What Manitoba Tenants Can Do if Services Are Cut After a Dispute

When you’re renting a home in Manitoba, you have the right to essential services like heat, water, and electricity. Sometimes, disagreements or disputes between tenants and landlords can lead to stressful situations—such as a landlord intentionally cutting off vital services. If this happens to you, it’s important to know your legal rights and what actions you can take under Manitoba law. This guide explains what services your landlord must provide, steps to take if they’re cut off, and how the Residential Tenancies Branch can help.

Your Right to Essential Services in Manitoba

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba, landlords are required to supply and maintain vital services that are stated in your lease or required by law—such as heat, water, electricity, and fuel. Cutting off these services is not allowed, even if you are in a dispute or behind on rent payments.

• Landlords cannot deliberately shut off utilities or essential services as a form of punishment or dispute resolution.
• They must also ensure repairs are made quickly if an outage is due to maintenance issues.
• If services are discontinued, the landlord must restore them immediately.

What To Do If Your Landlord Cuts Off Services

If your landlord turns off heat, water, or electricity, take action right away. These steps can help protect your comfort, safety, and rights as a tenant in Manitoba.

1. Document What Happened

• Take photos and videos showing the service disruption (e.g., unlit furnace, shut-off taps).
• Note the date, time, and any communication from the landlord.
• Keep copies of utility bills if you pay directly and notices from service providers.

2. Notify the Landlord

• Contact your landlord immediately in writing (email or letter is best) to inform them of the problem and request the services be restored.
• Keep a record of all communication.

3. File a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch

If the landlord does not restore services promptly, then you should file a formal complaint. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch handles these disputes and can issue orders to restore services, and in some cases, award compensation to tenants.

If you’re facing a health hazard due to a lack of heat or water, call your local authorities or health inspector for immediate help.

4. Official Forms for Tenants

• Application for an Order of Possession or Remedies (Form 2): Use this if your landlord is withholding essential services after a dispute. It allows you to apply for an official remedy or order from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
  Download Form 2 here.
  Example: You wake up with no heat in winter, your landlord is not responding, and you’ve documented your attempts. Use this form to ask the Branch to order your landlord to restore heat and/or compensate you.
• Repair Request Form: For maintenance-related interruptions (not disputes), you can file a repair order.
  Download the Request for Repair Form here.

The Branch will review your case and can enforce remedies quickly, especially if the lack of service is a health or safety risk.

Tribunal and Legal Protections

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is Manitoba’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters. It interprets and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act and protects tenants from illegal disconnections.

For more detailed rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Landlord Obligations: Health, Safety, and Services

Manitoba law requires landlords to maintain safe and livable rentals. This includes routine upkeep and addressing urgent repairs. For more about shared responsibilities, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for a new, safe place to rent? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and get peace of mind in your next tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord cut off my water or electricity if I’m late with the rent?
   No, landlords cannot deliberately cut essential services, even if you owe rent. It’s illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act.
2. What should I do first when I notice a service has been cut?
   Document the problem, notify your landlord in writing, and if not resolved quickly, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. Will the Residential Tenancies Branch help me if my landlord refuses to fix the problem?
   Yes, the RTB can order the landlord to restore services and may also award you compensation for losses or discomfort.
4. Do I have to keep paying rent if my heat or water is cut off?
   Don’t stop paying rent without first speaking with the RTB or seeking legal advice. You may have options, but legal guidance is important.
5. What laws protect tenants in Manitoba from having services cut?
   The Residential Tenancies Act makes it illegal to withhold vital services and spells out tenant protections.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/rtb | Phone: 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg) or 1-800-782-8403
• Legal Aid Manitoba: www.legalaid.mb.ca
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: www.manitobahumanrights.ca
• Local Public Health Inspector: Contact your regional health authority if lack of service poses a health risk

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba: Full text of the Act
2. Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba: Official Tribunal Website
3. Forms and Processes: Manitoba RTB Forms

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