Top 5 Things Tenants Must Know About Rights in Manitoba

Being a tenant in Manitoba comes with important rights and responsibilities. Understanding these can help you avoid common issues like disputes with your landlord, confusion over rent increases, or problems with repairs. This guide covers the top 5 things tenants should know, all based on the latest laws and resources for Manitoba renters.

1. Your Right to a Safe and Habitable Home

Manitoba tenants have the right to live in safe, healthy housing. The landlord must ensure the rental meets health, safety, and housing standards set out by provincial law. If you find issues such as mould, pests, or inadequate heating, you can ask your landlord to fix them.

• Your landlord is responsible for major repairs.
• You should promptly notify your landlord about health and safety issues.
• If your landlord does not respond, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).

To learn more about these rights, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for common hazards and what to do.

2. Security Deposits: Rules and Protections

When starting a new tenancy in Manitoba, a landlord may ask for a security deposit (also called a damage deposit). By law, this deposit cannot exceed half a month’s rent. It must be held in trust for the tenant and returned—with interest—at the end of the tenancy, unless there are valid deductions for unpaid rent or damages.

• Always get a written receipt for your deposit.
• Take photos and document the property’s condition at move-in and move-out.
• If there is a dispute, you can apply to the RTB for help.

Read more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for best practices and your legal protections.

3. Understanding Your Rental Agreement

Tenancy agreements in Manitoba can be written or verbal, but written agreements are recommended for clarity. These agreements must include details about rent, payment schedules, and house rules. Both landlords and tenants have obligations under the agreement and provincial law.

• Review your rental agreement carefully before signing.
• Keep a signed copy for your records.
• After your rental agreement is complete, be aware of ongoing duties like maintenance and respecting other tenants’ peace and quiet.

The RTB offers official resources and forms for rental agreements. Learn more in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

4. Rent Increases: What’s Legal?

There are strict rules for rent increases in Manitoba. Landlords must give tenants at least three months’ written notice before increasing rent, using the official Notice of Rent Increase form. Most rent increases are limited to once every 12 months, and the province sets an annual allowable increase percentage each year.

• Check if your rental is exempt from rent increase guidelines (consult the RTB site).
• Keep records of all rent payments and increase notices.
• If you receive an improper notice or disagree with the increase, respond in writing and seek advice from the RTB.

Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act ^[1] governs rent increases and notice requirements. You can download the official Notice of Rent Increase form from the RTB website.

5. Resolving Disputes and Repairs

If problems arise—such as needed repairs not being addressed, rent disputes, or other issues—you have the right to request resolution through the Residential Tenancies Branch. Common procedures include applying for an order to direct the landlord to make repairs, or to settle financial disputes.

• If you cannot reach a solution with your landlord, fill out the appropriate RTB application form.
• File your completed form online or in person at an RTB office.
• The RTB will review your complaint and may schedule a hearing.

For more on this process, check out the official RTB guidance and forms: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/tenant/forms.html.

For a complete summary of your province’s laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Manitoba Tenancy

1. Can my landlord increase the rent whenever they want? No. In Manitoba, landlords must give three months’ written notice and can only increase rent once every 12 months, unless the RTB has approved an exemption.
2. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t make required repairs? Notify your landlord in writing first. If they don’t respond promptly, you can file a repair application with the RTB for help.
3. How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Manitoba? The maximum is half a month’s rent. This must be returned with interest after you move out, less any valid deductions.
4. What official forms do tenants most commonly use? The Notice of Rent Increase form and Application for Order of Possession form are commonly used. Both are available on the RTB site and guide you through the steps of requesting a rent change or ending a tenancy.
5. Where can I get more information or help with a dispute? Contact the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch directly for advice and mediation services (see Help and Support below).

How To: Common Tenant Actions in Manitoba

1. How do I dispute a rent increase? If you believe the rent increase notice is invalid, review the notice’s details and file an objection with the RTB within the required timeframe. Use the RTB’s official application forms.
2. How do I request urgent repairs? Document the issue and contact your landlord in writing. If no action is taken, use the RTB’s Application for Repair form to request an order for repairs.
3. How can I end my tenancy properly? Give your landlord written notice at least one full rental period in advance, using the Notice of Termination form available from the RTB.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you have more questions or need support:

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Government of Manitoba: Official information, forms, and complaint resolution services.
• Manitoba RTB Forms for Tenants: Application forms for repairs, disputes, and notices.
• Local Tenant Resources: Community Legal Education Association (Winnipeg) provides free legal info for tenants – https://www.communitylegal.mb.ca/

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1. ^[1] Manitoba's residential rental laws: Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba
2. For forms and guidance: RTB Official Forms
3. Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)

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