Rental Rights Without a Signed Lease in Manitoba

Many renters in Manitoba find themselves renting without a signed lease, either by verbal agreement or by staying on after a fixed term ends. If you’re in this situation, you may be unsure about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. This article explains what happens when you never sign a lease in Manitoba, how the law protects you, and steps you can take to ensure your housing situation is safe and legal.

Is a Lease Required for Tenancy in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, you don’t need a written lease to have a legal tenancy. The law recognizes both written and verbal rental agreements. Even if there’s no signed lease, the Residential Tenancies Act (see the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba) offers protections and rules for both tenants and landlords¹.

• If you pay rent and have the landlord’s permission to stay, you’re considered a tenant under Manitoba law.
• Your rights are similar to those with a signed lease—such as security deposit limits, notice periods, and eviction protections.

How Verbal and Month-to-Month Tenancies Work

Most tenancies without a lease are considered “month-to-month” agreements. In this arrangement:

• You pay rent each month
• The tenancy automatically renews each month unless you or the landlord give proper notice to end it
• The Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know rules still apply

This means you have similar protections to tenants with written leases, but there are some practical differences—especially around proving what was agreed on if problems arise.

Your Rights and Responsibilities Without a Written Lease

Even without a signed lease, both tenants and landlords must follow Manitoba’s rental laws. Here’s what you need to know:

• Rent payments: You must pay your rent on time as agreed (even if only set verbally). Landlords must provide proper receipts.
• Rent increases: Landlords can only increase rent according to Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know and must give at least three months’ written notice.
• Maintenance and repairs: Landlords must keep the rental unit in good repair and safe; tenants must not cause damage or interfere with others’ enjoyment.
• Deposits: Security deposits cannot be more than half a month’s rent, and must be returned according to provincial rules.
• Notice to end tenancy: You or your landlord can end the tenancy by giving written notice, which must follow specific timelines (at least one full rental period’s notice, often one month).

For more on these responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Should You Do If You Have No Written Lease?

Not having a written lease can make it harder to prove what you and your landlord agreed to. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

• Keep records of all payments (rent receipts, e-transfers, etc.)
• Document the condition of the rental when you move in (photos, emails with landlord)
• Get important details in writing whenever possible (agreements about repairs, notice to end tenancy, etc.)
• If your landlord gives you a written notice or document, save a copy for your records

If you need to address issues with repairs or your tenancy, Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch is the official government body handling disputes. Find details and forms at Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.

Relevant Forms for Tenants Without a Lease

• Notice of Termination of Tenancy (Form RTB 3): Use this if you want to move out. It must be delivered in writing to your landlord, with at least one full rental period’s notice. Download the Notice of Termination Form (RTB 3).
  • Example: If you pay rent on the 1st of each month, you must give notice before the start of the next month to move out at the end of that month.
• Application for Order of Possession (Form RTB 10): If a landlord tells you to leave or locks you out without proper notice or order, you can apply to the Branch for help. Download Application for Order of Possession (RTB 10).
• Maintenance Request: Although no official form is required, always put maintenance requests in writing (email is fine) to document your efforts if problems aren’t addressed.

Every Manitoba tenant also has a right to safe and healthy housing. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If a Landlord Wants You Out, or Raises Rent Suddenly?

Even without a written lease, you are entitled to proper notice and legal procedures under the law. Your landlord cannot simply make you leave, change rules, or increase rent without following the rules of the Residential Tenancies Act.¹

• For ending tenancy: Landlords must give you written notice, using the same notice periods as you would give them.
• For rent increases: Landlords must give at least three months’ written notice. Maximum annual rent increases apply unless the unit is exempt.
• For health or safety threats: The landlord can apply to end the tenancy on shorter notice if there are serious issues, but you can dispute this with the Branch.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution or assistance. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba has more information about Manitoba-specific protections.

FAQ: Rental Situations Without a Signed Lease

1. Do I have any rights if I don’t have a lease in Manitoba?
   Yes. Manitoba law protects you whether you have a written, verbal, or month-to-month agreement. You have full tenant rights as defined by the Residential Tenancies Act.
2. How much notice do I need to give my landlord if I want to move out?
   You must give at least one full rental period’s written notice (usually one month). Use Form RTB 3 and keep a copy for your records.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent without notice if we never signed a lease?
   No. All landlords must give at least three months’ written notice before any rent increase, even with no lease.
4. What if my landlord tries to evict me without notice or reason?
   Your landlord must follow legal eviction procedures and provide proper notice. If you’re told to leave suddenly, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch right away.
5. Is it risky to rent without a lease?
   While you are legally protected, not having a written lease makes it harder to prove what was agreed on. Keep all records and communicate important matters in writing when possible.

Key Takeaways for Tenants Without a Lease

• You have strong legal rights and protections even without a signed lease.
• Document all agreements, payments, and important communications in writing.
• Use official forms when needed, and contact Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch for any serious disputes.

Unsure about your next step? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, or visit the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance, forms, and advocacy services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – Information, forms, and dispute resolution (1-800-782-8403)
• Tenant Assistance Resources – Province of Manitoba
• Community Legal Education Association Manitoba: Free legal info for tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba. Available at Manitoba Laws website.

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