What to Do If Your Landlord Illegally Shuts Off Heat or Water in Manitoba

Experiencing a sudden loss of heat or water in your Manitoba rental home can be stressful, especially during the colder months. Landlords in Manitoba are legally required to provide essential services like heat and water. If your landlord shuts these off illegally, you have strong rights and can take immediate steps to protect your health and safety. This guide explains what tenants should do, Manitoba's legal protections, and how to get essential services restored as quickly as possible.

Your Right to Heat and Water in Manitoba Rentals

According to the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), landlords must provide all essential utilities required by health and safety standards, including adequate heat and a supply of water^[1]. Even if your tenancy agreement says otherwise, a landlord cannot simply turn off the heat or water to force you out or as punishment.

• Heat must be maintained from September 15 to June 15, ensuring a minimum inside temperature of 20°C when heating is required by local by-laws.
• Water (hot and cold) must be provided year-round unless you have a separate agreement to pay utilities directly.

What Counts as Illegal Utility Shutoff?

In Manitoba, it's illegal for a landlord to deliberately disconnect heat, water, or other vital services without proper justification or notice. Common examples of illegal shutoff include:

• Turning off the furnace or boiler to save on energy costs
• Disabling water supply as retaliation for unpaid rent or a complaint
• Refusing to repair a broken water heater, leaving you without hot water for days without explanation

Even in a rental dispute or eviction process, your access to heat and water must not be disrupted. For a broader view of tenant issues, read Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Steps to Take If Your Heat or Water Is Turned Off

If your essential utilities have been shut off, you have the right to act quickly to restore them. Here’s how:

1. Contact Your Landlord or Property Manager
   Reach out immediately by phone, text, or email. Explain that the service has been disconnected and request an urgent fix. Keep records of your communication.
2. Document the Situation
   Take clear notes: when did you lose service, for how long, and any health or safety impacts? Photos or videos can help support your case.
3. Contact Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch
   If your landlord does not restore services promptly, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). They can help mediate and order the landlord to restore essential services.
4. File a Formal Complaint
   If the utility is not restored after your initial contact, you can submit an Application for an Order of Possession or for an Order to Remedy a Breach:
• Form: Application for an Order of Possession or Order to Remedy a Breach (RTB form available here)
• Example: If your landlord refuses to restore heat during winter, file this form with details and your supporting evidence.
5. Call Health or Municipal Authorities (for Emergency Health Risks)
   If the shutoff creates a health hazard (dangerously cold, no water for hygiene/bathing), you may also contact your local public health department or municipal by-law enforcement for assistance. For more support, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What the Tribunal Can Order

Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch has the power to order landlords to restore utilities immediately and may award damages to the tenant. Using the proper forms and evidence will ensure your complaint is handled efficiently by the RTB.

Related Rights and Tenant Protections

If your utilities are affected and you can’t live in your unit safely, you may be eligible for a rent reduction, compensation, or—if necessary—permission to How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant. Check out the full overview of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for all the provincial standards and complaint options.

Legislation and Forms Summary

• Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act (Read the full Act here)
• Form: Application for an Order of Possession or Order to Remedy a Breach (Download from Manitoba’s RTB)

For anyone seeking an alternative rental, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme, offering safe, up-to-date rental listings across all provinces.

FAQs on Loss of Heat or Water in Manitoba Rentals

1. Can my landlord ever turn off utilities for repairs?
   Yes, but only for necessary repairs and with reasonable notice. Extended or repeated disruptions without justification are not allowed under Manitoba law.
2. How quickly must my landlord restore heat or water?
   As soon as reasonably possible; prolonged shutoff can result in a legal order for immediate restoration and possibly compensation.
3. What if the services are in my name, not the landlord’s?
   If you are responsible for utilities and fall behind in payments, the provider may disconnect. But if your landlord is responsible, only they can be held liable for illegal shutoff.
4. Is compensation available if I had to stay elsewhere due to no heat or water?
   Yes. The RTB can order a landlord to pay compensation for losses or additional costs incurred due to illegal utility shutoff.
5. Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t fix the heat or water?
   No, you must continue to pay rent. Instead, file a complaint with the RTB so the issue is addressed by the authorities.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Landlords must legally provide heat and water; illegal shutoff is never allowed as a punishment or tactic.
• Document issues, contact your landlord, then reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch for formal action.
• Prompt complaint and using the correct forms can restore your utilities quickly and protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Main government office for tenant complaints and forms
• Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Hotline: For vulnerable renters in urgent need of help
• Local municipal by-law enforcement or health inspector: Google your city or town office
• Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Full legislation text
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Official agency website

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