Manitoba Tenant Rights During Building Renovation

Living in a rental unit doesn’t mean you lose your right to a safe, livable home—especially if your building is undergoing major renovations. In Manitoba, both tenants and landlords must follow clear rules set out by the Residential Tenancies Branch. Understanding your rights and the obligations of your landlord can help you stay protected and make informed decisions if renovations disrupt your living situation.

What to Expect If Your Building Is Being Renovated

Renovations can be as simple as a new coat of paint or as intrusive as a full building overhaul. Manitoba law requires landlords to maintain the rental property in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. If your landlord plans major work, your rights depend on the type and extent of the renovation.

Notice Requirements for Renovations

• Advance Written Notice: Landlords must give written notice before starting any repairs or renovations that require entry to your unit. Usually, this means at least 24 hours’ written notice, stating the date, time, and reason for entry.
• Major Renovations ("Renovictions"): If the repairs require you to move out, your landlord must provide a written notice of termination following the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)¹.

If renovations will disrupt essential services (water, heat, electricity) or your quiet enjoyment of the unit, your landlord should minimize the impact and restore services promptly.

Your Rights If Asked to Leave Due to Renovations

• Your landlord cannot force you to vacate simply for cosmetic upgrades.
• If a renovation requires you to move out permanently, you must receive a written notice to end the tenancy. The required notice period varies:
• For a monthly tenancy: At least three months’ written notice.
• For a fixed-term tenancy: Until the end of the lease, unless both parties agree otherwise.
• If work can be completed with you living there, you have the right to remain in your home.

Landlords must use the proper form—Notice of Termination for Renovation (Residential Tenancies Branch form RTB-6)

• Notice of Termination by Landlord for Repairs or Renovations (Form RTB-6)
• Example: If your landlord intends to gut and remodel the kitchen, making the unit uninhabitable, they must use this form and give proper notice before asking you to move.

Compensation and Returning After Renovations

Under Manitoba law, tenants asked to move out for major renovations may have a right to return to the unit when repairs are complete—often at the new market rent. Compensation for moving expenses may be available if the work is substantial.

• Right of First Refusal: If a landlord ends your tenancy for major renovations, you may request a right of first refusal to move back in once the work is complete.
• Moving Costs: Compensation is sometimes available if you're required to relocate. You can apply for this through the Residential Tenancies Branch.

If you have concerns, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba.

Health and Safety During Construction

Your landlord must ensure your home remains safe and habitable during renovations. This includes:

• Protecting you from hazardous dust, fumes, or unsafe conditions
• Maintaining essential services (like heat, electricity, water)
• Responding to potential repair-related emergencies

If you think your health or safety has been compromised, consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting or report hazardous conditions to the Residential Tenancies Branch.

What If You Need to Dispute a Renovation Notice?

If you believe your landlord is not following the law, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch using these forms:

• Tenant Application (Form RTB-10): File if you believe the notice is improper or you’re being unfairly displaced. Get the form here.
• Request for Order of Possession (Form RTB-12): Use if you received a termination but wish to contest it. Download the form.

For step-by-step guidance, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Key Obligations: Both Tenants and Landlords

Both tenants and landlords have ongoing responsibilities. You are expected to cooperate with reasonable access for repairs while your landlord must keep the property in a good state of repair and respect your right to privacy. For more information, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Additional Resources For Tenants

• To learn about rental rules in other provinces, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re looking for alternative accommodation during renovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stay in my unit during renovations?
   If the renovations do not require you to leave for health or safety reasons, you usually have the right to remain in your unit. Landlords can only require you to vacate if the work makes the space uninhabitable.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before starting renovations?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice to enter your unit for renovations. For major renovations requiring you to move out, three months’ written notice is usually required.
3. Am I entitled to compensation if forced to leave?
   You may be eligible for moving expenses or a right to return to your unit when renovations are finished. Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch to apply for compensation or clarify your rights.
4. What if my landlord doesn't follow the notice rules?
   You can dispute the notice or file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch using the official forms provided above.
5. Will my rent increase after major renovations?
   Your landlord may apply for a rent increase after substantial improvements. However, rent adjustments must still comply with provincial regulations and notice rules.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Manitoba must follow strict rules when renovating a rental, including giving proper notice and maintaining safe living conditions.
• Tenants may be eligible for compensation or the right to return after renovations.
• If you receive notice to move, use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) – Main office for disputes, applications, and tenant help
• Manitoba RTB Official Forms – Submission and application forms
• Tenant support groups: Government of Manitoba – Tenants Portal
• Legal help: Legal Aid Manitoba

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) sets out key rules for repairs, renovations, and tenant protections.
2. All forms and processes are managed by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).

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