Manitoba Tenant Rights: Essential Guide for Renters

Are you renting a home or apartment in Manitoba and want to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant? Being informed helps you avoid disputes and ensures you have a safe, secure place to call home. This guide covers the most important aspects of tenant rights in Manitoba, including deposits, rent, repairs, and the forms and bodies you need to know about.

The Basics: Manitoba's Tenancy Laws

Manitoba tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act. This law sets out the rules for rental agreements, rent increases, evictions, maintenance, and more. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) enforces the Act and resolves disputes between landlords and tenants¹.

Starting a Tenancy: Leases, Deposits, and Initial Inspections

Before moving in, you and your landlord must agree on the terms of your tenancy in a written or verbal lease. In most cases, landlords require a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit), which cannot be more than half one month's rent. Make sure to get a receipt and confirmation of your payment.

• Lease agreements: Specify rent, length of tenancy, rules, and more
• Security (damage) deposits: Maximum ½ month's rent; refundable with interest unless damages or unpaid rent apply
• Condition inspection: Always complete an initial property inspection and keep a copy

For details on deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Form: Condition Report

Form Name: Condition Report (Download the Condition Report)

• When to Use: At move-in and move-out to record the state of the property.
• How to Use: Walk through the unit with your landlord, document the condition of walls, appliances, flooring, etc. Both sign and keep a copy.
• Tenant Tip: This helps avoid disputes over damage or your deposit at the end of your tenancy.

Your Key Rights in Manitoba Rentals

• Safe, healthy housing maintained by your landlord
• Privacy: 24 hours' written notice before landlord entry (except for emergencies)
• Notice of rent increases or eviction as required by law
• Return of deposit—plus interest—if you meet your lease obligations

Manitoba’s laws are designed to ensure tenants are not unfairly treated. For a broad view on your rights in the province, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Paying your rent on time and in full
• Keeping your unit reasonably clean and reporting maintenance issues promptly
• Following the rules in your lease (no damage, illegal activity, excessive noise, etc.)
• Providing notice if you plan to move out, per the lease terms

Once you’ve signed your lease, be sure to review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for more on your ongoing duties.

Rent and Rent Increases

Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months. Most residential rents are subject to the annual guideline set by the provincial government, but some units may be exempt. Landlords must give at least three months' written notice and use the correct form.

Official Form: Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-14)

Form Name: Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-14) (Download the Notice)

• When to Use: A landlord must give this form to notify tenants of a rent increase at least 3 months before it takes effect.
• How to Use: Review the notice for correct dates and amount. If you believe the increase is not legal or fair, you can apply to the RTB to challenge it.

Learn more about the rules around rent hikes in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Repairs, Maintenance & Health and Safety

Landlords must ensure your rental remains safe, healthy, and maintains services promised in the lease (like heat, water, and appliances). If you encounter issues like leaks, pests, or unsafe conditions, report them to your landlord in writing. If they don’t act, you can contact the RTB.

• Emergency repairs: Landlords must address urgent issues quickly
• Routine repairs: Tenants may need to report problems promptly and allow access
• Health and safety: Rental homes must meet basic standards; report hazardous conditions right away

See related guidance in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Ending Your Tenancy

To move out, you must give written notice (typically one full rental period for month-to-month leases). If your landlord wants to end your tenancy, they must provide proper notice, usually in writing and on approved forms. There are specific reasons allowed by law for eviction, such as non-payment of rent or significant damage.

Official Form: Notice of Termination (Form RTB-2 or RTB-3)

• When to Use: Use the appropriate RTB form to officially end a tenancy, either as a tenant giving notice or in response to a landlord’s eviction notice.
• How to Use: Follow the directions on the form carefully and always keep proof of delivery.
• Browse notice forms on the Residential Tenancies Branch site

If you feel an eviction is unfair or you need to leave before your lease ends, contact the RTB or consult provincial forms for your options.

Disputes and Tenant Protections

If you face unresolved issues, such as withheld deposits, improper evictions, or disputes over repairs, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for help. They offer mediation, decide disputes, and provide clear processes for both tenants and landlords.

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FAQ: Manitoba Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities

1. Do I have to pay a security deposit in Manitoba?
   Most landlords require a security (damage) deposit, but it cannot exceed half of one month’s rent. Your deposit must be returned with interest unless you owe rent or have caused damage.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering my home?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice (except for emergencies) before entering your rental unit.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent every year?
   Yes, but only once every 12 months, and they must give you at least three months’ notice using the approved form. The increase must follow the provincial guideline unless exempted.
4. What should I do if my landlord won't fix something essential?
   Send your landlord a written request for repairs. If they do not act, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch to make a formal complaint or application for repairs.
5. Who do I contact for rental disputes in Manitoba?
   The Residential Tenancies Branch handles disputes. You can call, email, or visit their offices for assistance.

How To: Solve Common Manitoba Tenant Issues

1. How do I challenge a rent increase?
   Review the landlord’s notice to ensure it follows the law. If you believe the increase is unfair or illegal, file an objection with the RTB within 14 days of receiving the notice.
2. How can I get my deposit back?
   Clean your rental thoroughly and attend the move-out inspection. Provide your forwarding address and request the return of your deposit in writing. If it’s withheld without reason, apply to the RTB.
3. What’s the process for giving notice to move out?
   Fill out the correct notice form (RTB-2), provide it to your landlord in writing, and keep proof of delivery. Ensure the notice period matches your lease terms.
4. How do I make a repair complaint?
   Send written notice to your landlord about the problem. If unresolved, submit a formal application to the RTB with supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act outlines your rights and duties as a tenant.
• Know your responsibilities, including paying rent, maintaining your unit, and following lease rules.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch is your main resource for resolving disputes and finding forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba – File complaints, download official forms, and get dispute resolution.
• Official forms, notices, and applications – Direct from the provincial site (move-in/out inspections, rent increases, complaints, etc.).
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – Comprehensive Manitoba tenancy facts and FAQs.
• Local tenant advocacy groups and community legal clinics can provide support if you're experiencing issues or need advice.

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1. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act: The Act governing rental housing in Manitoba
2. Residential Tenancies Branch: Dispute resolution, policies, and forms

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