When you rent a home in Manitoba, knowing your rights around maintenance and repairs is essential for a safe, comfortable living space. Both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities under Manitoba law, and understanding these can help you resolve problems faster and avoid disputes. Whether your landlord isn’t making repairs or you’re not sure what you’re responsible for, this guide has you covered.
Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs in Manitoba
In Manitoba, both tenants and landlords are expected to take care of their parts of the rental property. The rules are set out under the Residential Tenancies Act[1]. Here’s how responsibilities are usually divided:
- Landlord: Must keep the rental unit safe, in good repair, and consistent with health, safety, and housing standards.
- Tenant: Must keep their unit reasonably clean and avoid damaging property—beyond normal wear and tear.
If an essential service (like heating or water) fails, or you notice health or safety risks such as mold or broken locks, it’s the landlord’s duty to fix these quickly.
Health and Safety Maintenance
Issues that affect your health and safety must be taken seriously. For example, inadequate heat in winter, faulty smoke detectors, or pest infestations can violate Manitoba’s housing standards. Learn more from Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Routine Repairs vs. Emergency Repairs
- Routine Repairs: Leaky faucets, worn-out flooring, or broken cupboards that don’t threaten your safety must be reported but don’t require urgent attention.
- Emergency Repairs: Anything that puts the health or safety of tenants at risk or that prevents you from living in the unit (such as no heat in winter, major water leaks, or loss of power).
For emergencies, the landlord must act quickly, often within 24 hours. Find more details in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
How to Request Maintenance or Repairs in Manitoba
If you need repairs, follow these steps:
- Contact your landlord in writing—email, text, or letter (keep copies for your own records).
- Specify the problem and how quickly it needs to be fixed.
- If the landlord doesn’t respond or refuses to repair, you can escalate the issue.
Official Forms for Manitoba Tenants
- Request for Repairs (Form RTB-10): Use this if the landlord isn’t addressing your repair needs. Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch with proof of your repair requests and details of the issue. Download the Request for Repairs form here.
How it works: If your landlord has ignored your requests, you can fill out Form RTB-10, attach evidence like emails or photos, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch. They may arrange an inspection and can order repairs or a rent reduction in some cases.
What to Do If Repairs Aren’t Made
Landlords must make necessary repairs promptly. If they don’t, Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch oversees complaints and can order action or compensation. Never withhold rent without formal permission—doing so might put you at risk of eviction.
If you’re facing pests or vermin, visit Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for specific advice.
Dispute Resolution Process
- Start by notifying your landlord in writing and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
- If there’s no action, use the official form (see above) and submit to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- The Branch may schedule an inspection, mediate between you and the landlord, and issue binding orders.
If you still have concerns about rights and duties, Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained covers the basics in more detail.
Relevant Manitoba Legislation and Who Handles Disputes
The Residential Tenancies Act governs your rights in Manitoba[1]. Disputes, applications, and complaints are managed by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
For more about local rules, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
Need more information about the process across Canada or are thinking of moving? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for your next move.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What repairs are landlords always responsible for in Manitoba?
Landlords must fix anything that affects health, safety, or makes the unit unsuitable for living, such as heating, plumbing, pests, broken appliances included in your lease, and damage from normal wear and tear. - How long does my landlord have to fix urgent repairs?
The law requires prompt action for health and safety risks. In most cases, landlords should respond to emergencies like no heat or water within 24 hours, but timing can depend on the problem. - What should I do if my landlord ignores my maintenance request?
Document your request in writing, give a reasonable deadline, and if there’s no response, submit a formal Request for Repairs (Form RTB-10) to the Residential Tenancies Branch. - Can I do repairs myself and deduct from my rent?
Usually, no. Manitoba law says you need written permission from the Residential Tenancies Branch before deducting repair costs from your rent. - Does my landlord have to give me notice before entering to do repairs?
Yes—they must give at least 24 hours written notice unless it’s an emergency.
How-To: Getting Repairs Made in Your Manitoba Rental
- How do I formally request repairs from my landlord?
Send a written request detailing the problem, keep copies, and give a clear deadline for response. - How can I escalate my repair request if the landlord isn’t cooperating?
Fill out the Request for Repairs (Form RTB-10) with evidence and send it to the Residential Tenancies Branch. - How do I prepare for a dispute hearing at the Residential Tenancies Branch?
Gather all communication, photos, and documents showing your requests and the problems, then attend the scheduled hearing or inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must ensure rentals are safe, healthy, and repaired as required by Manitoba law.
- Document and communicate all maintenance requests in writing for your own records.
- The Residential Tenancies Branch provides forms and a dispute process if repairs are not made.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba Government) – Information, forms, and dispute resolution
- Manitoba RTB Forms (including Request for Repairs)
- Manitoba Tenant-Landlord Information
- Local tenant advocacy groups or legal clinics (such as Legal Aid Manitoba)
