Top 10 Maintenance & Repair Facts for Manitoba Tenants

As a renter in Manitoba, knowing the basics about maintenance and repairs is essential to protect your comfort, safety, and legal rights. Every tenant should understand the shared responsibilities for fixing problems, who to contact in emergencies, and the steps for handling unresolved maintenance issues. This guide explains ten essential facts, the forms you may need, and the legislation that protects Manitoba tenants.

1. What is Manitoba's Basic Standard for Rental Property Repairs?

Landlords in Manitoba are legally required to keep rental properties in a good state of repair that meets health, safety, and housing standards. This is outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).^[1]

2. Your Landlord's Responsibilities

Generally, landlords must:

• Ensure heating, plumbing, electrical, and appliances provided are working
• Address pest infestations (e.g. bedbugs, mice)
• Comply with health and safety laws

If you’re experiencing any pest-related issues, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

3. Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental clean and not causing damage. You may have to repair damages caused by you or your guests.

View more on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

4. How to Request Repairs

Always notify your landlord in writing about needed repairs – this creates a useful record.

5. What to Do in an Emergency Repair Situation

An emergency is anything that endangers your health or the property, such as flooding, broken heating in winter, or gas leaks. Report emergencies to your landlord immediately. If the landlord is unavailable and you must arrange urgent repairs, keep all receipts as you may be reimbursed.

Read about urgent circumstances in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

6. Landlord Access for Repairs

Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit for repairs (except in emergencies). Notice must state the reason and time of entry.

7. What If Repairs Are Not Done?

If your landlord ignores repair requests, you can:

• Send a second written notice
• Request a repair order from the Residential Tenancies Branch

Relevant Official Form

• Application for Repairs (Form 25)
  Use if your landlord refuses or fails to fix urgent or essential repairs. Complete and submit to the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch. Access Form 25 here.

Example: Your landlord ignores requests to fix broken heating. File Form 25 to the Branch, providing evidence (copies of emails, photos).

8. Routine and Preventive Maintenance

Regular upkeep like changing light bulbs (where accessible) or cleaning is usually up to the tenant. Repairs due to wear and tear (not caused by the tenant) remain the landlord’s responsibility.

9. Dealing With Health and Safety Hazards

Mould, unsafe wiring, or pest infestations must be taken seriously. These are also covered by health and safety regulations. Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting provides more details.

10. Manitoba’s Tribunal for Rental Disputes

For unresolved issues, Manitoba renters can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for orders on repairs and to enforce landlord obligations. This is the official government body addressing rental disputes.

For a broader overview of legal rights and obligations for both landlords and tenants in this province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

If you need to find a new home that better suits your needs, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Manitoba Maintenance & Repairs

1. Who pays for repairs in a Manitoba rental?
   Landlords pay for most repairs due to normal wear and tear or building systems. Tenants pay if the damage was caused by themselves or their guests.
2. How soon must my landlord fix urgent repairs?
   Urgent repairs (like no heat in winter or water leaks) should be done as soon as possible. If not, apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. Can my landlord enter my home without notice for repairs?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice in writing, unless it’s an emergency.
4. What forms do I use if my landlord won’t do repairs?
   Use Form 25 – Application for Repairs to ask the Branch to order necessary work.
5. What if repairs are affecting my health?
   Notify your landlord and contact Manitoba’s health authority if needed. File an application to the Branch if problems persist.

How To: Get Repairs Done in Your Manitoba Rental

1. How do I request a repair from my landlord?
   
   • Submit a written request stating the problem and desired outcome (email is acceptable and creates a record).
2. How do I take action if repairs aren’t made?
   
   • Submit a second written reminder. If there’s still no response, file Form 25 – Application for Repairs with the Residential Tenancies Branch, attaching evidence.
3. What are the steps to emergency repairs?
   
   • Attempt urgent contact with your landlord. If you must arrange repairs yourself, retain receipts and notify your landlord promptly.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords are responsible for most repairs and must meet health and safety standards.
• Always put repair requests in writing and keep records.
• You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch if important repairs are not completed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) – Information, application forms, dispute resolution
• Forms & Documents: Residential Tenancies Branch
• Manitoba Health – Environmental Health (unsafe housing conditions)
• Local tenants’ associations and advocacy organizations for support and advice

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1. [1] See Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act

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