Manitoba tenant rights: deposits, rent increases, repairs and moving out
Quick summary
In Manitoba, the rent increase guideline for 2027 is 3.0%, starting January 1, 2027. Your landlord must give written notice at least 3 months before an increase and can raise rent only once in 12 months. A security deposit can be up to half of one month's rent. For costs and fees beyond rent, see ourrenting in Canada guide.
Checked November 2, 2026. Main source: Government of Manitoba: Rent increase guideline for 2027. See all 6 sources.
Rent increases and the 2027 guideline
Manitoba sets a yearly limit on how much most landlords can raise rent. The Residential Tenancies Branch says the 2027 guideline is 3.0 per cent, effective January 1, 2027. The guideline is based on the change in Manitoba's consumer price index and must fall between 1% and 3%.
The landlord must give written notice at least 3 months before the increase starts. For a January 1 increase, the notice must arrive by September 30. In most cases rent can go up only once a year.
The guideline covers most rented apartments, rooms, houses and duplexes. It does not cover units that rent for $2,000 or more a month, buildings first occupied after March 2005, government-owned units, co-operative and certain social housing units, not-for-profit life lease units, and approved rehabilitated units.
| Current rent | Increase at 3.0% | New rent |
|---|---|---|
| $900 | $27 | $927 |
| $1,200 | $36 | $1,236 |
| $1,500 | $45 | $1,545 |
The rent amounts are examples, and the increases are our arithmetic using the 3.0% guideline. Source: Government of Manitoba, Rent increase guideline for 2027 and Calculating the annual rent increase guideline. Checked November 2, 2026.
Deposits
- A security deposit can be no more than half of the first month's rent. Discounts do not count: it is half of the full rent. On $800 rent, the most is $400.
- A pet damage deposit can be up to one month's rent (for deposits collected on or after August 1, 2014). A landlord can charge only one pet deposit per unit. A tenant with a service animal cannot be charged one.
- You must get a receipt that shows the amount, the date you paid and the address of the unit.
- The landlord must pay you interest from the day they receive the deposit until they return it. The government sets the rate.
- A security deposit can be used for unpaid rent, damage, or extraordinary cleaning caused by the tenant. A pet damage deposit can be used for extraordinary cleaning or damage caused by pets.
Sources: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, Deposits fact sheet and What Manitoba tenants need to know. Checked November 2, 2026.
Your agreement and the condition report
- A tenancy agreement can be written, spoken or implied, and it can be month to month or for a fixed term such as one year.
- If your agreement is in writing, you must get a copy within 21 days of signing. Changes need agreement from both sides.
- A condition report is not required by law unless the landlord or the tenant asks for one. Ask for one. You and the landlord walk through together, write down damage such as scratches or burns, sign and date it, and each keep a copy.
- Keep your copy. It can be used as evidence if a damage claim is made after you move out. The move-out report lists only damage that was not there at move-in.
Sources: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, What Manitoba tenants need to know and Condition reports fact sheet. Checked November 2, 2026.
When your landlord can come in
The landlord must give written notice, from 24 hours to 14 days, before entering your home, unless you agree otherwise. In an emergency, or after proper written notice, the landlord may enter even if you are not home.
Source: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, What Manitoba tenants need to know. Checked November 2, 2026.
Repairs and late fees
- Your landlord must keep the unit in good repair and meet provincial health, housing and safety standards. Emergency repairs must be made immediately.
- You are responsible for repairing damage caused by you or your guests.
- Late fees can only be charged in the amounts written in your tenancy agreement.
- If you cannot pay on time, contact your landlord right away and try to agree on a written payment plan.
Source: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, What Manitoba tenants need to know. Checked November 2, 2026.
Moving out and ending a tenancy
- Month to month: give written notice of at least one full rental payment period before you leave. If rent is due on the 1st and you leave on July 31, notice is due by June 30.
- Fixed term: you owe rent until the end of the term. The landlord must give you a renewal form three months before the term ends. If you plan to leave, tell the landlord.
- Leaving a fixed term early usually needs the landlord's agreement. There are exceptions, such as a health reason with a doctor's certificate, a Canadian Forces posting, or being a victim of domestic or sexual violence or stalking.
- If you have to leave, you may be able to assign or sublet with the landlord's written permission.
- After you move out, the landlord must return your deposits with interest within 14 days if there are no problems. Otherwise they must send a written claim within 28 days. Give them your new address.
Sources: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, Giving notice (tenant) and What Manitoba tenants need to know. Checked November 2, 2026.
If a landlord asks you to leave
A landlord must give written notice on an approved form and state the reason, such as unpaid rent or utilities, rule violations, or the landlord's own use of the property. The length of notice depends on the reason, and in some cases the landlord must pay part or all of your moving costs. Call the Residential Tenancies Branch before you move out if you get one.
Source: Government of Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch, What Manitoba tenants need to know. Checked November 2, 2026.
Where to get help
The Residential Tenancies Branch answers questions at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 toll free. Its website is manitoba.ca/rtb. Call before you pay, sign or leave if you are not sure.
Where to go next
Questions people ask
How much can a Manitoba landlord raise the rent in 2027?
For most units the guideline is 3.0% starting January 1, 2027. Units renting for $2,000 or more a month and buildings first occupied after March 2005 are among the exemptions.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Manitoba?
At least 3 months in writing, and rent can go up only once in 12 months in most cases.
What is the most a security deposit can be in Manitoba?
Half of one month's rent. A pet damage deposit can be up to one month's rent.
How fast must a Manitoba landlord return my deposit?
Within 14 days after the tenancy ends if there are no problems, with interest. If they claim any of it, they must send a written claim within 28 days.
Is a move-in condition report required in Manitoba?
Not by law unless the landlord or the tenant asks for one. It is wise to ask, because it can be used as evidence later.
Can my landlord enter without telling me?
Generally no. They must give written notice, from 24 hours to 14 days, unless you agree otherwise. Emergencies are an exception.