Manitoba (MB) law guide
Quick answer
Manitoba landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than one-half of one month's rent, held in trust by the RTB. The 2026 rent increase guideline is 1.8%, with 3 months written notice required before any increase. For nonpayment, landlords may issue a notice of termination after rent is more than 3 days late, with the tenant having at least 24 hours to vacate; disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).
Security deposit rules
Maximum 1/2 of one month's rent. Held in trust (by RTB or landlord in designated account). Interest accrues annually at a prescribed rate.
Rent control
2026 guideline: 1.8%. One increase per 12 months; 3 months written notice required. Above-guideline increases require RTB approval.
Tribunal/board
Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb
Nonpayment notice
Notice of Termination may be served if rent is more than 3 days overdue. Minimum 24 hours to vacate. Tenant has 5 days to file Form 13 to dispute.
Manitoba rental market snapshot
Population
1.4 million
Renter households
~33% of households
Median rent
$1,700/mo (2BR, Winnipeg, 2026)
Largest rental markets
Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Thompson
Winnipeg is one of Canada's most affordable major rental markets, with 2BR rents averaging $1,645 to $1,793 per month as of early 2026. Manitoba's RTB processes disputes in-person, by phone, or in writing, and the 1.8% guideline is the lowest of all provinces with rent control for 2026.
Manitoba landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than one-half of one month's rent. The deposit is calculated on the full advertised rent, not a discounted promotional rent. Landlords must hold the deposit in trust, and interest accrues annually at a rate prescribed by regulation.
When the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or provide an itemized written statement of deductions. Disputes over deposit deductions are resolved by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), which holds hearings and issues binding orders.
Manitoba's rent increase guideline for 2026 is 1.8%, tied to Manitoba's consumer price index. Landlords must give at least 3 months written notice before a rent increase takes effect, and rent can only be increased once per 12-month period. The notice period runs from the date of delivery, so a January 1 increase requires notice served by September 30.
Landlords may apply to the RTB for an above-guideline increase if they can demonstrate extraordinary cost increases, such as significant capital repairs or utility cost spikes. The RTB reviews applications and may approve, reduce, or deny the request.
If a tenant fails to pay rent within 3 days of the due date, the landlord may issue a Notice of Termination for Non-Payment of Rent (Form 8). The notice must give the tenant at least 24 hours to vacate. The tenant has 5 days to file Form 13 (Application to Set Aside Notice) with the RTB to dispute the eviction. If the tenant does not dispute, the landlord may apply for an Order of Possession.
Appeals of an Order of Possession based solely on nonpayment must be filed within 7 days, and the tenant must pay all rent owing to the RTB in trust before the appeal is accepted. The RTB offers mediation as a first step and formal hearings where mediation fails. Physical removal requires a court enforcement officer.
Manitoba landlords must give tenants reasonable notice before entering a rental unit, with 24 hours written notice as the standard for inspections and non-emergency repairs. Entry must occur at a reasonable time. Emergency entry without notice is permitted for genuine urgent situations.
Landlords are required to maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair and in compliance with health and safety standards throughout the tenancy. Tenants who cannot get needed repairs addressed may apply to the RTB for an order requiring the landlord to complete the work, and the RTB may also order a rent reduction for ongoing deficiencies.
The Manitoba Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of ancestry (including race and colour), nationality, ethnic background, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, source of income, political belief, physical or mental disability. Source of income protection means landlords may not refuse tenants solely because they receive employment assistance or other benefits.
Manitoba tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and protection from landlord harassment or interference. The RTB can investigate complaints and issue compliance orders. Tenants may also apply to the RTB for remedies if a landlord engages in a retaliatory rent increase or eviction following a complaint.
Manitoba does not mandate a single provincial standard lease form, but the Residential Tenancies Act requires specific terms to be included in every tenancy agreement, and the RTB provides a recommended standard form. Any clause in a lease that contradicts the Act is void, and the Act's protections apply regardless of what the lease says.
Fixed-term leases in Manitoba convert to month-to-month tenancies at the end of the term unless both parties agree otherwise in writing. Tenants may sublet with the landlord's written consent. Landlords who deny a sublet request without reasonable grounds may be ordered by the RTB to allow the sublet.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: The Residential Tenancies Act, CCSM c. R119. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-06.
Manitoba FAQ
The maximum security deposit in Manitoba is one-half of one month's rent, calculated on the full advertised rent (not a promotional discount). The deposit earns interest annually and must be returned with an itemized accounting of any deductions at the end of the tenancy.
The 2026 rent increase guideline in Manitoba is 1.8%, the lowest of any rent-controlled province in Canada this year. Landlords must give 3 months written notice and can only raise rent once per 12-month period. Above-guideline increases require RTB approval.
If rent is more than 3 days late, the landlord can serve Form 8 (Notice of Termination for Non-Payment of Rent) with at least 24 hours to vacate. The tenant has 5 days to file Form 13 with the RTB to dispute the notice. Unresolved cases proceed to an RTB hearing and then an Order of Possession.
Yes. Manitoba has had rent control for decades. The 2026 guideline is 1.8%, based on Manitoba's consumer price index. All residential rental units are covered; there is no exemption for new construction as exists in Ontario and BC.
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) at gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb handles all disputes including evictions, deposit claims, repair orders, and rent increase challenges. The RTB offers mediation as a first step and formal hearings where mediation is unsuccessful. Orders are binding and enforceable.
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