What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses Rent in Manitoba

If your landlord in Manitoba refuses to accept your rent payment, it can be stressful. As a tenant, you have important rights and responsibilities. This article explains what to do, which forms to use, and who to contact to resolve rent payment disputes fairly.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Manitoba

Under Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants must pay rent in full on time, and landlords are required to accept it. Refusing rent can only happen in specific situations, like after a tenant has received a proper eviction notice and the payment deadline has passed. If your rent was refused unfairly, you are still responsible for attempting to pay on time.

Learn more about the general Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a solid foundation.

Common Reasons Landlords Refuse Rent

• Claiming arrears from previous months are outstanding
• Ongoing eviction process after a notice to move out
• Disputes over rental amounts or late fees
• Personal disagreements or retaliation (which is not allowed)

If you believe the refusal has no legal basis, take steps to protect yourself and document your attempt to pay.

What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses Your Rent

Follow these steps if your landlord will not accept your rent payment:

• Document Everything: Keep a record of every attempt to pay rent – dates, how you tried to pay, responses from your landlord, and copies of any communication.
• Continue to Offer Payment: Send written notice (email or registered letter) offering to pay rent. Never spend the rent money elsewhere; keep it available.
• Pay Into Trust with the Residential Tenancies Branch: In Manitoba, you can send your rent payment directly to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) if your landlord refuses it. This protects you from an eviction for non-payment.

Keep receipts for all rent payment attempts. Never withhold rent in retaliation.

How to Pay Rent Into Trust When Refused

If your landlord refuses your rent, use the RTB’s Payment of Rent with Branch form (Form 4). This form allows you to pay your rent directly to the RTB when your landlord will not accept it.

• Form Name: Payment of Rent with Branch (Form 4)
• When to Use: If your rent is refused for any reason, submit this form and payment to the RTB instead of directly to your landlord.
• Access Payment of Rent with Branch (Form 4)

For more on tenant rent payment rights and best practices, check the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Filing a Dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch

If your landlord still attempts eviction or refuses to cooperate, you can file a formal complaint or dispute with the RTB. The process typically involves:

• Contacting the RTB for advice and documentation requirements
• Submitting a Notice of Application form (available from the RTB)
• Attending a hearing if the dispute is not resolved informally

The RTB will review your documentation and may order your landlord to accept rent or stop wrongful eviction.

Understanding Manitoba Tenant-Landlord Laws

All disputes over rent payment are governed by Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act. To learn more about local rights and laws, view Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a comprehensive overview.

For those seeking a new home while dealing with disputes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for listings in your area.

1. Can my landlord evict me if they refuse my rent?
   If you have proof you tried to pay on time (by submitting to RTB or offering payment), you are protected from eviction for non-payment. Your landlord cannot evict you solely because of refusal to accept your payment.
2. What should I do with the rent money if it’s refused?
   Keep the rent in a separate account or as a money order, and use the Payment of Rent with Branch (Form 4) to pay the RTB directly until the issue is resolved.
3. Can my landlord refuse rent because of damage or complaints?
   No. Rent cannot be withheld as a punishment or response to complaints about damage or repairs. All rent disputes must be resolved through the proper process.
4. Where can I get help if my landlord keeps refusing rent?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch or local tenant advocacy groups for advice and support if you cannot resolve the dispute.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always attempt to pay rent on time and keep records of all attempts.
• If refused, use Form 4 to pay the RTB directly.
• Filing a dispute with the RTB helps protect your tenancy if problems persist.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba: Main government resource, information, forms, and dispute process.
• Official Manitoba RTB Forms: Access payment forms, applications, and notices.
• Contact the RTB: Office phone and email support.
• Learn more about your Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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1. Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act: Full legislation text
2. Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba: Official government resource
3. Manitoba RTB Payment of Rent with Branch (Form 4): Form and instructions

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