Manitoba Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Manitoba's landlord-tenant regulations cover all aspects of tenancy, providing robust protections and defining specific landlord obligations. Overseen by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), these laws govern everything from standard lease agreements and security deposits to rent increase guidelines and eviction protocols.

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

Key Manitoba Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Manitoba strictly limits security deposits to half (50%) of the first month's rent. Additionally, landlords may charge a pet damage deposit of up to one month's rent (applicable for deposits collected after August 2014) unless it is a service animal, which are exempt. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of the tenancy ending, or provide a written claim within 28 days.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Rent Control and Increases

Rent increases in Manitoba are governed by an annual provincial guideline. For 2026, the maximum allowable rent increase guideline is 1.8%, down slightly from previous years. Landlords may typically only raise rent once every 12 months, and must give the tenant at least three months' written notice using the RTB's approved form. Certain high-rent units (e.g. over $1,670/month as of 2025) and recently constructed buildings may be exempt from the limit.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

If a tenant fails to pay rent, a landlord can provide an eviction notice on the 5th day of the payment period. If the issue is not remedied, the landlord can apply to the RTB for an Order of Possession.

For general evictions such as a landlord selling the property or moving in, a three to five month notice is usually required, depending on local vacancy rates. Special protections exist, for instance, a family with school-aged children cannot be forced to move out until the end of the school year under specific circumstances.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures and Leases

Landlords must provide tenants with a "Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement" form (Form 1) or an equivalent that includes all prescribed terms. Furthermore, the landlord or property manager must prominently disclose contact properties—name, address, telephone number—for maintenance and rental management.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures and Lease Requirements guides.

Maintenance and Habitability

Manitoba landlords have an ongoing obligation to maintain the rental unit in a clean, safe state that meets health and housing regulations. This involves prompt repairs upon notification and ensuring that basic services like heat and water are readily available.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

The Residential Tenancies Act establishes maximum late payment fees that landlords can charge. A landlord may charge a flat $10.00 on the first day the rent is late, plus $2.00 for each additional day, capped at a maximum of $100.00 per occasion.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

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 Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees