Privacy Rights and Landlord Entry: Manitoba Tenant Guide

Your home should feel safe and private—even when you rent. In Manitoba, tenants have strong legal protections around when, how, and why a landlord can enter their rental unit. This guide explains your privacy rights, the legal rules landlords must follow, and exactly what steps to take if you believe your rights have been violated.

Understanding Your Privacy Rights in Manitoba Rentals

Manitoba law protects tenants’ right to privacy. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) sets strict limits on when and how your landlord can legally enter your unit.^[1] There are only a few reasons a landlord may enter, such as repairs, showings, emergencies, or inspections. Except for emergencies, your landlord usually must give you 24-hours’ written notice stating the reason, date, and time of entry.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

• With 24 hours’ written notice for repairs, safety checks, routine inspections, or showing the unit to new tenants or buyers. The entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• In an emergency (e.g., fire, flood, urgent repairs threatening health or property), no notice is required.
• If you consent—you can agree to a visit with less or no notice if you feel comfortable.

If a landlord enters without proper notice, or without your consent outside the legal reasons, it could be a violation of your rights.

Steps to Take If Your Privacy Has Been Violated

If your landlord enters your unit without following the rules, it is important to act quickly to protect your privacy. Here’s what you should do:

• Document everything: Write down the date, time, and details of any unlawful entry. Photos of written notices or interior conditions can also help your case.
• Talk to your landlord: Calmly explain your concerns and remind them of Manitoba’s entry rules. Written communication is best.
• Submit a written complaint: If the landlord ignores the rules or your concerns, you can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).

Keeping detailed records helps if you need to take further steps.

How to File a Privacy or Entry Complaint in Manitoba

If your landlord repeatedly enters without following legal requirements, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), the official body that handles rental disputes in Manitoba.^[2]

Official Forms for Tenant Complaints

• Application for Order of Remedy (Form 2)
  Form 2 – Application for an Order of Remedy is used when you want the RTB to investigate and order your landlord to follow the law, such as respecting privacy. For example, if your landlord entered repeatedly without notice after you asked them to stop, you would complete this form, attach your evidence (texts, photos, witness statements), and submit it to the RTB.
• Notice of Hearing (issued after application)
  Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a Notice of Hearing with the date and time. Both sides can present evidence.

You can download official forms and instructions directly from the Manitoba RTB website.^[3]

Your Rights and Responsibilities

While your privacy is protected, it is also important to follow your own responsibilities as a tenant. These include allowing entry for legitimate reasons (with proper notice) and communicating respectfully about privacy concerns. For a full look at tenant and landlord duties, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide.

Additional Issues Connected to Privacy & Entry

Issues involving entry are sometimes linked to repairs, maintenance, or safety. If you are concerned about why your landlord needs to enter, you have a right to ask questions. For example, if your landlord claims urgent maintenance but does not provide details, you can ask for clarification. Manitoba’s rules also protect you in cases of unsafe living conditions; learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you move out due to privacy violations or other unresolved conflicts, remember to review the process for moving out and returning keys, as well as your rights around deposit returns.

For more Manitoba-specific information, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my unit without notice in Manitoba?
   In most cases, no. Manitoba law requires landlords to provide at least 24 hours’ written notice (except for emergencies).
2. What should I do if my landlord keeps coming in without permission?
   Write down each incident, ask them to stop, and, if it continues, file an Application for Order of Remedy (Form 2) with the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. What counts as an emergency for landlord entry?
   Emergencies include things like fires, floods, or any situation putting people or property in immediate danger, allowing entry without notice.
4. Can a landlord give me less than 24 hours’ notice if I agree?
   Yes, you can give consent for earlier entry, but you’re not required to.
5. Is my landlord allowed to enter my unit for inspections?
   Yes, but only with 24 hours’ written notice and only during legal hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

How To Take Action if Your Privacy Rights Are Violated

1. How do I file a privacy entry complaint with the RTB?
   Fill out Form 2 (Application for Order of Remedy), attach documentation, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch. They will set a hearing date for both parties to explain their side.
2. What evidence helps my case?
   Document dates, times, reasons, notices, communications, witness statements, and photos if possible.
3. Can I attend the RTB hearing by phone?
   Yes, hearings can be attended by phone or in person—details will be in your Notice of Hearing.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice (except emergencies) before entering your Manitoba rental unit.
• Repeated privacy violations can be formally reported to the Residential Tenancies Branch using Form 2.
• Your right to privacy is protected by law—document incidents and take action if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), Manitoba: Official info, forms, and contact details for tenant complaints or questions.
• Tenant Checklist (PDF): Practical RTB checklist for tenants’ rights and documentation (from Manitoba government).
• Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. See The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), Government of Manitoba
3. Official RTB forms and instructions

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