Manitoba Tenants: Penalties and Exceptions for Moving Out Early

Considering moving out before your lease ends in Manitoba? Understanding your options and rights is essential. Early lease termination can bring financial penalties, but there are clear legal exceptions that may allow you to leave without extra costs. This guide explains the rules, legal steps, official forms, and supports for Manitoba tenants.

Your Lease: Fixed-Term vs. Month-to-Month

The rules for moving out early depend on your rental agreement type:

• Fixed-term leases (e.g., one-year agreements) usually require you to stay for the full term. Leaving early may result in penalties unless you meet specific legal exceptions.
• Month-to-month tenancies require at least one full rental period’s written notice before moving out without penalty.

If you want a full overview of what tenants and landlords must do after signing the agreement, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Standard Notice Periods in Manitoba

For most Manitoba tenants, the written notice requirements are:

• Monthly lease: At least one full rental period (for example, hand in your written notice before the first day of the final month you plan to stay).
• Fixed-term lease: You must stay until the end of the term, or face penalties, unless an exception applies.

When in doubt, review your lease terms and the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act.¹

Penalties for Early Move Out

If you leave before your lease ends without the landlord’s agreement or a legal exception, you may owe:

• Rent until the end of the lease or until a new tenant moves in (whichever happens first)
• Loss of your security deposit
• Possible additional fees outlined in your rental agreement

Landlords must try to re-rent the unit as soon as possible and cannot simply charge you for the entire remaining term if they can find a paying tenant.¹

Exceptions: When Can You Move Out Early Without Penalty?

Manitoba law recognizes several exceptions where tenants can legally break the lease early:

• Family Violence or Abuse: Victims can apply to end the tenancy early using a government process (see below for forms).
• Unable to Live Safely Due to Disability: You may be able to break your lease (with medical documentation) if you need to move into care.
• Landlord Breaches: If the landlord fails to meet major obligations (e.g., repairs, essential services), you may apply to end your tenancy early.

Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for help interpreting your situation.

Official Forms and Action Steps

To help Manitoba tenants, here are the most relevant forms:

• Notice of Termination by Tenant (Form 12):
  Use this for standard notice to end a monthly or fixed-term lease at the end of term. Available via the Residential Tenancies Branch official forms page. Fill out and deliver the form to your landlord – keep a copy for your records.
• Tenant’s Notice to Terminate Tenancy Agreement Due to Domestic Violence (Form 17A, Form 17B):
  Used if you are escaping family violence or stalking. Submit with supporting documents as listed on the Residential Tenancies Branch forms page (look for Form 17A and 17B); be prepared to provide proof like a protection order or letter from a health professional. See the detailed instructions on the official site.
• Application for Early Termination Due to Landlord’s Breach (Form 19):
  If your landlord is violating legal obligations (such as failing to provide heat or repairs), use this application from the Residential Tenancies Branch to request permission to move out early.

Need step-by-step advice on ending your agreement? How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant provides more tips.

Tenancy Board and Manitoba Law

All disputes about early move-out, penalties, or exceptions are handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch in Manitoba. This Branch oversees landlord-tenant matters under the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba).

Getting Your Deposit Back

If you give proper notice and leave your rental in good condition, you are entitled to your security deposit and any owed interest. Read more at How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

For more detail on landlord and tenant rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

You can easily Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need somewhere new to stay after moving out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Out Early in Manitoba

1. Do I always need to pay rent for the full lease if I leave early?
   Not always. If your landlord finds a new tenant quickly, your responsibility for rent ends when they move in. There are also exceptions for situations like family violence, disability, or landlord breaches.
2. How much notice must I give to move out?
   Month-to-month tenants need to provide at least one rental period of notice in writing. Fixed-term tenants must give notice by the end of the lease, unless an exception applies.
3. What if my landlord refuses to let me move out early for safety reasons?
   You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch using the forms and documentation related to your situation (see above for Domestic Violence or Landlord’s Breach).
4. Can I move out early if my rental is unsafe or uninhabitable?
   Yes, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for permission to end your tenancy if your landlord fails to provide safe living conditions. Document the issues and file the appropriate application.
5. Will I lose my security deposit if I move out early?
   If you do not give proper notice or break your lease without a valid exception, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your deposit. If you follow the rules or a legal exception, you should receive your deposit back (minus any lawful deductions).

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Moving out early usually carries penalties, but legal exceptions exist for safety, health, or landlord breaches.
• Always provide proper written notice and use the correct government form.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for advice or to start a complaint or application.

Understanding your rights early helps you avoid costly mistakes when moving out.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch – Main tribunal for residential tenancy issues (guides, forms, dispute resolution)
• Government resource on family violence and housing
• Legal Aid Manitoba: Family and Housing Law
• Official Manitoba Tenancy Forms
• For accessibility or disability-related early move-out, contact the Manitoba Accessibility Office

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Read the full legislation
2. Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba: Official website for forms and guidance
3. Forms: Manitoba government tenancy forms

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