What to Do About Illegal Surveillance Cameras in Manitoba Rentals

Discovering hidden or unauthorized surveillance cameras in your rental home can be disturbing. Manitoba tenants have a right to reasonable privacy, and provincial law protects you against illegal audio or video monitoring in your apartment or house. This article explains how to recognize, respond to, and resolve illegal surveillance in Manitoba rental properties.

Your Right to Privacy in a Manitoba Rental

In Manitoba, tenants are legally entitled to privacy within their rental unit. While landlords do have a right to protect their property, they must follow specific rules when it comes to entering your home or using surveillance technology.

• Landlords must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering (except in emergencies).
• Video and audio recording devices inside private living spaces, like bedrooms or bathrooms, are not allowed without your consent.
• Surveillance in common or shared areas (like building entrances) may be permitted, but notice and signage are required.

For a broader understanding of what landlords and tenants must do to keep things legal, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Is My Landlord Allowed to Use Cameras in My Rental?

Under Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act^[1], landlords cannot install surveillance cameras inside your private rental unit (including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, or any private spaces) unless you give written consent. Consent must be clear, specific, and voluntary.

Surveillance may be allowed in shared hallways, entrances, or outdoor shared spaces, provided:

• Notice is posted informing tenants of cameras’ presence
• The purpose is security and not to monitor individual behaviour inside units

Audio surveillance is almost never permitted, as it breaches Canadian privacy laws.

What Counts as Illegal Surveillance?

Examples of illegal surveillance in Manitoba rentals include:

• Hidden cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living areas of your private unit
• Recording audio without your knowledge or permission
• Surveillance installed after move-in without your written consent

What to Do If You Discover or Suspect Illegal Cameras

If you think your landlord has installed cameras in your private space without your consent, take these steps:

• Document your findings: Take clear photos or videos of all suspected devices.
• Write down dates, locations, and details about when and where you found the equipment.
• Do not remove or tamper with the devices yet—this could affect your evidence or escalate the situation.
• Ask your landlord in writing about the device—keep all messages for your records.

In Manitoba, you have the right to peace and quiet enjoyment of your rental. If your comfort or safety is threatened, consider reviewing Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical advice.

Filing a Complaint: Who Handles Illegal Surveillance?

Complaints about privacy violations and landlord conduct are managed by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba. This board can investigate, mediate, and enforce privacy protections for renters.

Forms for Reporting Illegal Surveillance

• Residential Tenancies Branch: Tenant Request for Enforcement (Form 16)
  Download Form 16
  When to use: If you want the RTB to investigate or order your landlord to remove unauthorized cameras after written requests have been ignored.
  How to use: Fill out Form 16, include all evidence (photos, messages), and submit it in person, by mail, or by email. Give a detailed account of how your privacy was breached.
• Residential Tenancies Branch: Tenant Request for Mediation (Form 18)
  Download Form 18
  When to use: If you'd like to resolve the issue through a neutral third-party mediator before entering formal dispute resolution.
  Practical Example: Your landlord refuses to remove a camera in your living room. You submit Form 18 to seek a compromise.

Both forms and instructions are available on the RTB Forms page.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

The Residential Tenancies Branch may arrange mediation, launch an investigation, or hold a hearing. They will review your evidence, listen to both sides, and may order the removal of cameras or compensation if your rights were violated.
Under Section 8 of the Residential Tenancies Act, you also have the right to "quiet enjoyment," and landlords can face fines for breaching this right.

Can Illegal Surveillance Affect My Lease?

You are protected from eviction or retaliation if you make a good faith complaint about illegal surveillance. The law prohibits landlords from terminating your tenancy simply for asserting your legal rights.

Staying Safe and Protecting Your Privacy

Alongside dealing with cameras, make sure your rental is otherwise safe and habitable. Manitoba renters have many rights that protect well-being and privacy. To deepen your knowledge, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

If you're moving or looking for a home with better privacy options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings—a quick way to find places across Canada that suit your comfort and security needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord put cameras in the hallways or entrances?
   Yes, but only in shared or common areas and only with proper notification. Cameras cannot record your private unit without written consent.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to remove an illegal camera?
   Gather evidence and file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) using Form 16 (Tenant Request for Enforcement).
3. Will I be evicted if I report my landlord?
   No. Manitoba law protects you from eviction or retaliation for exercising your rights.
4. Is audio recording allowed in a rental unit?
   No, audio surveillance inside your rental unit is not permitted without consent, and even then, usually violates privacy law.
5. Where can I find more information on Manitoba tenant rights?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for full details on rental laws.

Key Takeaways

• It is illegal for landlords to install surveillance cameras inside your private Manitoba rental without your consent.
• If you discover unauthorized cameras, document everything, notify your landlord in writing, and file a complaint with the RTB if needed.
• Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act protects your privacy and offers clear action steps for resolving issues.

Understanding your rights helps ensure your home remains a safe and private place.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) — Guidance, mediation, and formal complaint resolution, phone: 1-800-782-8403.
• RTB Forms Resource Page — Access Form 16 (Enforcement) and Form 18 (Mediation).
• Manitoba Ombudsman (Privacy Complaints) — For escalated privacy concerns, including unlawful surveillance.
• Legal Aid Manitoba — Free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible tenants.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
2. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch
3. Residential Tenancies Branch Official Forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy