Manitoba tenant repairs, maintenance and landlord entry
Maintenance, quiet enjoyment and landlord entry concerns have their own rules. A repair complaint is not automatically an eviction notice or a damages claim.
If repairs are not being completed
- First notify the landlord: describe the specific defect, location, effect on use or safety and a reasonable repair request in writing. Keep dated photos, copies of emails and a record of access offered to repair workers.
- Escalate through the Branch: if necessary repairs are not completed, the tenant may use the official Tenant’s Request for Repairs form. The Branch’s guide describes preparing three copies: one for the landlord and two for the Branch. Add later repair requests in writing to both parties; keep proof of delivery.
- Urgent risks and rent arrears: for a serious health/safety concern, also contact the appropriate emergency, health or municipal authority. The Branch notes that a repair file can be held when the tenant owes rent, except for immediate health or safety risks. Do not intentionally withhold rent as a self-directed repair remedy.
Landlord entry and privacy
For ordinary entry, Manitoba RTB guidance says a landlord generally must give at least 24 hours’ written notice, and may give that notice up to two weeks ahead. The written notice should state the reason and proposed time; entry must be at a reasonable time. The notice requirements are different for emergencies and other statutory exceptions. Check the official privacy and entry policy for the relevant exception and procedure.
Record the time, reason, notice and communications rather than assuming any visit automatically justifies compensation. A general notice posted in the building lobby does not replace individual notice when the landlord plans to enter several occupied units. If several entries are planned, the notice should identify each proposed time. A tenant need not be present for a properly noticed entry, but can suggest a reasonable alternative if the proposed time is genuinely unreasonable.
If you are considering a compensation claim
Collect proof of an actual financial loss, written repair requests, what happened after the landlord knew of the issue and reasonable steps you took to reduce harm; then review claims and hearings. Compensation for repair delays is not automatic merely because a repair was inconvenient. Give the landlord reasonable access to perform repairs. Do not withhold rent or change locks based solely on this informational guide.
What the Branch may order
An officer may investigate, arrange an inspection and issue an Order to Repair with a completion date where needed. If the landlord fails to comply and the applicable appeal stage has passed, the Branch—not the tenant acting alone—may redirect rent to the Branch to fund repairs. That is different from refusing to pay the landlord without an RTB order. The Branch may also enforce urgent health or safety orders issued by other authorities.
Example: a leaking ceiling
Tell the landlord promptly in writing where and when water is entering, whether electrical fixtures or personal belongings are affected, and how urgent the safety issue appears. Keep a dated photograph, the repair request, replies and receipts for actual losses. For an immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency or public-health service instead of waiting for an ordinary tenancy hearing.
How entry notices work
Under Manitoba's section 54 guidance, ordinary written entry notice must generally be delivered at least 24 hours and no more than two weeks before the stated visit. It must identify the purpose and reasonable time or times. When the proposed time is genuinely unreasonable, a tenant should identify a reasonable alternative rather than simply denying access. The tenant need not be home for a properly noticed entry.
Emergencies, consent and other statutory exceptions can change the notice requirement. A landlord inspecting damage should explain any intended photography; the Branch guidance says a tenant may refuse photography of personal belongings. If a dispute persists, the Branch can investigate and, if necessary, issue an order about access. Keep the actual entry notice and a dated record of what happened.