What notice is required to end a care home tenancy in Manitoba?

Written notice is required—usually at least one month for tenants, and sometimes longer for care homes, depending on the situation.

Can care homes in Manitoba increase rent freely?

No, all rent increases must follow Manitoba's rent guidelines, with proper notice provided to the tenant.

How can seniors appeal an eviction from a care home?

Seniors can file an appeal with the Residential Tenancies Branch within a short period, typically five days after receiving a notice.

Are my personal belongings protected in a Manitoba care home?

Yes. The law protects a tenant's personal property and care homes must follow rules for its storage and access.

Seniors' Care Home Tenancy Rights in Manitoba: What to Know

Special Tenancy Situations Manitoba published June 14, 2025

For many seniors in Manitoba, moving into a care home is a life change that involves unique considerations compared to standard rental housing. Manitoba’s laws provide special rights and protections to seniors in these situations. This guide helps you understand your rights, what to expect when entering a tenancy agreement with a care home, and how to get support if issues arise.

Understanding Care Home Tenancies in Manitoba

In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Act regulates most rental housing, but specific sections cover care homes, including personal care homes, supportive housing, and related senior accommodations. While care homes offer housing along with health or personal care services, many tenant protections still apply.

Who Is Protected Under Manitoba’s Care Home Tenancy Laws?

Seniors residing in personal care homes, supportive housing, and other designated facilities covered by the Act
Anyone paying rent or fees to occupy a care home room or suite, regardless of whether services are provided

Not all residences are covered—for instance, hospitals typically are not.

Your Key Rights and Protections as a Senior Tenant

Written Agreement: Care homes must provide a written tenancy agreement, explaining the cost, included services, and your rights.
Security Deposits: While a security deposit may be required, it is regulated—learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Right to Receive Care: Personal and health care, meals, and general well-being are protected as per your specific agreement and provincial standards.
Notice Requirements: Special rules exist for how much notice you or the care home must give to end the tenancy—longer notice may be required for seniors.
Health and Safety: Care homes are obligated to provide a safe and healthy environment. Read more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Rent Increases: Strict rules govern how and when rent can be increased, including the required notice period and annual caps set by law.
Protection from Arbitrary Discharge: Residents cannot be evicted without cause, and any required move must follow legal notice procedures.

Most care home tenancies are subject to oversight by Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch, which helps resolve disputes between tenants and care home operators.

Eviction and Ending Tenancy in a Care Home

Evictions from care homes are rare and closely regulated. Common legal reasons include:

Non-payment of rent or fees
End of required care (deemed no longer eligible)
Health or safety risks to other residents

If you receive a notice to vacate, you must be given written notice—usually at least five days, but longer in some circumstances. If you feel the eviction is unfair or improper, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch. Seniors are encouraged to seek advice and advocacy if facing eviction.

Special Forms for Seniors in Care Home Tenancies

Manitoba provides specific forms for care home issues:

Notice of Termination (Form 14): Used by landlords (care homes) to end a tenancy. Example: If a resident no longer meets care eligibility, the home may use this form. Official Form 14
Application for Order of Possession: If a tenant refuses to vacate, a care home may apply to the Branch using this form. See forms and details

As a tenant, if you disagree with a notice, you can appeal by filing at the Residential Tenancies Branch. Act quickly—deadlines are strict, often as little as five days from receipt.

Common Issues for Seniors in Care Homes

Seniors may experience maintenance concerns, disputes over service delivery, or questions about rent increases. The Residential Tenancies Branch is there to help resolve these issues. Senior tenants can also refer to the guidance in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for general advice.

If you have immediate health or safety concerns in your care home, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and, if needed, the local health authority. Your safety and dignity are top priorities.

If you’re moving from a traditional apartment to a care home, remember to update your address, review your new tenancy agreement, and ensure your personal property is itemized.

Additional Resources for Seniors Seeking Rentals

For those searching for new accommodations, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada for options matched to your preferences and needs as a senior.

For more information about rights and obligations that apply to all tenants and landlords in Manitoba, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

What notice is required to end a care home tenancy in Manitoba?
In most cases, you or the care home must give written notice. For tenants, usually a month’s notice is required; care homes may have to provide more notice depending on the circumstances.
Can care homes increase rent whenever they want?
No, care homes must follow Manitoba’s rent increase guidelines and provide proper written notice to residents.
Are my personal belongings protected in a care home setting?
Yes. Your belongings are protected by law, and the care home must have policies for storage and access. If you move out or are evicted, arrangements must be made for your property.
Can I appeal an eviction from a care home?
Yes. If you believe a notice to vacate is unjust, you may file an appeal with the Residential Tenancies Branch within a short deadline, usually five days of receiving notice.
Do all care homes in Manitoba follow these laws?
Most designated care homes are covered, but very short-term accommodations or hospitals may not be. Confirm with the Residential Tenancies Branch if unsure.

Key Takeaways for Seniors in Care Home Tenancies

You have the right to written agreements, clear notice, and fair processes in all care home tenancies.
Rent and evictions are regulated by Manitoba law and overseen by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Support is available—reach out for help if you believe your rights are being violated.

Knowing your protections helps you feel secure and respected, whether moving in or resolving a dispute in a Manitoba care home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Branch – Information, forms, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords (phone: 204-945-2476)
Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat – Support programs for seniors
Manitoba Personal Care Home Program – Standards and listings of licensed facilities
For tenant advocacy, check with local seniors’ centres or legal aid clinics
General rental resources: Browse apartments for rent in Canada

Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): View the full legislation
Residential Tenancies Branch: Official website
Notice of Termination Form 14: Download