Manitoba Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Manitoba's residential rental market is governed by The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and administered by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). Whether you manage a single-family home in Winnipeg, a condo in Brandon, or a multi-unit complex in Steinbach, understanding these laws is essential to running a compliant rental business. Manitoba is known for some of the most tenant-protective legislation in Canada, including strict rent control and one of the lowest security deposit limits in the country.

Key Manitoba Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Manitoba strictly limits security deposits to half (50%) of the first month's rent — one of the lowest caps in Canada. Additionally, landlords may charge a pet damage deposit of up to one month's rent for tenancies entered into on or after August 1, 2014, unless the animal is a certified service animal, which is exempt.

Upon move-out, landlords must return the deposit within 14 days if there are no claims. If the landlord intends to deduct for damages, they must provide written notice of the claim within 28 days. Missing that 28-day deadline means forfeiting the right to any deductions.

For more detail, see our Security DepositsNáhled není dostupný deep dive.

Rent Control and Increases

Manitoba is one of the few Canadian provinces with active rent control. Rent increases are governed by an annual provincial guideline set by the RTB. For 2026, the maximum allowable rent increase is 1.8%. Landlords may only raise rent once every 12 months and must provide at least three months' written notice using an RTB-approved form. Certain exemptions exist for newly constructed buildings and units renting above the high-rent threshold (approximately $1,670/month as of 2025).

Landlords who need to exceed the guideline can apply to the RTB for an above-guideline increase, but must provide extensive financial documentation.

For more detail, see our Rent IncreasesNáhled není dostupný guide.

Eviction Procedures Manitoba's eviction process is administered by the RTB and provides tenants with significant protections:

Non-Payment of Rent

• Landlord can issue a Notice of Termination on the 5th day of the rental payment period
• If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord must apply to the RTB for an Order of Possession
• Only a sheriff or bailiff can carry out a physical eviction

Extraordinary Circumstances (5-Day Notice)

• Available for extreme situations: extraordinary damage, significant health/safety risk, or extraordinary disturbance

No-Fault Evictions

• Required notice ranges from 3 to 5 months depending on local vacancy rates
• Protected grounds include landlord/family move-in, major renovations, and property sale
• Families with school-aged children cannot be forced to move before June 30

For more detail, see our Eviction ProcessNáhled není dostupný guide.

Required Disclosures Manitoba landlords must meet several disclosure obligations:

1. Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) — Must be used or an equivalent containing all prescribed terms
2. Landlord Contact Information — Full name, mailing address, and telephone number must be disclosed in writing
3. Lease Delivery — A fully executed copy must be provided to the tenant within 21 days of signing
4. Utilities and Amenities — Must clearly disclose which services are included in rent
5. Property Rules — Building-specific rules must be disclosed and attached to the lease

For more detail, see our Required DisclosuresNáhled není dostupný guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the RTA, landlords have an ongoing obligation to maintain the rental unit in a clean, safe condition that meets provincial and municipal health, safety, and housing regulations. This includes:

• Structural integrity (roof, walls, windows, doors)
• Functional plumbing, electrical, and heating systems
• Uninterrupted essential services (water, heat)
• Pest-free conditions
• Common areas in clean and safe condition

Tenants must be given 24 hours' written notice before a landlord enters for repairs, except in genuine emergencies. If a landlord ignores repair requests, the RTB can issue an Order to Repair and redirect rent payments.

For more detail, see our Maintenance ObligationsNáhled není dostupný guide.

Lease Requirements Manitoba requires landlords to use the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) or an equivalent document containing all prescribed terms. Key requirements include:

• Must specify rent amount, payment schedule, and lease term
• Must detail which utilities and services are included
• Cannot include clauses that waive tenant rights under the RTA
• Fixed-term leases end on the specified date; periodic tenancies continue until proper notice is given
• Subletting requires landlord consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld

For more detail, see our Lease RequirementsNáhled není dostupný guide.

Late Fees Manitoba regulates late fees with a strict statutory formula: a flat $10.00 on the first day rent is late, plus $2.00 per additional day, capped at a maximum of $100.00 per occasion. Landlords must have the late fee policy documented in writing (typically in the lease agreement) to enforce it.

For more detail, see our Late FeesNáhled není dostupný guide.

Dispute Resolution Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) provides a formal dispute resolution process as an alternative to court:

• The RTB accepts claims regarding security deposits, repairs, evictions, lease disputes, and rent increases
• Either party can file a claim; an application fee applies
• The RTB conducts formal hearings and issues binding orders
• RTB decisions can be appealed to the Court of King's Bench within 14 days
• For monetary claims exceeding RTB jurisdiction, parties may proceed through the Manitoba Court of King's Bench

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating Manitoba's specific rules — from filling out the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement properly to tracking the strict 14-day security deposit return deadline — can be challenging. Landager simplifies this process by keeping you vigilant over deadlines and ensuring lease terms reflect the latest guidelines.

Explore more Manitoba compliance topics:

• Security DepositsNáhled není dostupný
• Eviction ProcessNáhled není dostupný
• Required DisclosuresNáhled není dostupný
• Rent IncreasesNáhled není dostupný
• Lease RequirementsNáhled není dostupný
• Maintenance ObligationsNáhled není dostupný
• Late FeesNáhled není dostupný