Renters in Manitoba may want a doorbell camera, alarm, lock, or other personal security device to feel safer at home. However, installation can affect the rental property, other residents, privacy, and the landlord's right to enter. Manitoba tenants should understand when written permission is needed, who pays for installation, and what happens when a device is removed or causes damage. This guide explains practical tenant rights and responsibilities under Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act, including how to propose a device, protect personal information, document an agreement, and seek help if a landlord refuses without a clear reason. It also distinguishes removable devices from alterations that require consent.
What Manitoba law says about security devices
The Residential Tenancies Act governs most residential rental relationships in Manitoba. It requires landlords and tenants to meet their legal responsibilities and supports a tenant's right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment. A tenant must not substantially alter the rental unit or property without the landlord's consent, and must repair or pay for damage caused by the tenant or the tenant's guests.[1]
A personal security device can be a minor removable item or an alteration. A battery-powered camera attached with a non-damaging mount may be treated differently from a wired camera, drilled lock, hardwired alarm, or device connected to building systems. The safest approach is to ask for written consent before drilling, rewiring, replacing hardware, or attaching anything to a common area.
Devices that may require landlord permission
- Doorbell cameras, exterior cameras, or other equipment aimed beyond the tenant's private interior space.
- Replacement locks, smart locks, keypads, or devices that affect how the landlord, emergency responders, or other authorized people enter.
- Hardwired alarms, sensors, cameras, or equipment requiring drilling, electrical work, or connection to building systems.
- Devices attached to hallways, entrances, balconies, parking areas, or other common property controlled by the landlord or condominium corporation.
A landlord may set reasonable conditions, such as requiring a qualified installer, limiting placement, requiring restoration at the end of the tenancy, or prohibiting equipment that creates a safety or security risk. A blanket refusal is not automatically lawful or unlawful; the reason, device, location, lease terms, and effect on others matter.
Privacy and recording other people
Security equipment should be directed at the tenant's own private area whenever possible. A camera that records a hallway, neighbouring unit, shared yard, staff, visitors, or public space may create privacy concerns. Audio recording is especially sensitive because it can capture private conversations. Tenants should use privacy zones, turn off audio when unnecessary, limit retention, secure passwords, and tell visitors when recording is active.
Do not use a device to harass, monitor, or intimidate a landlord, roommate, neighbour, or service provider. If a landlord needs access for an inspection or repair, the landlord generally must provide the notice required by Manitoba law, except in recognized urgent situations. A camera does not cancel lawful entry rights, and a landlord should not disable or remove a tenant's device without a proper reason and process.
Locks, keys, and landlord entry
Changing a lock can improve security, but it can also prevent lawful access or create an emergency risk. Before replacing a lock, ask the landlord how keys will be updated and whether the device meets building requirements. Keep the landlord's access working as agreed, and do not install a lock that prevents emergency entry or violates a written tenancy term.
If a landlord enters without proper notice, repeatedly interferes with privacy, or demands access to recordings, keep a dated record and communicate in writing. The issue may overlap with Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights, Responsibilities and Best Practices and Manitoba's rules about quiet enjoyment and entry.
Who pays and who owns the device?
Unless the landlord agrees otherwise in writing, the tenant should expect to pay for the device, installation, monitoring subscription, batteries, maintenance, and removal. A written agreement should say whether the device stays with the tenant, whether the landlord may keep it, and how holes, wiring, adhesive, or other changes will be repaired.
- Confirm the purchase, installation, monitoring, and removal costs before work begins.
- Describe the device, location, mounting method, recording features, and access to footage in a written request.
- Photograph the area before installation and keep invoices, approvals, and repair records.
- Agree on removal and restoration before moving out, including whether the original lock or fixture must be replaced.
What if the landlord refuses?
Ask the landlord to explain the refusal in writing and identify the specific safety, privacy, access, building, or property concern. You can propose a less intrusive alternative, such as an interior camera aimed only at the entry, a removable mount, or a device without audio. Do not install a prohibited or damaging device while the disagreement is unresolved.
For general information about safety concerns in a rental, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If the dispute continues, document the request, response, photographs, lease terms, and any damage. Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch can explain available dispute-resolution options, including whether an application or hearing is appropriate.[2]
What if the device is damaged or removed?
Notify the landlord promptly if a device, lock, or mounting point is damaged. If the damage results from a landlord's work or entry, keep photographs and repair requests. If the damage was caused by the tenant or a guest, the tenant may be responsible for reasonable repair costs. A landlord should not simply take money from a deposit without following Manitoba's rules and providing the required accounting.
Tenants dealing with broader rental problems can review How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide. Keep communications calm and factual, and avoid withholding rent or making unauthorized repairs unless Manitoba law and professional advice clearly support that step.
How to request approval for a security device
- Take photos and identify the exact door, wall, window, or area where the device will be installed.
- Send the landlord a written request describing the device, mounting method, power source, recording range, audio settings, and proposed installation date.
- Explain how the device will protect privacy, avoid common areas, preserve emergency access, and comply with building rules.
- Obtain written approval that sets out costs, maintenance, access to footage, ownership, removal, and restoration.
- Use a safe installation method and keep receipts, photographs, manuals, and the written agreement.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if the request becomes a dispute or you need information about the correct application process.
For a broader search while comparing rental options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, then ask prospective landlords about security-device policies before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a Manitoba tenant install a security camera?
- Possibly, but written permission is advisable whenever installation changes the property, affects common areas, records other people, or requires wiring or drilling.
- Can a landlord ban a doorbell camera?
- A landlord may have a reasonable basis to restrict a device that creates privacy, safety, access, building, or property concerns, but the specific circumstances matter.
- Can a tenant change the locks?
- A tenant should obtain written consent before changing locks and must preserve lawful landlord and emergency access unless a valid agreement or legal order provides otherwise.
- What should a tenant do if a landlord removes the device?
- Photograph the condition, request an explanation in writing, preserve receipts and approval messages, and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for information about dispute options.
How-To
- Document the proposed installation area and the device's features.
- Send a written approval request to the landlord.
- Offer privacy, safety, access, and restoration safeguards.
- Install the device only after receiving clear written approval.
- Seek Residential Tenancies Branch information if the disagreement cannot be resolved.
Help and Support / Resources
- Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch for tenant information and dispute-resolution guidance.
- Residential Tenancies Branch forms for current applications, notices, and hearing documents.
- The Residential Tenancies Act for Manitoba's governing legislation.
