Yard & Fence Repairs: Who's Responsible in Manitoba

Tenants in Manitoba often wonder who must fix problems in the yard or repair a fence. Whether you rent a house, basement suite or apartment with shared grounds, knowing what your lease says and what the law requires helps you take the right steps. This guide explains typical responsibilities for landlords and tenants, gives plain-language examples for routine versus major repairs, and shows when to use official forms or contact the Residential Tenancies Branch. Read on for practical steps to document damage, ask for repairs in writing, and, if needed, apply for dispute resolution so you can keep your home safe and habitable.

Who is usually responsible for yard and fence repairs?

In Manitoba the landlord is generally responsible for major structural repairs that affect habitability, including substantial fence repairs and issues that make a yard unsafe. Tenants are commonly expected to handle basic upkeep such as mowing, removing debris or minor cosmetic upkeep if the lease specifically says so. Always start by checking your lease for any clauses that assign yard or fence duties to the tenant, and compare that to the Residential Tenancies Branch guidance.^[1] If the repair affects safety, drainage, or the overall habitability of the rental, the landlord must act.

Common examples

• Major fence collapse after a storm: landlord responsibility to repair or replace.
• Rotten posts or structural rot that makes a fence unsafe: landlord must arrange repairs.
• Routine lawn mowing or leaf raking where the lease says the tenant will maintain the yard.
• Minor cosmetic fixes requested by a tenant without lease agreement assigning the task to them are usually the landlords choice to accept or deny.

For a plain-language overview of shared obligations and examples, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For details on what counts as a routine fix versus a landlord duty, this resource is helpful: Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

What to do first: simple steps a tenant can take

Follow a clear, documented path so you protect your rights and make it easier to get repairs done:

• Take dated photos and short video showing the damage or hazard.
• Notify the landlord in writing with a clear request for repair and a reasonable deadline.
• Allow a reasonable time for a response; mention any safety concerns and preferred access times.
• Follow up by phone if needed and keep notes of any conversations (date, time, who you spoke with).
• If the landlord does not act, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution using the official application form.^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for a fence that marks the property boundary?

Property boundary fences are usually the responsibility of the property owner. If you rent the whole house, the landlord typically pays; if your lease assigns yard upkeep to you, check the exact wording and discuss cost-sharing before starting work.

Can a landlord require a tenant to pay for yard repairs?

Only if the lease clearly assigns that responsibility to the tenant, or if the tenant caused the damage through negligence. Landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear.

What if the yard condition affects safety or habitability?

If the yard or fence creates a safety hazard, notify the landlord in writing, keep documentation, and apply for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch if the landlord does not act.

How-To

1. Document the damage with photos, video and dated notes.
2. Send a clear written repair request to the landlord and keep a copy for your records.
3. Allow reasonable time for the landlord to arrange repairs and note any agreed deadlines.
4. Apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch using the Application for Dispute Resolution form if the issue is not resolved.^[2]
5. Attend any dispute resolution hearing and bring all evidence so a binding order can be made if necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords usually pay for major fence and yard repairs that affect safety or habitability.
• Document damage and communicate in writing to build a clear record.
• If repairs are not made, you can use official dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch - Province of Manitoba
• Residential Tenancies Branch forms and applications
• Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch - Province of Manitoba
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Branch forms and applications
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)