Manitoba Landlord Maintenance & Habitability Obligations

Under the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are fundamentally responsible for providing a rental unit that is safe, clean, and fit for human habitation.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Manitoba for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

The Standard of Habitability

Both before a tenant moves in and continuously throughout their lease, landlords are legally obligated to ensure that the rental property complies precisely with provincial and municipal health, safety, and housing regulations.

Your overarching responsibility is to make necessary repairs in a timely fashion, ensuring that:

• Structural elements (roofs, walls, windows, doors) are secure and weather-tight.
• Electrical, plumbing, and heating systems are in functional, reliable condition.
• Essential services, particularly water and adequate winter heating, are uninterrupted.
• The property is free of pests and hazards.

Handling Tenant Repair Requests

The workflow for standard repairs in Manitoba typically follows a structured process:

1. Tenant Notification: A tenant is responsible for promptly notifying the landlord of any needed repairs or damage.
2. Timely Action: Upon being notified, a landlord must address the request within a reasonable time frame. Emergency repairs (e.g., lack of heat in winter, severe plumbing leaks) require immediate action.
3. Providing Notice to Enter: A landlord must provide adequate notice to enter the unit to perform the repairs (usually written notice at least 24 hours in advance, except in explicit emergencies).

If a landlord ignores a formal repair request, a tenant holds the right to file a claim with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). The RTB can appoint inspectors and potentially order the landlord to complete the work (an Order to Repair) and redirect rent payments to the RTB until compliance is met.

Distinguishing Landlord vs. Tenant Obligations

Yard Maintenance and Snow Removal

Responsibilities regarding the exterior of the property depend fundamentally on the type of dwelling:

Multi-Unit Complexes (Apartments):

• Landlord: The landlord is strictly responsible for all routine exterior upkeep, including lawn mowing, widespread weed control, common walkway snow clearing, and ensuring adequate snow clearing to access parking stalls.

Single-Family Homes, Townhouses, and Duplexes:

• Tenant: If a tenant has exclusive use of a yard space, they are generally responsible for routine routine yard maintenance (e.g., cutting the grass) and clearing snow from walkways exclusive to their portion of the property, unless otherwise stipulated in the lease.
• Landlord: Specialized maintenance, such as spraying trees or professional lawn treatments, rests with the landlord unless deliberately transferred to the tenant within the lease agreement. Mobile home site tenants must simply keep their sites "neat and clean."

Cleaning and Damage

While the landlord manages the structure and systems, the tenant is legally obligated to:

• Maintain reasonable cleanliness within the unit.
• Refrain from willfully or negligently damaging the property.
• Cover the repair costs of any damage directly caused by themselves or their guests.

Staying Compliant with Landager

Streamline your property maintenance with Landager's maintenance portal. Tenants can submit documented repair tickets with photos, directly linking to specific units. Property managers can assign contractors, track progress, and communicate schedules securely, creating an auditable trail that proves swift action against repair requests.

Back to Manitoba Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.