Must Tenants Know?

In Manitoba, tenants have clear rights and responsibilities when it comes to rent. Your rental agreement should specify:

• The monthly rent amount and when it's due
• Which methods of payment are accepted
• The address or account for sending your payment

Paying rent late or not at all can lead to serious consequences, such as late fees or even eviction. If you ever have trouble paying rent, notify your landlord as soon as possible and explore any available support programs.

For more details on staying organized and protecting yourself, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Rules for Rent Increases

Landlords in Manitoba can only increase rent once every 12 months for the same tenant, and they must provide written notice at least three months before any increase takes effect. The amount of increase is limited by provincial guidelines unless your unit is exempt (such as new builds within the first 20 years).

If you believe a proposed increase is too high or improper, you have the right to challenge it with Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch.

Deposits Explained: Security & Pet Deposits

Manitoba landlords can require a security deposit, also called a "damage deposit," before you move in. By law, this cannot be more than half a month's rent, and your landlord must deposit it in a trust account. When your tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned to you with interest if you have met all lease obligations and caused no excessive damage.

To learn more about legal deposit limits and steps for protecting your money, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Getting Your Deposit Back

When moving out, leave the unit clean and in good condition. If your landlord claims any deductions, they must itemize the reasons in writing. Disputes can be resolved through Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch.

For further guidance when moving, visit How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Important Forms Tenants Need

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7): Used by landlords to notify tenants of a rent increase. You should receive this at least 3 months before the new rent applies.
  Find it at Official Manitoba Form RTB-7. If you think the increase is unreasonable, you can challenge it (see How-To section below).
• Application for Order (Form RTB-9): Use this if you want to dispute a landlord's claim on your damage deposit, a rent increase, or other issues. Complete and file this form through the Residential Tenancies Branch. Download RTB-9 here.

Knowing when and how to use these forms will help protect your rights during a dispute.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Manitoba?

All rental disputes, including unpaid security deposits or improper rent increases, are resolved through the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba. This is the official provincial tribunal for all landlord and tenant matters.

Your Rights Under Manitoba Law

Tenant and landlord relationships in Manitoba are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)¹. It sets out rules for:

• Rent and rent increases
• Security and pet deposits
• Maintenance and repairs
• Evictions and how to end your tenancy

Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a detailed overview of your legal protections.

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FAQ: Rent and Deposit Issues in Manitoba

1. How much can my landlord ask for as a security deposit?
   In Manitoba, a landlord can request up to half of one month’s rent as a security deposit. They cannot legally ask for more than this amount.
2. Can my landlord increase the rent at any time?
   No, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months and must provide a minimum of three months' written notice using the official form.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   If you disagree with deductions or your deposit is not returned in a reasonable timeframe, apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch (Form RTB-9) to start the dispute process.
4. Is interest paid on my security deposit?
   Yes, landlords must pay you interest on your security deposit, calculated using annual rates set by the government.

How To: Challenge a Rent Increase in Manitoba

1. Review the Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7)
   Ensure you received it at least three months in advance, and it includes all required details.
2. Check if the rent increase follows allowable guidelines
   See Manitoba government’s annual maximum increase or your lease terms for new units.
3. If the increase seems too high or unfair
   Complete and submit the Application for Order (Form RTB-9) before the new rent rate takes effect.
4. Attend your hearing
   The Residential Tenancies Branch will schedule a hearing where you can present your case.

Tenants are encouraged to keep records and act quickly if they wish to dispute a rent increase.

Key Takeaways

• Rent and deposits in Manitoba are tightly regulated to protect tenants.
• Key forms include the Notice of Rent Increase and Application for Order; file disputes promptly.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch is your main resource for resolving rental issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: guidance, forms, dispute resolution
• Manitoba Ombudsman (tenant advocacy): ombudsman.mb.ca
• Legal Help Centre – Winnipeg: Free legal information for low-income tenants, legalhelpcentre.ca

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) - official legislation
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/

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