Manitoba Rent Increase Laws & 2026 Guidelines

Unlike some provinces, Manitoba heavily regulates rent increases through strict annual guidelines. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) oversees all standard rent increases to ensure they align with the provincial mandate.

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 Annual Rent Increase Guideline

In Manitoba, landlords cannot raise the rent by any amount they choose. Every year, the provincial government publishes an annual "rent increase guideline," which acts as a hard cap on standard rent hikes for most residential units.

The 2026 rent increase guideline is 1.8% (effective January 1, 2026). For comparison, the 2025 guideline was 1.7%.

Key Rules for Rent Increases

1. Once Every 12 Months: You may only increase a tenant's rent once every 12 months. This limitation applies even if there is a change in tenancy during that year; if the previous tenant's rent was raised 6 months ago, you cannot legally raise it for the new tenant until a full 12 months pass.
2. Mandatory 3-Month Notice: Landlords are legally required to provide tenants with at least three months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
3. Use the Proper Form: Notice must be provided using the official RTB-approved form ("Notice to New Tenant", or "Notice of Rent Increase"). An informal letter or email is not legally sufficient.

Exemptions to the RTB Guideline

Certain rental units in Manitoba are exempt from the strict percentage limit, although landlords of these units must still follow the three-month notice period and the once-every-12-months rule.

Exemptions include:

• Newly Constructed Buildings: Units in buildings constructed and occupied for the first time after a specific date (often within the last 15 or 20 years, depending on current legislation).
• High-Rent Units: Units that rent above a certain threshold. As of the end of 2025, the threshold was $1,670 per month (Note: thresholds are subject to change by the RTB).
• Social Housing: Various forms of subsidized or social housing are exempt from the standard market rent guidelines.

Applying for an Above-Guideline Increase

If a landlord can demonstrate that the permitted guideline increase (e.g., 1.8%) will not be enough to cover significantly increased operating expenses, property taxes, or capital improvements, they hold the right to petition the RTB for an above-guideline rent increase.

The process involves:

1. Serving tenants with a 3-month notice proposing the higher amount.
2. Formally applying to the RTB no later than 14 days after notifying the tenant.
3. Submitting extensive financial documentation proving the hardship.
4. Awaiting an RTB review and a final order.

If the RTB refuses the full amount, the landlord must refund or credit the tenants for any overpayments made during the review process.

Managing Rent Increases with Landager

Juggling varying rent increase calendars, 3-month notification deadlines, and RTB compliance forms across a portfolio can lead to costly administrative errors. Landager's rent management dashboard ensures that you never miss a 3-month notice window and that your proposed increases always align with the current 2026 Manitoba guidelines.

Back to Manitoba Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.