Do seasonal workers in Manitoba need a written lease agreement?

Yes, while written leases are best and recommended, even verbal agreements do create legal rights. Always ask for a written copy to protect yourself.

Can my employer evict me as soon as my seasonal job ends?

Your employer must provide proper written notice following Manitoba law, even if the housing is tied to your work. Immediate eviction is not allowed.

Where can seasonal tenants get help with disputes or unsafe housing?

Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help with eviction, deposits, repairs, or to file an official complaint.

Seasonal Worker Tenant Rights in Manitoba: A 2024 Guide

Special Tenancy Situations Manitoba published June 19, 2025

Renting as a seasonal or temporary worker in Manitoba can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with your rights in short-term, employer-provided, or agriculture-related accommodation. This guide is designed to explain, in clear terms, your legal protections as a tenant under Manitoba law, including deposits, leases, landlord obligations, and how to get help if needed.

Who Is a Seasonal Worker Tenant?

In Manitoba, a seasonal worker tenant is anyone who rents a place to live while working for a limited period, often in agriculture, hospitality, or construction. Your rights are protected whether you rent from a private landlord or your employer.

Most seasonal workers in Manitoba are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1]. If your housing is tied to your job (known as "employer-provided accommodation"), special rules may apply, but you still have protections against unsafe conditions and unfair treatment.

Rental Agreements and Deposits: What Seasonal Workers Need to Know

Even for a short-term stay, your landlord (or employer) should provide a written rental agreement setting the rent, term, and any house rules. In Manitoba, seasonal leases can be fixed-term (ending on a specified date) or periodic (month-to-month or week-to-week).

Security deposits cannot exceed half a month's rent.
Landlords must provide a written receipt for any deposit collected.
Deposits must be returned, with interest, at the end of your tenancy if you meet your obligations.

Learn more about deposits in Manitoba in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Forms and How to Use Them

Tenancy Agreement (Form 1): Used to record rental terms for all tenants. Ask for a copy and keep it safe. See official forms.
Notice of Termination (Form 2): If you need to end your tenancy early, use this form, indicating your reason and required notice (typically one rental period). More details from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Application for Order of Possession or Dispute Resolution: If your employer/landlord tries to evict you unfairly, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch. This process helps resolve disagreements about notice, rent, or damages. View forms and instructions.

Practical example: If your employer says you must leave your accommodation immediately after your seasonal job ends, ask for proper written notice and review your tenancy agreement. You may have the right to stay for your notice period.

Health, Safety, and Living Conditions

Whether renting from a private landlord or through your employer, your rental must meet Manitoba's health and safety standards. Seasonal workers are entitled to safe, clean, and adequately maintained housing, including:

Safe drinking water and working plumbing
Proper heating, insulation, and ventilation
Pest-free living space

If you notice dangerous conditions or persistent problems, your first step is to inform your landlord or employer in writing. If issues aren't resolved quickly, you can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch, which administers landlord-tenant disputes in Manitoba. For more on safe housing, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your Rights When the Work or Lease Ends

In most cases, the end of your seasonal job or farm contract does not mean your tenancy automatically ends. Your landlord (including employers) must provide written notice and follow legal processes for ending the tenancy. If you want to leave before the lease expires, specific rules apply — see our page on What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires.

For fixed-term leases, you must move out at the end date unless a new agreement is made.
For month-to-month or week-to-week agreements, standard notice periods apply (generally one rental period).
You cannot be forced out without proper written notice or a valid reason, even in employer housing.

Resolving Disputes: How the Residential Tenancies Branch Helps

If you think your rights are being violated—such as improper eviction, withheld deposits, or unsafe living conditions—contact the Residential Tenancies Branch. They provide dispute resolution, information, and forms for both landlords and tenants. You do not need a lawyer to apply. For general Manitoba rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

If you ever feel rushed or pressured to leave your accommodation immediately, remember: landlords must always give proper written notice, and you have a right to fair treatment under the law.

For help comparing rentals, or if you need to find other housing for your next seasonal contract, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Do seasonal workers need a written lease in Manitoba?
Yes, all tenants (including seasonal workers) should have a written agreement stating rent, term, and other details. Verbal agreements are legal but harder to enforce.
What if my employer wants me to leave as soon as my job ends?
Your landlord or employer must still provide proper written notice as required by Manitoba law. Immediate eviction is not permitted without due process.
Can deposits be withheld if I stay less than a year?
No. As long as you meet your obligations (such as proper notice and no damages), your deposit must be returned with interest, even for short-term leases.
Where do I go if I have a disagreement with my landlord?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for information, dispute resolution, and forms. They help with deposit disputes, repairs, and eviction issues.

Key Takeaways for Seasonal Worker Tenants

You are protected under Manitoba law, even in employer-provided housing.
Always get a written agreement and keep a copy of all forms.
Health, safety, and fair notice rules apply to all landlords, including employers.
Help is available from the Residential Tenancies Branch if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), Manitoba – dispute resolution, guides, and forms.
Manitoba Employment Standards Branch – workplace housing questions.
Manitoba Environmental Health Branch – unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – detailed overview of tenant protections and common issues.

Residential Tenancies Act, Manitoba. Available from Official Manitoba Legislation.