Lease Agreements in Manitoba

Written Agreements and the Standard Form

The Residential Tenancies Branch publishes an official Form 1, the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement, available on the RTB's website. While landlords aren't strictly required to use this exact form, a written agreement is strongly recommended and is the norm for tenancies across the province.

A written agreement should clearly identify the landlord and tenant, the rental unit's address, the rent amount and due date, the deposit amount, and the start date (and end date, if the tenancy is for a fixed term).

Fixed-Term vs. Periodic Agreements

A fixed-term agreement runs for a set period -- commonly one year -- with a defined end date. A periodic (month-to-month) agreement has no end date and continues until either party gives proper notice. Many fixed-term leases convert automatically to periodic tenancies once the fixed term ends, unless the agreement or the parties say otherwise.

Terms a Lease Cannot Override

A tenancy agreement cannot take away rights the Residential Tenancies Act gives you, even if you sign something that says otherwise. For example, a clause purporting to waive your right to a deposit refund, or to allow entry without notice, is not enforceable just because it appears in the lease -- the Act's minimum protections apply regardless of what the agreement says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Manitoba lease have to be in writing?

A written agreement is strongly recommended and is the standard practice, though the Act also recognizes oral and implied agreements in some circumstances. A written agreement is far easier to enforce if a dispute arises.

What happens when my fixed-term lease ends?

Unless you and your landlord agree otherwise (or the agreement specifies what happens), many fixed-term tenancies convert to a periodic, month-to-month tenancy once the term ends.

Can my landlord include a clause that overrides my rights under the Act?

No. Any lease term that tries to take away a right or protection guaranteed by the Residential Tenancies Act is not enforceable, regardless of what you signed.

Is there an official Manitoba lease form?

Yes, the RTB publishes Form 1, the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement, as a template landlords and tenants can use.