Protecting Personal Information: Privacy Laws for Manitoba Tenants

As a tenant in Manitoba, protecting your personal information is crucial—especially when sharing details like your address, ID, or financial data with your landlord. Manitoba's privacy and tenancy laws create rules for how your personal information can be collected, used, and disclosed by your landlord or property manager. Knowing your rights helps you stay safe and empowers you to act if those rights are violated.

Your Personal Information and Landlords: What Does the Law Say?

Personal information includes your name, address, contact details, date of birth, social insurance number, financial information, references, and any data that can identify you. Landlords in Manitoba must follow both tenancy law, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[1], and privacy law, such as Manitoba's Personal Information Protection and Identity Theft Prevention Act (PIPITPA). In general:

• Landlords must only collect personal information necessary for lawful purposes (e.g., verifying identity, screening applicants, collecting rent).
• Information should be kept secure and not shared with others unless required by law.
• Tenants have the right to know what information is collected and why.
• Upon request, you can access your own personal information held by your landlord.

For a deeper dive into your general tenant rights and responsibilities in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

When Can a Landlord Request Personal Information?

Most commonly, landlords request information at the start of a tenancy:

• To check credit or rental references
• To fill out the lease agreement
• To process rent payments

Once you’ve moved in, your information must only be used for purposes directly related to your tenancy—like serving legal notices, emergency contact, or maintenance coordination.

Protecting Your Privacy During Tenancy

Your privacy is legally protected throughout your entire tenancy. Manitoba landlords cannot:

• Share your information with third parties (such as new tenants, neighbours, or marketers) without your consent, unless required by law.
• Install surveillance cameras inside your rental unit or spaces that are exclusively leased to you.
• Enter your unit to look for or access personal documents without proper notice.

If your landlord needs to enter your unit, they must provide written notice according to the Residential Tenancies Act unless it’s an emergency. For advice on your responsibilities after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Official Forms and Tenant Action Steps

If you believe your personal information has been mishandled, you can:

• Request details from your landlord about what information they hold and how it’s used.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba to file a privacy complaint about landlord behaviour related to your tenancy^[2].
• If your complaint involves identity theft or misuse outside tenancy matters, contact Manitoba’s Ombudsman’s Office to make a formal privacy or freedom of information complaint.

There is no single official form specifically for privacy complaints to the Residential Tenancies Branch. However, you can use their Contact Form or submit a Statement of Claim (Form 1) if your claim is related to a violation of your tenancy rights and you are seeking remedies.

How to Safeguard Your Own Information

Take these practical steps to reduce your risks:

• Verify your landlord or property manager’s identity before sharing sensitive details.
• Only provide necessary information—ask if something feels excessive.
• Request a copy of any document you sign.
• Keep copies of important correspondence and receipts.
• Report privacy breaches or data misuse immediately.

You'll find similar helpful guidance in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know when handling financial and personal details for move-in deposits.

FAQs: Manitoba Tenants and Personal Information

1. Can my landlord demand my Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
   A landlord can ask, but you are not legally required to provide your SIN except where it is necessary, such as for credit checks (and even then, other documentation can often be used). If unsure, ask why it is needed.
2. What should I do if my personal data is shared without consent?
   Request clarification from your landlord in writing. If unsatisfied, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba, and consider contacting the Manitoba Ombudsman for serious privacy concerns.
3. Can my landlord enter my unit and access my personal possessions?
   No. Landlords must give proper notice for entry and cannot search your personal things unless for a lawful reason, such as emergencies or with legal authority.
4. How can I access the information my landlord has about me?
   Submit a written request to your landlord. They must respond and provide you with any information they hold, according to privacy law in Manitoba.
5. Are security cameras legal in common areas?
   Landlords may use video cameras in common areas for security, provided they do not intrude into private leased spaces or misuse recordings.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Your landlord can only collect and use information necessary for your tenancy.
• You have the right to know what information is being held and to access it.
• If your privacy is violated, you can complain to Manitoba’s RTB or Ombudsman.

Protecting your personal information is as important as maintaining your rental home. For step-by-step guides, general tips, and support, never hesitate to reach out to official resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba (RTB): Info, complaints, forms, guidance
• Manitoba Ombudsman – Privacy Complaints: File FOI or privacy complaint
• Tenant Information Sheets (Manitoba Government): Tenancy rights factsheets
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba)

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