Tenants' Rights
In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Act lays out the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. To ensure you have the most current information or to obtain a copy of the Act, contact the Residential Tenancies branch at http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/rtb.
The Residential Tenancies Branch is part of the Government of Manitoba. This office can help if you are having a problem with your landlord.
Winnipeg: 945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403
Brandon: 726-6230 or 1-800-656-8481
Thompson: 677-6496 or 1-800-229-0639
You can also visit the Manitoba web page of the Consumers’ Association of Canada for help with assessing how much rent you can afford: http://www.consumermanitoba.ca/guide/housing.html.
Where to Get Help
If you are having difficulty with your landlord, you can contact the Director of the Residential Tenancies Branch. If you do not agree with the response from the Director, you can appeal the decision before the Residential Tenancies Commission. If you still disagree, or if the Residential Tenancies Branch is unable to make a decision, you may be able to take the matter to court.
If you need legal advice, you can contact the Public Interest Law Centre at 985-8540 in Winnipeg. Free legal advice is also available through the Poverty Law program of the University of Manitoba (985-8550 in Winnipeg) and the Aboriginal Law Office (985-5230 in Winnipeg).
Are You Protected Under the Act?
The Residential Tenancies Act covers most, but not all, renters. The Act may not apply or somewhat different rules may apply if you live in: a university or college residence; a hotel, motel, inn, tourist home, hostel or other similar accommodation; a caretaker's unit; an employee unit; a room provided as living accommodation in a boarding house; or subsidised housing.
The Canadian Federation of Students is currently lobbying the provincial government to include university and college residences in the Act, to ensure that students are better protected.
Visiting Students
If you are visiting from another province or country, it is important to know your rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. Protect yourself from the start. Remember that you are entering into a contract—a business deal—with a landlord. Make sure everything about the deal is clear from the beginning so that there is little chance of an argument or dispute later.
Public and Subsidised Housing
The provincial government offers assistance to make housing more affordable through several programs, including fully and partially subsidised housing, subsidies for co-operatives, assistance for rural housing developments, and subsidies for urban, non-profit Aboriginal housing developments. Details are available from the provincial government at http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/housing/.