Who Must Pay for Appliance Repairs in Manitoba Rentals?

Renters in Manitoba often wonder who is responsible when a fridge, stove or washer breaks. Whether an appliance is included in your rental or listed as the landlord27s responsibility in your lease affects who pays, but so do the cause of the problem and local rules. This guide explains basic landlord and tenant responsibilities under Manitoba27s rules, practical steps to report and document repair requests, when to escalate to the Residential Tenancies Branch^[1], and which official forms to use^[3]. It also points to the legislation that governs disputes^[2]. The goal is to help tenants and renters follow clear steps, protect their rights, and keep their home safe and functional.

Who is responsible for appliance repairs?

Responsibility often depends on whether the appliance is included as part of the rental and the cause of the malfunction. If the lease states that appliances are provided and maintained by the landlord, the landlord must generally repair or replace them. If damage results from tenant misuse, the tenant can be responsible for the cost. Common sense and clear documentation matter: record dates, descriptions, and any communications about the problem.

Landlord responsibilities

• Maintain and repair appliances that are provided as part of the rental unit so the unit remains fit for habitation.
• Replace appliances when they are worn out and cannot be reasonably repaired within a short time.
• Provide reasonable notice before entering the unit to perform repairs unless it27s an emergency.

Tenant responsibilities

• Report problems promptly and in writing so the landlord has a chance to fix the appliance.
• Pay for repairs if the damage was caused by tenant negligence, accidental misuse, or unauthorized alterations.
• Keep evidence: photos, messages, and receipts for any independent repairs you arrange or costs you incur.

What to do when an appliance breaks

Start by checking your lease to see which appliances are included and who is responsible for maintenance. Report the issue in writing (email or text that can be saved) and provide photos or a short video of the fault. Allow reasonable access for the landlord or a repair professional. If a landlord fails to respond or refuses a legitimate repair, tenants can escalate to the Residential Tenancies Branch^[1] and rely on the Residential Tenancies Act^[2] for dispute resolution options.

If the appliance failure creates an urgent habitability risk — for example, no heat in winter or a water leak that risks mold — treat it as an emergency, tell the landlord immediately, and follow up in writing. For non-urgent repairs, reasonable timelines apply and may be mentioned in the tenancy guidance available from the Branch. For more details about routine and emergency repair rules, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official forms and when to use them

When informal requests fail, use the Residential Tenancies Branch27s formal dispute process. Key documents include the Application for Dispute Resolution and the RTB forms that help you start a complaint. Example: if your landlord does not repair a broken stove after written notice and a reasonable time, file an Application for Dispute Resolution to ask the Branch to order a repair or compensation; the application page and instructions are on the Branch27s forms site^[3]. If access or entry is being denied improperly, keep copies of written access requests and any notices the landlord provided.

FAQ

Who pays for repairs to appliances provided with the rental?

Generally the landlord is responsible for repairing appliances that are included with the rental unless the tenant caused the damage through misuse or negligence.

Can I hire someone and deduct repair costs from rent?

Manitoba tenants should not deduct repair costs from rent without permission. Instead, document the problem and either ask the landlord in writing to pay or apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for an order.

What if an appliance causes a safety issue?

Report safety risks immediately, allow access for urgent repairs, and if the landlord does not act quickly, file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

How long will a dispute resolution take?

Timelines vary; the Branch schedules hearings and decisions based on caseload and urgency. Keep records of all communications and receipts while waiting.

How-To

1. Report the problem in writing to your landlord right away and state the issue clearly and the date you first noticed it.
2. Gather evidence: take dated photos or video, save texts or emails, and keep receipts for any temporary fixes.
3. Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs and confirm appointments in writing.
4. If the landlord does not act, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and include your evidence.
5. Attend hearings or provide written statements when requested and follow the Branch27s decision once issued.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch (file disputes and complaints)
• Residential Tenancies Act (statute text)
• Manitoba Justice tenant information and support

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch (Government of Manitoba)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (C.C.S.M. c. R119)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Branch forms and application instructions

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