What to expect when a management company changes
When ownership or the property manager changes, tenants usually see three types of messages: an introduction from the new manager, instructions about rent payments, and updates about repairs or building policies. Your lease remains in effect and the new manager steps into the same contractual role.
- Keep copies of your signed lease, receipts, and any written communications.
- Confirm where and how to pay rent, including any change in payment method or account details.
- Get the new manager's name, phone number and email in writing from the landlord or management company.
- Document the unit condition with photos or video and a dated list of existing issues.
- Ask for written confirmation if your security deposit will be transferred to the new manager or held by the owner.
- Check how maintenance requests will be submitted and tracked under the new system.
Notices, rent and security deposits
Any formal notice about the tenancy must be clear about who is giving the notice and how it was served. Tenants should read notices carefully and keep originals or scans. If the change affects where you pay rent or who holds your security deposit, ask for written proof of the transfer and keep receipts.
For more on deposit rules and how transfers are handled, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Repairs, maintenance and emergency access
Managers must follow Manitoba's rules on repairs and emergency access.[2] If a new manager says repairs will be handled differently, ask for that policy in writing and keep copies of repair requests. If repairs are urgent and not addressed, record dates, photos, and any communication.
For routine fixes and tenant-landlord duties, review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
If a dispute over repairs or access arises, you can use the Residential Tenancies Branch forms and dispute process to apply for resolution[1]. Common actions include filing an application to request an order for repairs or to clarify rights under the lease.
How to raise concerns or file a dispute
- Ask the manager to confirm their contact details and the preferred method for written requests.
- Send repair requests and other important messages by email or text and keep copies.
- If informal attempts fail, complete the appropriate RTB application form and submit it following the instructions on the branch website[1].
- Attend any scheduled hearing or case conference with your documentation and copies of notices.
FAQ
- Will a new property manager change my lease?
- No. Your existing lease continues to apply until it ends or you and the landlord agree to change it.
- Who should I pay rent to after a management change?
- Pay the party named in written instructions from the landlord or new manager. If unsure, keep paying as before and ask for written confirmation.
- What if the new manager ignores urgent repairs?
- Document the problem, notify the manager in writing, and if it remains unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution[1].
How-To
- Gather your lease, rent receipts and photos of the unit condition.
- Request written contact details and payment instructions from the new manager.
- Send repair requests in writing and keep a dated record of responses.
- If unresolved, download and complete the RTB application form and follow the submission steps on the official site.
- Prepare for any hearing with copies of leases, photos, receipts and communication logs.
Key Takeaways
- Your lease and core rights remain in place when a management company changes.
- Confirm payment details and deposit handling in writing to avoid payment disputes.
- Document repairs and communications to support any future dispute resolution.
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