Living in a shared house in Manitoba means juggling rent, chores and quick fixes with roommates. When something breaks, it can be hard to know whether the landlord or a tenant should pay. This guide explains tenant and landlord responsibilities under Manitoba law, how to handle routine and emergency repairs, steps to document problems, and what to do if the landlord won’t act. It uses plain language aimed at renters and roommates who want clear, practical next steps—when to report issues, how to request repairs formally, and when to apply for dispute resolution. Following these steps helps protect habitability and keep shared living situations fair and predictable.
Who pays for repairs in shared houses in Manitoba?
Under Manitoba rules, landlords must maintain a rental unit in a state of repair that meets basic habitability standards and complies with the Residential Tenancies Act and local codes.[2] The provincial Residential Tenancies Branch administers dispute resolution and provides guidance on repair obligations for renters and landlords.[1]
Landlord responsibilities
Generally, the landlord is responsible for major repairs and items essential to habitability such as heat, plumbing, hot water and structural safety. Landlords cannot shift those obligations to tenants in a standard lease. For more on mutual duties and common scenarios, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
- The landlord must repair or arrange repairs for essential systems like heating and plumbing promptly.
- If a defect makes the unit unsafe, the landlord must act immediately and may be required to offer alternate accommodations or remedies.
- Keep records of repair requests, photos and dates to support any future dispute applications.
Tenant responsibilities and shared-house specifics
Tenants in shared houses are normally responsible for damage they or their guests cause. When roommates share common areas, discuss and document who will cover minor fixes such as replacing a light fixture or clearing a clogged sink caused by misuse. If your lease or a written rooming agreement assigns specific minor maintenance tasks to tenants, those clauses can apply but cannot override the landlord’s duty to maintain habitability. For details on routine fixes and when landlords must act, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
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When repairs are urgent or emergencies
If a repair creates an immediate safety risk—for example, loss of heat in extreme cold, major plumbing leaks, exposed wiring, or a gas smell—notify the landlord right away and call emergency services if there is an imminent danger. If the landlord does not respond, document attempts to contact them and use the Residential Tenancies Branch process to request urgent action.
FAQ
- Who pays if a shared-area appliance breaks?
- Appliances that the landlord supplies and lists in the lease are the landlord’s responsibility to repair or replace; if roommates jointly supplied an item, discuss a shared payment or replacement, and document the agreement.
- Can a landlord charge me for normal wear and tear repairs?
- No, landlords cannot charge tenants for reasonable wear and tear; they can only deduct for damage beyond normal wear if they follow the proper move-out inspection and deposit rules.
- What if my landlord ignores repeated repair requests?
- If informal requests fail, submit a written request, keep copies, and apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Branch to ask for an order to compel repairs or compensation.[3]
How-To
- Report the problem to your landlord in writing, specifying the issue, date discovered and any safety concerns.
- Gather evidence: photos, videos, dated messages and witness names to document the condition and attempts to resolve it.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repairs in your written request and note local guidelines for urgent response times.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application for dispute resolution or the applicable repair/complaint form with the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Attend any scheduled hearing with copies of all evidence and a clear statement of the remedy you seek, such as repair, rent abatement or reimbursement.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are generally responsible for major and essential repairs to keep a unit habitable.
- Tenants should document issues, report them in writing, and keep evidence of all contacts.
- If informal resolution fails, use the Residential Tenancies Branch dispute process with supporting documentation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch, Government of Manitoba
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Branch: Forms and application information
