Roommate Rights and Responsibilities in Manitoba Explained

Living with roommates can make renting more affordable and enjoyable, but it also comes with unique rights and responsibilities—especially in Manitoba. Whether you’re signing your own lease or joining an existing rental, understanding how Manitoba’s tenancy laws govern roommate arrangements will help you avoid disputes and protect your interests. This guide is here to demystify the rules, highlight what you’re legally responsible for, and explain how to resolve common issues when sharing a home.

Who Is Considered a Roommate Under Manitoba Law?

In Manitoba, roommates are typically two or more adults sharing a rental unit. Not all roommates have the same legal status: those named on the Residential Tenancy Agreement (lease) are tenants with legal rights and responsibilities, while others may be considered occupants or subtenants without direct rights under the lease.

• Co-tenants: All named on the tenancy agreement. Each co-tenant shares equal legal responsibility for rent and damages.
• Occupants: Not named on the lease, usually arranged with the tenant. Occupants are not directly responsible to the landlord.
• Subtenants: Have a separate agreement with the original tenant and may gain some legal protection under Manitoba law.

If you’re not sure of your roommate status, check your lease to see if your name appears as a tenant.

Main Rights and Protections for Roommates

The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) governs most aspects of shared rentals involving roommates. Key rights include:

• The right to safe and habitable housing; landlords must maintain the unit according to provincial standards.
• Privacy: Your landlord can only enter the unit under specific circumstances with proper notice, even in shared spaces.
• Security deposits: Each tenant has a right to have their security deposit returned if they fulfill their obligations and the lease ends correctly. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Roommates should agree in writing how bills and deposits are divided and keep records in case of disputes.

Roommate Responsibilities: What You Need to Know

As a roommate or co-tenant in Manitoba, your responsibilities may differ depending on your lease agreement. In general, co-tenants are jointly and severally liable for the full rent and any damages. This means each tenant can be held responsible for the entire amount if another roommate doesn’t pay their share.

Sharing Rent and Bills

• Agree on how rent and other bills (utilities, internet, etc.) will be split.
• Be aware that the landlord can pursue any roommate for the full rent if others default.
• Consider using a written roommate agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

For a more detailed look at tenant rights and obligations in Manitoba, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Dealing With Repairs, Cleanliness, and Health

Roommates share responsibility to keep the rental clean and undamaged. Landlords handle major repairs, but tenants must report them quickly. For tips on handling issues, review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

• Report any damage or urgent maintenance (like plumbing leaks) to the landlord at once.
• Maintain cleanliness in shared areas to prevent disputes or pest problems.

Keep a written record of maintenance requests and communication with your landlord to protect all roommates’ interests.

Roommate Disputes: Solving Problems and Moving Out

If a conflict arises, Manitoba landlords are not required to mediate disputes between roommates. Try to resolve issues through open discussion and keep communication in writing. For unresolved issues, mediation services are available, or you may need to take legal action in civil court, especially if a roommate damages property or withholds money.

When moving out, it’s best to:

• Provide proper notice to both your roommates and the landlord;
• Settle all outstanding rent and damage costs;
• Document the unit’s condition with photos and a walk-through.

If you are named on the lease, everyone must usually agree when ending the tenancy. Find more guidance in How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Official Forms You May Need

If leaving a roommate arrangement, be prepared to use official forms:

• Notice of Termination by Tenant(s) – RTB Form 2A: Used when a tenant wants to end their tenancy.
  Download the form from the Residential Tenancies Branch. Complete it and deliver to your landlord and roommates as required. Example: Jamie gives written notice, on Form 2A, 30 days before moving out to end their responsibility.
• Request for Order of Possession – RTB Form 10: Used if there is a dispute and a tenant needs a formal tribunal decision.
  Find the form here. Example: If a roommate refuses to leave after a tenancy ends, this form starts a formal process.

The Role of Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the official body that handles most landlord-tenant matters in Manitoba, including rental disputes involving tenants and landlords. The RTB does not resolve disputes between roommates directly, but can answer questions about your rental agreement and rights. Learn more by reading the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) [1].

Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates in Manitoba

1. Can a roommate be evicted by another roommate in Manitoba?
   No. Only the landlord can evict a tenant named on the lease, following the process set out by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
2. What happens if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of rent?
   All tenants named on the lease are jointly responsible for the full rent. The landlord can seek unpaid rent from any co-tenant, not just the person who missed paying.
3. Do I get my security deposit back if I move out but my roommates stay?
   Security deposits are returned when the tenancy ends for all tenants. If one roommate leaves early, they may need to settle up privately with the others.
4. Is a roommate agreement legally binding?
   Yes, a signed roommate agreement can be enforced in civil court for matters like splitting bills or damages, though it is separate from the lease with the landlord.
5. Where can I get help if my roommate relationship breaks down?
   Consider local mediation services, tenant advocacy organizations, or seek advice from the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Know your status: co-tenant, occupant, or subtenant rights may differ.
• All tenants named on the lease are responsible for the entire rent and damages.
• Disputes between roommates are not handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch; resolve them with clear agreements and open communication whenever possible.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Toll-free 1-800-782-8403. Handles landlord-tenant disputes and provides tenant guidance.
• Manitoba Consumer Protection Office – Tenant Info: Information and complaint resolution support.
• Legal Help Centre of Winnipeg: Free walk-in legal advice for tenants and co-tenants.
• For a full overview of your rights and landlord obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (official site)
3. Official Manitoba RTB Forms Directory

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