Secure Building Access and Intercom Systems: Manitoba Tenant Rights

Feeling safe in your rental is a fundamental expectation. In Manitoba, secure building access and functioning intercom systems are key elements to tenant safety, especially in multi-unit buildings. This article explains what Manitoba tenants can expect regarding building security, landlord responsibilities, and steps to take if your access systems aren't working properly.

Why Secure Access and Intercoms Matter

Secure entry points, controlled access (like key fobs or codes), and working intercoms help prevent unauthorized entry and allow tenants to control who comes into their building. They play a vital role in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and benefit all residents, including vulnerable tenants.

Who Is Responsible for Building Security?

Under Manitoba's laws, landlords must ensure the rental property meets minimum health and safety standards. This includes maintaining doors, locks, entry systems, and any installed intercoms in proper working order. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) oversees rental matters in Manitoba, including these issues.

Section 67 of the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba requires landlords to keep rental premises in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with safety regulations¹.

What Tenants Can Expect

• Main entry doors to multi-unit buildings should be secured (locked with proper functioning locks, security fobs, or codes).
• Existing intercom systems must be kept in working order. If your lease advertises an intercom system, the landlord is responsible for its upkeep.
• Broken locks, doors, or non-functioning intercoms should be repaired promptly by the landlord.
• Landlords cannot disable security systems or leave buildings unsecured without a valid reason.

Keeping the premise safe is a shared responsibility. Tenants should never prop open security doors or provide access codes to strangers.

If Your Building’s Security System Fails

Problems like a broken front door lock or a malfunctioning intercom are serious health and safety issues. Address them quickly for your protection and your neighbours'.

Immediate Actions for Tenants

• Notify your landlord or property manager in writing (by email, letter, or the landlord's preferred method). Be specific about the problem and request prompt repair.
• Keep copies of all correspondence.

If your landlord fails to act quickly, you may file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch for unsafe conditions. Document the issue with photos or videos as evidence.

Relevant Forms and Applications

• Tenant Request for Repairs: There isn't a specific government-issued form in Manitoba. However, you can write a letter or use a template to notify your landlord about the repair needs. Keep a dated copy for your records. See repair request steps in the next section.
• Application for an Order: If your landlord does not take reasonable steps to repair building security (like a broken entrance or intercom), you can apply to the RTB for an official order to have repairs completed.
  Link: Residential Tenancies Branch Forms (Form 4 – Tenant Application for Repairs or Services)

Health and Safety Violations

Unsecured buildings and faulty intercoms may violate minimum safety standards. If fixing the problem is urgent (such as an exterior door that cannot be secured), contact the RTB and, if appropriate, local bylaw enforcement or police for immediate safety risks.

How to Request Security Repairs from Your Landlord

If your building’s secure access or intercom isn’t working, here are the practical steps Manitoba tenants can follow:

• Document the issue (date, photos, detailed description).
• Send a written repair request to your landlord or property manager, clearly identifying the location and nature of the problem.
• Allow a reasonable period for response and repair—usually a few days for urgent issues.
• If there’s no reasonable response, gather your documentation and apply to the RTB using Form 4 – Tenant Application for Repairs or Services.

Routine repairs like these fall under broader rights and responsibilities. For more context, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Safety Expectations When Moving In or Out

Before moving in, inspect common-area doors and intercoms for functionality as part of your walkthrough. If you notice an issue, make sure it’s noted on the move-in inspection form and notify your landlord. Follow similar steps when moving out—ensure common security features are working and returned in good condition.

Properties with active security issues may also impact your comfort or renewals. If these issues recur, they're among the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For more resources on renting across Canada, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Where to Find Manitoba Tenant Rights Information

Your right to security and basic services is spelled out in provincial tenant legislation. For a full overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

FAQ: Secure Building Access & Intercoms in Manitoba

1. Can my landlord take a long time to fix a broken front entry door or intercom?
   Landlords must address building security repairs promptly, especially if the issue is urgent. If repairs are not made in a reasonable time, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for help.
2. What should I do if I feel unsafe because my building’s security door is broken?
   First, notify your landlord or property manager immediately and in writing. If this doesn’t resolve the situation promptly, you can apply to the RTB for repairs or contact local authorities if your safety is at risk.
3. Am I allowed to install my own security lock or intercom system?
   Tenants generally cannot alter building security features without the landlord’s written permission, unless in an emergency. Always document any changes you request.
4. What evidence should I keep when reporting security issues?
   Retain dated written requests, photos or videos of the problem, and records of any landlord communication. This documentation will support your case if you apply to the RTB.
5. Where can I apply if my landlord won’t fix a security issue?
   Use Form 4 – Tenant Application for Repairs or Services to apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for an order to repair the security issue.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Landlords must keep building entrances secure and repair intercoms promptly.
• Document and report security issues in writing; apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch if problems persist.
• Your safety is protected by Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act and enforced by the RTB.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Dispute resolution, forms, tenant support
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: If you have a safety concern linked to discrimination or accessibility
• City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement (for local building code/safety bylaw issues)
• Provincial Tenant Support Centres and advocacy organizations for information on rights and safety standards

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba – Section 67: Duties of landlords regarding repairs and security
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) Official Website

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