Landlord Guide to Renting in Manitoba

Manitoba requires landlords to provide a written tenancy agreement for all residential tenancies. The Residential Tenancies Branch publishes a standard lease agreement template that may be used. The RTA applies to virtually all residential rental arrangements in the province.

• A written tenancy agreement is required and must be provided to the tenant (RTA, s. 9(1))
• The agreement must include the names of the parties, the address of the rental unit, the rent amount, the payment schedule, and the term of the tenancy
• Any term in a tenancy agreement that conflicts with the RTA is void and unenforceable (RTA, s. 6)
• Both fixed-term and periodic tenancies are recognized; a fixed-term tenancy that is not renewed converts to a month-to-month tenancy

Manitoba caps security deposits and requires landlords to hold them in trust with the Residential Tenancies Branch. The deposit protects the landlord against damage and unpaid rent, but strict rules govern collection and return.

• Maximum security deposit: one-half of one month's rent (RTA, s. 34(2))
• The landlord must deposit the security deposit with the Residential Tenancies Branch within 14 days of receiving it (RTA, s. 36(1))
• Interest on the deposit is calculated and paid by the RTB upon return
• No additional deposits (e.g., pet deposits, key deposits) are permitted beyond the statutory security deposit

Manitoba landlords must disclose certain information to tenants before or at the start of the tenancy. The written tenancy agreement serves as the primary vehicle for required disclosures.

• A condition report describing the state of the rental unit should be completed and signed by both parties at the start of the tenancy
• The landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner or authorized agent (RTA, s. 11)
• Information about the right to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution must be provided
• Any known material latent defects affecting habitability should be disclosed before the tenancy begins

Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement. Manitoba's rent regulation framework limits when and by how much landlords can increase rent, but collection and enforcement of timely payment follow standard rules.

• Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement (RTA, s. 23(1))
• There is no statutory grace period for late rent in Manitoba
• Landlords may charge a reasonable late fee only if it is specified in the tenancy agreement
• Rent receipts must be provided upon request (RTA, s. 25)

Manitoba landlords must maintain rental premises in a good state of repair and comply with applicable health, safety, and housing standards under the RTA and The Public Health Act, CCSM c. P210.

• The landlord must keep the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, meeting all health, safety, fire, and housing standards (RTA, s. 58(1))
• Essential services—heat, water, electricity, and gas—must be maintained throughout the tenancy
• Tenants must notify the landlord of needed repairs; the landlord is expected to act within a reasonable time
• If the landlord fails to make repairs, the tenant may apply to the RTB for an order requiring the repairs or granting a rent reduction

Manitoba law requires landlords to provide written notice before entering a tenant's rental unit for non-emergency purposes. The RTA specifies the required notice period and permitted times of entry.

• At least 24 hours' written notice is required for non-emergency entry (RTA, s. 65(2))
• Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise
• Permitted purposes include inspections, repairs, showings to prospective tenants or buyers, and pest control
• Emergency entry (e.g., fire, flood, gas leak) is permitted without notice (RTA, s. 65(5))

Manitoba operates a rent regulation system. The Residential Tenancies Branch publishes an annual rent increase guideline, and landlords may not increase rent above that guideline without RTB approval. Rent may only be increased once every 12 months.

• Rent may only be increased once every 12 months (RTA, s. 26(1))
• The maximum rent increase is set annually by the provincial government as a guideline percentage; increases above the guideline require RTB approval (RTA, s. 28)
• At least three months' written notice is required before a rent increase takes effect (RTA, s. 26(2))
• Landlords seeking an above-guideline increase must apply to the RTB and demonstrate eligible capital expenditures or increased operating costs

The RTA sets out specific notice periods for ending a residential tenancy in Manitoba. Notice must be in writing and the required period depends on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination.

• Month-to-month tenancy (tenant): at least one full rental month's written notice (RTA, s. 72(1))
• Month-to-month tenancy (landlord, no cause): at least three months' written notice (RTA, s. 73(1))
• Nonpayment of rent: the landlord must provide a written notice and allow at least 14 days for the tenant to pay before applying to the RTB for an order of possession
• Cause-based termination (significant breach): written notice with a reasonable opportunity for the tenant to remedy, followed by an RTB application if the breach continues

Evictions in Manitoba must proceed through the Residential Tenancies Branch. Landlords cannot evict tenants without an order from the RTB or a court. Self-help evictions are strictly prohibited.

• Serve the required written notice on the tenant in accordance with the RTA
• If the tenant does not vacate or disputes the notice, apply to the RTB for an Order of Possession
• If a tenant remains after an Order of Possession, the landlord may file with the Court of King's Bench for enforcement through a writ of possession
• Self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of belongings) are prohibited and punishable under the RTA (RTA, s. 92)

Because security deposits are held by the Residential Tenancies Branch (not the landlord), the return process involves both parties submitting claims to the RTB. The landlord must act within tight timelines to claim any deductions.

• The landlord must submit any claim against the security deposit to the RTB within 28 days after the tenancy ends (RTA, s. 41)
• If no claim is filed within 28 days, the RTB returns the full deposit plus interest to the tenant
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear as documented in condition reports
• If the landlord and tenant disagree on deductions, the RTB will adjudicate the dispute