Special Tenancy Situations: A Guide for New Manitoba Tenants

Moving into a rental home in Manitoba comes with important rights, protections, and responsibilities—this is even more true in special tenancy situations. Whether you’re renting for the first time, transitioning between rentals, or facing special circumstances like subletting or short-term agreements, it's essential for tenants to understand how Manitoba’s laws apply. This comprehensive guide walks you through common special tenancy situations, relevant forms, and how to make sure your tenancy gets off to a good start.

Understanding Special Tenancy Situations in Manitoba

Special tenancy situations go beyond standard year-long or month-to-month leases. They can involve roommate agreements, subletting, assignments, short-term rentals, supportive housing, and more. Each situation is governed by Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and monitored by the province’s Residential Tenancies Branch.

Common Special Situations

• Subletting your unit: When you need to leave temporarily but want to keep the lease, you can sublet. You must get written consent from your landlord and use the proper RTB forms.
• Assigning your tenancy: If you want to end your lease and let someone else take over, this is called an assignment. Written landlord approval and the correct process are required.
• Roommates and shared accommodations: When sharing with others, everyone should sign the rental agreement. Discuss how deposits and payments will work.
• Short-term rentals: Special rules may apply for stays under 6 months, especially in supportive or transitional housing.
• Unusual rental arrangements: Including renting only a room, living in housing provided by an employer, or situations with family members.

Each of these situations can affect your rights. For detailed information on what to expect as a new renter, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Important Forms and When to Use Them

Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch provides official forms for key situations. Here are some you might need:

• Notice of Sublet or Assignment (RTB Form): Use this if you want to sublet or assign your rental agreement. Submit it to your landlord and keep a copy.
  Download official RTB Notice of Sublet or Assignment (PDF)
• Rental Application and Agreement Forms: To start or modify a tenancy, use the Residential Tenancy Agreement provided by the RTB.
  Download Residential Tenancy Agreement (PDF)
• Notice to End Tenancy (RTB Form): If you need to end your lease early for a special reason (like family violence or personal safety under Section 92.2), you must use this form.
  Access Notice to End Tenancy (PDF)

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Special Tenancy Situations

Whether you’re subletting, joining a roommate arrangement, or taking over a lease, your rights as a tenant remain protected under Manitoba law. The key is to document every action and communicate openly with your landlord and co-tenants.

• Get everything in writing—including permission to sublet, assign, or modify the lease
• Understand your financial responsibilities, especially when paying deposits or splitting rent
• Respect health and safety regulations, even in shared spaces
• Know what to do if issues arise (e.g., complaints, repairs, or conflicts with roommates)

For tips on handling common issues such as rent payments or maintenance in tricky tenancy arrangements, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Security Deposits in Special Arrangements

Deposits can be tricky in sublets or group rentals. Only the person or people named on the original rental agreement are entitled to the deposit refund. ALWAYS clarify how the deposit will be handled if new roommates come and go, or if you sublet or assign your unit.

For more about deposits and return of funds, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What to Do If a Dispute Arises

If you face disagreements or unexpected issues—such as damage, unclear responsibilities, or a landlord refusing a sublet—the Residential Tenancies Branch can help. Start by contacting your landlord in writing, keeping a copy of all correspondence. If the issue isn't resolved, you may file a formal complaint or request a hearing through the RTB, using the appropriate application form found on their forms page.

Looking for Rentals in Manitoba?

If you’re searching for your next home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with features to help tenants in all situations.

FAQs for Tenants in Special Tenancy Situations

1. What is the difference between subletting and assigning my apartment in Manitoba?
   Subletting means you temporarily rent your place to someone else but intend to return, while assignment transfers your entire lease to another person for the remainder of the term. Both require landlord consent using the appropriate RTB forms.
2. Can my landlord refuse my request to sublet or assign my unit?
   Your landlord must have valid reasons to refuse. They cannot say no without lawful cause. If you feel the refusal is unreasonable, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for a decision.
3. How do I protect my security deposit in a roommate or sublet situation?
   Always clarify, in writing, who is responsible for the deposit. Only the original named tenant(s) can get the refund. Discuss reimbursement among roommates separately.
4. What should I do if I have a dispute related to a special tenancy arrangement?
   First, address the issue in writing with your landlord or co-tenant. If the conflict can't be resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and use their complaint resolution process.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights in Manitoba?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for in-depth information on provincial laws and processes.

How To: Navigating Special Tenancy Situations in Manitoba

1. How do I sublet my rental legally in Manitoba?
   First, complete the RTB "Notice of Sublet or Assignment" form and submit it to your landlord asking for written permission. Only sublet after approval.
2. How do I assign my lease to someone else?
   Use the same RTB form, and provide information about the new tenant. If your landlord approves, you can officially transfer your lease.
3. How do I resolve a roommate dispute?
   Try to settle disagreements through clear communication and written agreements. If the issue involves the landlord or impacts your rights, involve the RTB for help.
4. How do I end my tenancy early for special reasons?
   Use the “Notice to End Tenancy” form if you qualify under specific situations (like family violence). Submit it according to RTB instructions.

Key Takeaways

• Special tenancy situations—such as subletting and assignments—require written agreements and the right forms.
• Your rights and responsibilities are protected under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch is your main resource for forms, guidance, and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba – Forms, guides, and dispute resolution help
• Download Tenancy Forms (Official Manitoba Government)
• Contact Information for RTB Offices Across Manitoba
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – Plain-language tenant resource

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba

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