Top 5 Maintenance & Repair Tips for Tenants in Manitoba

Maintenance & Repairs Manitoba published July 01, 2025 Flag of Manitoba

For tenants across Manitoba, understanding your rights and responsibilities when it comes to maintenance and repairs can make a huge difference in your rental experience. Whether you’re dealing with leaky faucets, heating issues, or structural concerns, knowing the essentials helps you take action and ensures your rental remains safe and livable. This guide walks you through what every tenant needs to know about maintenance and repairs in Manitoba.

Who Handles What? Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

In Manitoba, both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)[1]. Generally, landlords must keep the rental unit and property in good repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. Tenants must keep their units reasonably clean, and they are responsible for any damage that is beyond normal wear and tear.

  • Landlords: Required to fix problems affecting health, safety, or the structure (e.g., heating, plumbing, broken windows, electrical issues)
  • Tenants: Must report problems promptly and not cause damage. Small routine upkeep (changing lightbulbs, unclogging drains from personal misuse) is typically the tenant’s duty.

For a fuller explanation of rights and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Timelines for Repairs: What’s Reasonable?

Not all repairs need to be done instantly, but Manitoba law requires landlords to address urgent issues (like loss of heating in winter) promptly. For non-urgent repairs, timelines may be set in your lease or by local repair standards. If something in your unit affects health or safety, the landlord must act quickly to keep you safe and meet the law’s standards. You can learn more by visiting the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).

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Requesting Repairs: Process and Practical Steps

If a repair is needed, tenants should:

  • Contact the landlord in writing (text, email, letter) describing the issue and asking for a timeline
  • Keep records of all communication and photos if possible
  • Allow access for inspections or repairs as required by law (usually 24 hours’ written notice, unless it’s an emergency)

For emergencies, like no heat in winter, immediately notify your landlord. If the landlord fails to respond in a reasonable time, you may be able to file a complaint with the RTB or seek permission to arrange repairs and deduct the cost from your rent (but only after following the formal process).

Dealing with Health or Safety Hazards

Some maintenance issues — like mold, pests, or broken locks — can threaten your health or safety. In such cases, you have extra rights, and the landlord must respond quickly. For more on hazard-related issues, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If the problem is severe and not fixed, you may be able to apply for a rent reduction or break your lease. Always check with the RTB before taking these steps.

Important Manitoba Forms and How to Use Them

  • Request for Repairs or Services (Form 13): Use this to make a formal written request to your landlord for necessary repairs or maintenance. Provide details and, if possible, attach photos.
    Official form: Request for Repairs or Services (Form 13)
  • Application for Order of Possession or Other Order (Form 2): If your landlord does not respond, you can apply through the RTB using this form for an order requiring repairs to be made.
    Get it from: Application for Order of Possession or Other Order (Form 2)

Always fill forms clearly, attach evidence (photos/emails), and keep a copy for your records.

What If Repairs Aren’t Done? Your Options

If your landlord does not complete the repairs in a reasonable time despite your requests:

  • Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) for advice and formal dispute resolution
  • Consider filing a Form 2 for RTB intervention
  • In emergencies, you may be able to arrange repairs yourself, but you must follow formal notification steps
  • Never withhold rent without proper RTB guidance; this could risk eviction

Routine upkeep keeps everyone safer and prevents conflicts. If you encounter repeated issues, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for more insight.

Stay Informed: Manitoba Tenant Rights and Support

Laws differ between provinces, so knowing your local rights is crucial. See the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page for essential local facts, or Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re looking for new options.

  1. What is the landlord required to repair in Manitoba?
    Landlords must repair anything that affects health, safety, or the structure, such as heating, plumbing, broken appliances or windows, and ensure the unit meets all provincial standards.
  2. Can I do the repair myself and deduct the cost from my rent?
    Only in specific situations: You must request repairs in writing and give the landlord reasonable time to fix the issue first. If there's still no action, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for permission to do the work and deduct costs.
  3. What if repairs are not completed quickly?
    If it’s urgent (like no heat in winter), the landlord must act as soon as possible. For other repairs, "reasonable time" varies but usually means within a few days to a couple weeks. If nothing happens, file a complaint with the RTB.
  4. Do I have to let the landlord in for repairs?
    Yes, as long as the landlord gives at least 24 hours’ written notice and comes at a reasonable time (8 am–8 pm), except for emergencies.
  5. Who enforces tenant maintenance and repair issues in Manitoba?
    The Residential Tenancies Branch is the official agency handling disputes, repairs, and tenant-landlord concerns.
  1. How do I formally request a repair from my landlord?
    Write a clear request describing the problem. Use the Request for Repairs or Services (Form 13) for best results, and keep a copy for your records.
  2. What are the steps to file a complaint with the RTB?
    • Try to resolve the repair with your landlord in writing first
    • Wait a reasonable time for response
    • If nothing happens, fill out Form 2 (Application for Order)
    • Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch with supporting evidence (photos, emails, etc.)
    • Wait for the Branch to contact you with next steps
  3. What should I include when I submit a repair request or complaint?
    State the issue clearly, attach evidence (photos/emails), list all communication dates, and if possible, use official RTB forms.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

  • Your landlord is legally required to make repairs that affect health, safety, and structure
  • Use official forms, provide written notice, and keep detailed records at each step
  • The Residential Tenancies Branch is your main resource for help with unresolved maintenance issues

Staying proactive and informed can make maintenance and repairs much simpler to resolve.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Residential Tenancies Act (MB)
  2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
  3. Manitoba Official Tenant Forms
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.