What happens if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Manitoba?

You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) for an order requiring repairs and, in some cases, for the landlord to be fined or required to compensate you.

How much are administrative penalties for landlords in Manitoba?

Administrative penalties are set by the RTB and can vary depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation—often ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars.

What forms do I use to request a penalty or compensation?

Use the RTB Application for Order of Possession, Payment, or Other Order (RTB-1) available from the Manitoba government website.

Can my landlord evict me in retaliation for filing a complaint?

No. Manitoba law prohibits a landlord from evicting tenants for exercising their legal rights, including filing a complaint.

What evidence do I need to support a penalty application?

Keep records like your lease, communications with your landlord, photos, and receipts—these help the RTB evaluate your claim.

Penalties Manitoba Tenants Can Trigger Against Landlords

Landlord Compliance & Penalties Manitoba published: June 20, 2025

If you’re renting in Manitoba and your landlord isn’t following the law—like failing to do repairs, wrongfully withholding your deposit, or breaching your privacy—you have more power than you might think. Manitoba’s laws protect tenants with clear processes to hold landlords accountable, including the potential for financial penalties. This guide explains, in plain language, what penalties you can trigger against a landlord, and how to do so using Manitoba’s official complaint process.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Manitoba?

The Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba (RTB) is responsible for resolving disputes between tenants and landlords, enforcing rental law, and issuing penalties when landlords break the rules. This body relies on the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba).

Types of Penalties Landlords Can Face in Manitoba

When a landlord fails to comply with their legal obligations, tenants can use the RTB process to seek penalties, including:

Administrative Penalties: Fines that the RTB can impose for serious or repeated violations (e.g., ignoring repair orders, illegal entry).
Compensation Orders: Direct payments to you as the tenant for losses suffered, such as paying to fix an urgent issue yourself.
Return of Money Owed: This could include wrongfully withheld deposits or unauthorized rent increases.
Remedial Orders: Landlords can be ordered to comply, such as completing repairs within a set time.

Common Situations Where Penalties May Be Triggered

Refusing or delaying legally required repairs
Not returning the security deposit on time
Entering your unit without proper notice
Illegally increasing rent or charging unauthorized fees
Ignoring pest or health-related complaints

For details on maintenance and repair obligations, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

How Tenants Can Trigger Landlord Penalties in Manitoba

Putting your concerns in writing and using official RTB forms is the key to holding your landlord accountable. Here’s how:

1. Give Written Notice or Request

Step 1: Let your landlord know about the issue in writing (email or letter). Clearly describe the problem and what you want done.
If the landlord does not act, or the problem is urgent, you can move forward.

2. Apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch

Form: Application for Order of Possession, Payment, or Other Order (RTB-1)
Find the official RTB Application forms here.
When to use: If your landlord won't fix a problem, keeps your deposit, or violates your rights, complete the form and submit it with any supporting documents (emails, photos, receipts).
Example: If your landlord will not repair a broken heater in winter, you can use this application to request an order—and ask the RTB to order compensation or a fine.

3. Enforcement and Administrative Penalties

The RTB can investigate and, if needed, issue penalties against the landlord—sometimes including daily fines for ongoing breaches.
Tenants can request an Order of Compensation or penalties as part of their RTB application.

For issues involving health or safe living conditions, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If your landlord ignores repeated requests, keep detailed records of all your communications and actions. Doing so increases your chance of success with the RTB.

Understanding Your Rights and Landlord Obligations in Manitoba

Knowing your rights helps you navigate problems confidently. Discover a summary for tenants and landlords at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Many disputes relate to obligations after move-in, such as deposits, routine maintenance, and rent. Get more background at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Sample Action Steps: Filing a Penalty Complaint with the RTB

Notify your landlord of the issue in writing and request action.
Gather documentation: emails, photos, receipts.
Download and complete the RTB Application for Order from the Manitoba government website.
Submit your form and supporting materials in person, by mail, or online to the RTB.
Attend the hearing or provide evidence as required by RTB instructions.

For more rental options or to choose your new home, Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

FAQ: Tenant Penalties and Landlord Compliance in Manitoba

What happens if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Manitoba?
Tenants can apply to the RTB to force the landlord to complete repairs and, in some cases, impose financial penalties or award compensation to the tenant.
How much are administrative penalties for landlords in Manitoba?
The RTB can impose fines that vary depending on the offence, seriousness, and whether it happened before. Fines may reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars per violation.
What forms do I use to request a penalty or compensation?
Use the RTB Application for Order of Possession, Payment, or Other Order (RTB-1), available on the Manitoba government site, to formally request penalties or compensation.
Can my landlord evict me in retaliation for filing a complaint?
No. Manitoba law prohibits eviction in retaliation for exercising your rights. If this happens, report it to the RTB immediately.
What kinds of evidence are helpful when applying for penalties?
Written documentation, rental agreements, photos, receipts, and a record of communications are key to supporting your complaint.

Key Takeaways

Manitoba tenants can trigger fines and penalties against non-compliant landlords through the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Official complaint forms (like the RTB-1) are essential for seeking compensation or penalties.
Maintaining good records is crucial—always keep copies of correspondence and evidence.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Read the official legislation
Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba: Official website