Manitoba Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Checklist

Renting a home in Manitoba comes with important rights and responsibilities that every tenant should know. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or have years of renting experience, understanding the tenancy rules ensures a safer, smoother living situation. This checklist explains the essentials for Manitoba tenants, reflecting the latest updates from the Residential Tenancies Branch and the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

Before Signing a Lease

Before moving in, it’s important to prepare and ensure your new rental will be safe and compliant with Manitoba’s tenancy laws.

• Review the lease or tenancy agreement carefully before signing. Ask for clarification on any clause you don’t understand.
• Landlords may ask for a security deposit (damage deposit), but in Manitoba, it cannot exceed half of one month's rent. For a detailed explanation, check Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Ensure you receive a signed copy of any lease.
• Confirm which utilities (hydro, heat, water) are included in the rent.
• Ask for the landlord’s contact information for routine or emergency repairs.

Initial Inspection

Complete a move-in inspection with your landlord and document any existing damage. You’re entitled to a written checklist.

• Take clear, dated photos before bringing in your belongings.
• Both parties should sign the inspection checklist, keeping copies for reference. This can prevent disputes when you move out.

Your Key Rights as a Tenant

• The right to privacy: Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit, unless it’s an emergency.
• The right to a safe, well-maintained home. For detailed health-related issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• The right to a receipt for rent payments (request one if not automatically given).
• Protection from unlawful eviction — landlords can only evict for legal reasons and with proper notice.
• The right to challenge improper rent increases.

Your Main Responsibilities

• Pay rent in full and on time (on the due date specified in your lease).
  • If you have questions about paying or proving payment, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Keep the rental unit clean and undamaged, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
• Inform the landlord promptly in writing about any repairs needed.
• Respect the rights and peace of other tenants and building rules.
• Give correct notice when ending the tenancy or moving out.

Forms Every Manitoba Tenant Should Know

The Residential Tenancies Branch provides official forms for key tenancy actions:

• Notice of Termination by Tenant (Form 2): Use this form to end your tenancy according to the legal notice period (usually one rental period for month-to-month, or as specified in your agreement). For official instructions and the form, visit the Residential Tenancies Branch Notice of Termination by Tenant page.
• Security Deposit Refund Form: If your landlord doesn’t return your damage deposit, this form helps request it. Notify your landlord in writing first, then submit the form to the branch if unresolved. Official details: Manitoba Damage Deposit Claim.
• Maintenance Request or Complaint (Form 4): File this with the branch if urgent repairs are not completed after written notice to your landlord. More at Tenant Request for Repairs/Service.

These forms streamline communication and protect your rights in disputes or legal proceedings.

Handling Repairs, Rent, and Disputes

Routine and Emergency Repairs

• Report routine repairs in writing as soon as you notice an issue.
• For urgent health or safety issues, if the landlord does not respond quickly, notify them again in writing and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Landlords are responsible for most repairs, but you must report issues promptly to avoid liability. For detailed repair responsibilities, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Rent Increases

• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must provide at least three months’ written notice.
• Your landlord must use the proper Notice of Rent Increase form.
• If you believe an increase is illegal or unreasonable, you can challenge it with the branch within two weeks of getting notice.

Moving Out and Ending Your Tenancy

• Give proper written notice according to your lease type (usually one full rental period ahead for month-to-month tenancies).
• Do a thorough move-out cleaning and repair any tenant-caused damage.
• Request a move-out inspection with your landlord.
• Return all keys and request your deposit back within 14 days after moving out.

Where to Get Official Help

The Residential Tenancies Branch is Manitoba’s official board for tenant-landlord matters. They provide forms, dispute resolution, and advice:

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba official site)

For an overview of tenant rights in the province, check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page.

Need help finding a new place to rent? Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily with map and filter tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum damage deposit my landlord can ask for in Manitoba?
   Your landlord may collect a security deposit up to half of one month’s rent. It must be returned with interest, except where deductions are justified.
2. How much notice do I have to give before moving out?
   Most month-to-month agreements require at least one full rental period’s written notice. Fixed-term leases end automatically on the end date unless renewed.
3. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t complete urgent repairs?
   First, provide written notice. If not resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and consider filing a formal repair request using their official form.
4. Can my landlord raise the rent at any time?
   No, rent increases are restricted to once every 12 months and require three months’ written notice with an approved form.
5. Where can I get tenancy forms in Manitoba?
   All official forms are available from the Residential Tenancies Branch website.

How To: Key Tenant Actions in Manitoba

1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t do repairs?
   First, send a written request. If the repair isn’t done, complete Form 4 (Tenant Request for Repairs/Service) and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch with supporting evidence.
2. How can I challenge an illegal rent increase?
   Respond in writing within two weeks of receiving the notice. File a complaint form with the Residential Tenancies Branch for a review, including your evidence and the landlord’s notice.
3. How do I end my tenancy properly?
   Give notice using Form 2 (Notice of Termination by Tenant), ensuring you meet the required notice period. Keep a dated copy for your records.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Always read your lease fully and keep documentation for move-in and move-out.
• Report and document repair needs promptly to protect your rights.
• Use official forms for notices, repairs, or deposits to ensure legal compliance.

Staying informed lets you avoid common rental pitfalls and helps keep your tenancy on track.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – advice, dispute resolution, and all forms
• Legal Help Centre of Winnipeg: legalhelpcentre.ca
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: manitobahumanrights.ca

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, C.C.S.M. c. R119. Current version at Manitoba legislation website.
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch. All forms and contact: gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/

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