What if my employer says the housing is part of my job and not covered by rental laws?

Most employer-provided housing in Manitoba is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act unless specific exemptions apply. Always check with the Residential Tenancies Branch if unsure.

Can I be fired for reporting unsafe living conditions?

No, Manitoba law protects tenants from retaliation such as job loss for asserting their legal right to safe, habitable housing.

What counts as an emergency in rental housing?

Emergencies include threats to health or safety—such as lack of heat in winter, major leaks, or exposed wiring.

How do I formally report unsafe conditions?

Complete and submit the Tenant Request for Repair (Form T1) to Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch, with evidence and written details.

Where can I get more information about tenant rights in Manitoba?

See the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page for detailed, up-to-date guidance on provincial tenancy law.

What to Do When Employer-Provided Housing Is Unsafe in Manitoba

Special Tenancy Situations Manitoba published June 19, 2025

Living in housing provided by your employer in Manitoba comes with unique protections and challenges, especially if conditions become unsafe. As a tenant, understanding your rights and the proper actions to take protects both your well-being and your tenancy, regardless of your employment situation. This guide will help you navigate issues related to unsafe employer housing and highlight the resources and steps specific to Manitoba law.

Understanding Employer-Provided Housing in Manitoba

Employer-provided accommodations—sometimes called staff housing or bunkhouses—are often part of employment agreements in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and remote industries. While your employer is your landlord in these cases, you are still protected by Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1] unless a specific exemption applies.

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the provincial body responsible for tenant-landlord issues, including employer-based tenancies.

What Makes Housing Unsafe?

Unsafe conditions in rental housing can include:

Poor ventilation, missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
Mould, water damage, or structural hazards
Infestations such as bedbugs or rodents
Broken plumbing, heating, or electrical systems
Lack of drinking water or working toilets

Employers/landlords are required to maintain a safe, habitable environment. If you’re unsure if your living situation qualifies as unsafe, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Immediate Steps If You Encounter Unsafe Conditions

Document the problem: Take clear photos, keep written notes, and gather statements from co-tenants if possible.
Notify your employer/landlord in writing about the issue. Be specific and ask for a prompt repair.
Keep copies of all correspondence.

If the situation is urgent (e.g., lack of heat in winter or dangerous wiring), report it as an emergency repair and ask for an immediate fix. Unsure what counts as “emergency”? See Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Filing a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch

If your employer/landlord refuses or ignores necessary repairs, you can file a formal complaint.

RTB Form: Tenant Request for Repair
Tenant Request for Repair (Form T1)
When to use: If the landlord hasn’t acted after you’ve provided written notice about unsafe housing.
How to use: Complete the form with details about your concern, attach evidence, and submit it to the RTB. For example, if heating has been broken for days and your written requests are ignored, fill out T1 and attach photos.

The Residential Tenancies Branch will investigate and may order the landlord/employer to make repairs or take other remedial steps.

Your Rights: Retaliation and Employment Status

In Manitoba, a landlord cannot threaten eviction or job loss just because you assert your legal rights as a tenant about unsafe conditions. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page offers a more detailed look at these protections.

Note: If you fear for your immediate safety, contact local health or safety inspectors in addition to notifying the RTB.

Ending Your Tenancy Due to Unsafe Conditions

If repairs aren’t made, you may be able to end your tenancy without penalty. Follow these steps:

Give your landlord (employer) written notice of your intent to end the tenancy, specifying the unsafe conditions.
After providing fair notice and documentation, submit your request to the RTB, who will review the case.
Don’t leave your housing before confirming your legal right to do so, as employment-linked tenancy rules can be complex.

If you’re unsure whether a condition justifies moving out, contact the RTB or a local tenant support group before taking action.

More Issues in Employer Housing

Other common issues may include problems with deposits, rent deductions, or lease terms. See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know to ensure your deposit is protected.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you must secure alternative accommodation quickly.

FAQ: Unsafe Conditions in Employer Housing

What if my employer says the housing is part of my job and not covered by rental laws?
Most employer-provided housing in Manitoba is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act unless specific exemptions apply. Always check with the RTB if in doubt.
Can I be fired for reporting unsafe living conditions?
No. Manitoba law protects tenants from retaliation for asserting their legal rights, including safe and healthy housing.
What counts as an emergency in rental housing?
Emergencies include immediate threats to health or safety like broken heating in winter, serious leaks, or fire hazards. For guidance, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
How do I formally report unsafe conditions?
Use the Tenant Request for Repair form (T1), provide all documentation, and submit it to the RTB for investigation and possible orders against your landlord.
Where can I get more information about tenant rights in Manitoba?
The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page provides comprehensive, up-to-date information specific to provincial law.

Key Takeaways

Document and report unsafe housing conditions to your employer/landlord first, in writing.
If no action is taken, submit Manitoba’s Tenant Request for Repair (Form T1) to the RTB.
Manitoba law protects you from retaliation for standing up for your right to safe housing.

If you act quickly and keep clear records, you can protect both your health and your rights while living in employer-provided accommodations.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Advice, dispute resolution, and complaint forms for Manitoba tenants.
Legal Aid Manitoba: Support for tenants needing legal assistance.
Manitoba Rental Board: Information and resources for both tenants and landlords.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: Provincial facts and further resources.