Manitoba · The Residential Tenancies Act

Manitoba Tenant Rights Guide

Everything renters in Winnipeg and across Manitoba need to know under The Residential Tenancies Act — deposits, rent increases, notice periods, and how the Residential Tenancies Branch resolves disputes.

Browse All Guides Visit the RTB

Manitoba Rental Law at a Glance

Rental housing in Manitoba is governed by The Residential Tenancies Act (CCSM c. R119), the provincial law that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants -- from how much notice is needed before a rent increase to how a tenancy can legally be ended. The Act applies to most rented houses, apartments, and duplexes across the province, including Winnipeg, Brandon, and smaller Manitoba communities.

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the provincial government office that administers the Act. The RTB investigates complaints, mediates disputes between landlords and tenants, and -- when mediation doesn't resolve a disagreement -- issues binding decisions on issues like unpaid deposits or eviction notices. Decisions can be appealed to the Residential Tenancies Commission. Whether you're just starting a tenancy or dealing with a dispute near the end of one, the RTB is the first place to go for an authoritative answer.

Guides by Topic

Detailed, source-verified guides covering every stage of a Manitoba tenancy.

Money & Deposits

Security deposits, rent increases, and who pays for what.

Security Deposits

The half-month cap, annual interest, and the 14-day refund rule.

Rent Increases

3 months' notice and the guideline (1.8% for 2026, 3.0% for 2027).

Utilities

Who pays for heat, water, and electricity.

Starting a Tenancy

Lease agreements and move-in documentation.

Lease Agreements

What a valid Manitoba tenancy agreement must include.

Condition Reports

Why a move-in checklist protects your deposit, even though it isn't mandatory.

During Your Tenancy

Landlord entry, repairs, and changing your living situation mid-lease.

Landlord Entry Rules

The 24-hour notice requirement and the emergency exception.

Repairs & Maintenance

Your landlord's duty to keep the unit fit to live in.

Subletting & Assignment

How to leave before your lease ends, with landlord consent.

Ending a Tenancy

Notice periods and the eviction process.

Notice to End a Tenancy

Why tenant and landlord notice periods are not the same -- 1 month vs. 3 to 5 months.

The Eviction Process

How RTB hearings, mediation, and appeals actually work.

Resolving Disputes

Filing a complaint and getting the RTB involved.

Filing an RTB Complaint

How to file, what it costs, and what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my landlord allowed to charge for a security deposit in Manitoba?

No more than half of one month's rent. Manitoba also requires landlords to pay tenants annual interest on the deposit, at a rate set by the Residential Tenancies Branch.

How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my rent?

At least three months, in writing. Most increases are also capped by the province's annual rent increase guideline -- 1.8% for 2026 and 3.0% for 2027 (effective January 1, 2027). Units renting for $1,670 or more a month in 2026 ($2,000 or more from 2027) are exempt. A landlord who wants to go above the guideline needs RTB approval first.

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

At least 24 hours' written notice, stating the date, time, and reason, with entry no more than two weeks out. The main exception is a genuine emergency, like a burst pipe or fire risk.

Why does my landlord need to give so much more notice than I do to end my tenancy?

As a tenant, you only need to give one rental payment period's notice to leave. But a landlord ending your tenancy without cause -- for their own use, a sale, or renovation -- has to give 3 to 5 months' notice, depending on the local vacancy rate. The gap reflects how much more disruptive losing your home is than choosing to leave.

Official Resources

Residential Tenancies Branch The Residential Tenancies Act (CCSM c. R119) Residential Tenancies Regulation, Man. Reg. 71/2010 Current Rent Increase Guideline Security Deposits — RTB

Ready to Find Your Next Rental?

Browse verified listings from landlords across Manitoba, or explore more provincial rental guides.

Browse Verified Listings See All Rental Guides