Who is responsible for damages caused by a roommate?
If all roommates are on the lease, everyone is jointly responsible for damages unless proven otherwise.
Can a landlord evict everyone if one roommate breaks the lease?
Yes, if all roommates are on the same lease, the landlord can evict the entire household for a lease breach.
What if my roommate fails to pay their portion of rent?
All tenants on the lease are jointly responsible, so the landlord can ask any of you for full payment.
Does the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch help with disputes between roommates?
No, they only handle disputes between landlords and tenants, not between roommates.
If you need help resolving a roommate dispute, consider mediation services or legal aid. Gather copies of texts, emails, and the lease, then contact a local mediator or community legal clinic to discuss options and timelines.
What happens if my roommate moves out early?
Remaining tenants must still meet the full rent and obligations under the lease.
Can I change roommates during the term of the lease?
Only with landlord approval and a possible lease amendment. Use the "Request for Change in Tenancy Agreement" form.
Keep written records of any changes to who lives in the unit. Without a signed amendment, you may be in breach of the lease if a roommate moves in or out, which can affect liability for rent and deposits.
Am I responsible for my roommate's guests?
Yes, you may be jointly responsible for any damage or disturbances caused by any guests.
Can a roommate legally kick me out?
No. Only the landlord can end your tenancy officially if your name is on the agreement.
Can I be on a lease if I’m just subletting from a roommate?
No. As a subtenant, your legal agreement is with your roommate, not the landlord.
Do all roommates have to sign the lease?
Not required, but only those who sign have legal rights and responsibilities under the lease.
Can a landlord increase rent if a roommate changes?
No, unless a new fixed-term lease is signed or the entire tenancy ends and a new one starts.
Can a landlord refuse to allow a new roommate?
Yes, landlords may screen or reject prospective new roommates.
Do I need landlord approval to add a roommate?
Yes, adding a roommate usually needs written landlord approval and an updated agreement.
Can I sublet my room in shared housing?
Only with landlord consent—complete a "Request for Sublet or Assignment" form.
What form do I use to formally add or remove a roommate?
Use the Request to Amend Tenancy Agreement (Form 10) with landlord approval.
Can a landlord terminate the tenancy if one roommate leaves?
No, unless your agreement specifies otherwise or all tenants leave.
Are oral agreements between roommates binding?
Yes, but they are harder to enforce without written proof.
If my roommate is disruptive, can I ask the landlord to evict them?
Only the landlord can pursue eviction, and only with proper legal notice or cause.
My roommate has changed the locks—what can I do?
Only the landlord can authorize lock changes; report it to them and request intervention.
Who gets the security deposit back when we move out?
The deposit is refunded to all tenants named on the lease at the end of the tenancy.
How do I end my lease if my roommate wants to stay?
Discuss with your landlord—removal from the lease needs their consent and a formal amendment.
Can the landlord split my rent with my roommate?
No, the landlord usually holds the group jointly responsible for the full rent.
Am I liable if my roommate brings in unauthorized pets?
Yes, everyone on the lease can be held responsible for lease breaches involving pets.
Does the Branch help with cleaning disputes between roommates?
No. Cleaning or chore disputes must be resolved between roommates.
My roommate is threatening me. What should I do?
If you feel unsafe, contact police. For non-urgent matters, seek mediation or legal advice.
Can I end my part of a lease if I signed with roommates?
Only with landlord’s agreement and a formal amendment to the lease.
My roommate refuses to leave after the lease ends. What do I do?
The landlord may start eviction proceedings if the tenancy has legally ended.
How do I formally remove a roommate from our lease?
Submit a Request to Amend Tenancy Agreement (Form 10) to your landlord.
Am I responsible for my roommate's illegal activities?
Yes, all tenants may face consequences, including eviction, if illegal activities occur in the unit.
Can I withhold rent if my roommate won’t pay their share?
No, the landlord can still pursue you for the full rent; resolve payment issues between roommates internally.
If we all move out early, can the landlord keep our deposit?
The landlord may keep the deposit for unpaid rent or damages above normal wear and tear.
Must all roommates give notice to end a lease?
Yes, all tenants on the lease should give written notice unless otherwise specified by agreement.
Can a roommate assign their portion of the lease to someone else?
Only if the landlord agrees and the Request for Sublet or Assignment (Form 7) is approved.
Who do I contact for shared housing legal advice in Manitoba?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for tenant-landlord issues, or seek legal aid for roommate problems.
Where can I find the tenancy laws for Manitoba?
Review The Residential Tenancies Act on the Manitoba government's website.
Is a subtenant protected under the Act?
Subtenants have some protections, but their main agreement is with the tenant they're renting from.
My roommate wants to install a lock on their bedroom. Is this allowed?
Only with landlord permission—modifications may need approval.
Can the landlord refuse to return our deposit if my roommate caused damages?
Yes, they can deduct amounts for damages caused by any tenant.
Can roommates set house rules that override the lease?
No, house rules can’t override the tenancy agreement or provincial law.
How can I collect money my roommate owes me?
You may need to use Small Claims Court for personal financial disputes.
Can my roommate change the Wi-Fi password without telling me?
Roommates must agree on shared utilities; discuss issues together for a resolution.
If my roommate leaves belongings behind, do I have to keep them?
No legal obligation, but give them reasonable time to collect their things and document your efforts.
Are utilities usually included in shared housing rent?
It depends on your lease or rental agreement terms—confirm what’s included before signing.
What if my roommate is a smoker and I am not?
Address concerns directly; only the landlord can enforce no-smoking clauses per the lease.
Does my credit get affected if my roommate doesn't pay rent?
Yes, if your name is on the lease and rent is unpaid, it could affect your credit if taken to collections.
Can the Residential Tenancies Branch help if my roommate steals from me?
No. Theft is a police matter, not covered under tenancy law.
If I'm not on the lease, can the landlord make me leave?
Yes, if you’re not an approved occupant, the landlord can require you to move out.
Can the landlord refuse my rent if my roommate hasn't paid theirs?
The landlord will usually accept rent but may still pursue unpaid amounts from all leaseholders.
How do I prevent disputes with a new roommate?
Have a written roommate agreement detailing shared costs, duties, and expectations.
Can I move out early if I find a replacement roommate?
Only with landlord approval and an amended agreement using Form 10.
Does the landlord need to approve overnight guests?
Usually not for occasional guests, but check your lease and discuss with your landlord.
