What to Do if Your Heat or Water Is Shut Off in Manitoba

If you’re a tenant in Manitoba and your heat or water has been shut off, this can feel overwhelming—especially in winter or with children at home. Provincial law treats heat and water as essential services, and interruptions are strictly regulated. This article explains your rights, what steps to take immediately, how to document your case, and what resources are available. We’ll also cover when and how to escalate your complaint to Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch, and what forms you may need.

Your Right to Essential Services Under Manitoba Law

In Manitoba, landlords must provide tenants with continuous access to essential services, including heat and water. The The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) protects tenants by making it illegal for landlords to deliberately withhold, shut off, or interfere with these services, except in specific situations (such as temporary maintenance with proper notice).^[1]

When Is a Shut-Off Allowed?

• For urgent repairs, with reasonable notice wherever possible.
• If a utility company interrupts service due to reasons beyond the landlord’s control (e.g., citywide outage).

Otherwise, landlords cannot cut off heat or water, and you have the right to act quickly if this happens.

What to Do Immediately If Your Heat or Water Is Shut Off

• Contact your landlord or property manager right away. Confirm whether it’s a planned repair or mistake.
• If you reach voicemail or email, write down the date and time and what you communicated.
• Check if the rest of your building/neighbours experience the same issue—this can help clarify if it’s a building or unit-specific problem.

You should document all communications and take photos if the shut-off is affecting your quality of life (e.g., ice on windows, lack of running water).

Next Steps If Your Landlord Does Not Restore Services Fast

• Send a written notice to your landlord requesting immediate restoration and stating the impact on your health and safety.
• If there is no prompt response, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba and ask how to file an urgent complaint.

Interfering with heat or water may also be a health or safety violation. If you’re concerned, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for practical guidance.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Form: Application for an Order of Possession or Other Remedy (Form 2)

• When to use: If your landlord refuses to restore heat or water, you can file an urgent Application for an Order with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) using Form 2.
• Example: You’ve sent two written requests and heat is still off after 48 hours during winter. Fill out the form, stating the facts, and submit to the RTB—proof of communication strengthens your case.

What Decisions Can the RTB Make?

• Order the landlord to immediately restore service
• Authorize emergency repairs and deduct costs from rent (if applicable)
• Order rent compensation for affected days

Health and Safety: What If Your Unit Is Uninhabitable?

If the lack of heat or water makes your home unsafe, you may have additional rights or grounds to seek emergency action and compensation.

• Contact Manitoba Health Links or Public Health for an inspection if you think conditions are hazardous.
• Consider temporary relocation if directed by authorities—but keep records and receipts.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities can help clarify your options.

Preventing Issues and Knowing Your Rights in Manitoba

Essential service interruptions are considered urgent under Manitoba law. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page has more on your legal protections regarding repairs, maintenance, and proper notice periods. Being aware of these rights can help avoid escalation and improve communication with your landlord.

If you’re searching for a unit with a solid maintenance record, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for listings that meet your standards for comfort and reliability.

FAQ: Tenant Questions About Heat and Water Shut-Offs

1. Can my landlord shut off my heat or water for late rent?
   No. Shutting off heat or water to force payment or as retaliation is illegal under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act and you should report it right away.
2. How quickly must my landlord restore essential services?
   Services like heat and water must be restored as soon as possible. Delays can qualify as an emergency; contact the Residential Tenancies Branch immediately if restoration is not prompt.
3. Do I need to keep paying rent if I have no heat or water?
   Yes, but you can apply for rent compensation if essential services have been withheld. Always consult the RTB before withholding any rent to avoid risking eviction.
4. Who do I contact in Manitoba for urgent service problems?
   The Residential Tenancies Branch is the best first step. For health emergencies, contact Manitoba Public Health or Health Links.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Your landlord cannot lawfully shut off your heat or water without valid cause and notice.
• Document all communications, act quickly, and use the RTB complaint process when needed.
• Seek help if your safety or health is put at risk—many resources are available to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Advice and complaint forms for tenants
• Manitoba Tenant Support Services Directory
• Health Links – Info and assessment if you are in an unsafe living environment: 1-888-315-9257

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1. [1] Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act. Essential service rights and regulations in The Residential Tenancies Act

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