Landlord Entry Rules in Manitoba

24 Hours' Written Notice, Minimum

Under Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your rental unit, and no more than two weeks in advance. The notice must state the date, time, and reason for entry. If the landlord wants to enter more than once, every proposed time must be listed.

Entry must happen at a reasonable time -- what counts as "reasonable" depends on the reason for entry and your own schedule, per the RTB's official policy guidance.

Valid Reasons for Entry

Per the Residential Tenancies Branch's policy guidebook, common valid reasons include inspecting the unit to determine if work is needed, allowing tradespeople to carry out repairs (the landlord doesn't need to be present for this), and showing the unit to prospective tenants once a notice to end the tenancy has already been given.

The Emergency Exception

In a genuine emergency -- for example, a burst pipe or fire risk -- a landlord can enter without advance notice. This is a narrow exception; a landlord can't invoke "emergency" for routine maintenance or inspections that could reasonably be scheduled in advance.

If Your Landlord Enters Without Proper Notice

If you believe a landlord has entered your unit without valid notice or a genuine emergency, this is a breach of the Act, and you can raise it with the Residential Tenancies Branch. If you and your landlord can't agree on a reasonable entry time for a scheduled visit, the RTB can also help mediate that specific disagreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering?

At least 24 hours, in writing, stating the date, time, and reason -- and no more than two weeks ahead of the visit.

Can my landlord enter without notice for any reason?

Only in a genuine emergency, such as a safety risk like a fire or flood. Routine inspections, repairs, and showings all require proper notice.

Does my landlord need my permission to show the unit to new tenants?

They still need to give proper notice, but once a notice to end your tenancy has been given, the landlord doesn't need your separate agreement on each individual showing time -- though they should try to work around a reasonable schedule.

What can I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice?

Document each incident and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch. Repeated unauthorized entry is a breach of the Act that the RTB can address.