Free guide — Manitoba
How to set up a rental property in Manitoba
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Manitoba — mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
Manitoba at a glance
Mandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Recommended
Deposit
Max 1/2 of first month's rent
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act
Step 1 — Written lease
No mandatory form required
No mandatory form. Manitoba RTB offers a free standard tenancy agreement. Standard RTA terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy.
Optional standard form →Step 2 — Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. You need a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy — not a homeowner policy.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Manitoba but is common practice.
Step 3 — Municipal licensing
No provincial licence required in Manitoba
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
Step 4 — Move-in condition report
A move-in inspection report is not legally required in Manitoba, but the RTB provides a Rental Unit Condition Report and recommends using it to protect both parties.
Inspection form / guide →Step 5 — Security deposit
Maximum
Max 1/2 of first month's rent
Interest
Interest accrues annually at the government-set rate -- verify the current rate at gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/ before each tenancy.
Verify current rate →Return deadline
Deposit + interest returned within 14 days after tenancy ends.
Security deposit max 1/2 of first month's rent. Must be held in trust and earn interest. Give the tenant a deposit receipt.
Step 6 — Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required for a rent increase
3 months' written notice
Rent control
Annual increases limited by the provincial rent increase guideline.
Step 7 — Records & receipts
Give the tenant a written deposit receipt. Hold the deposit in trust and return it with interest within 14 days.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Branch — https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/
Your Manitoba landlord setup checklist
Manitoba — New Landlord Setup Checklist
8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Step 1: Written lease
- No mandatory lease form in Manitoba -- but a written lease is strongly recommended.
- Manitoba legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.
- Optional standard form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/
- Both parties sign and keep a copy.
Step 2: Landlord insurance
- Get a rental-dwelling policy -- NOT a homeowner policy -- before the tenancy starts.
- Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.
- Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.
Step 3: Municipal licensing
- No provincial landlord licence required in Manitoba.
- Check with your city or municipality -- some require a rental or business licence.
Step 4: Tenant screening
- Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.
- Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).
- Human rights law applies -- you may not discriminate on protected grounds.
Step 5: Move-in condition report
- A move-in inspection report is not legally required in Manitoba, but the RTB provides a Rental Unit Condition Report and recommends using it to protect both parties.
- Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.
Step 6: Security deposit
- Maximum: Max 1/2 of first month's rent
- Interest: Interest accrues annually at the government-set rate -- verify the current rate at gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/ before each tenancy.
- Return deadline: Deposit + interest returned within 14 days after tenancy ends.
- Security deposit max 1/2 of first month's rent. Must be held in trust and earn interest. Give the tenant a deposit receipt.
Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
- Notice required: 3 months' written notice
- Annual increases limited by the provincial rent increase guideline.
- Residential Tenancies Branch: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/
Step 8: Records & receipts
- Give the tenant a written deposit receipt. Hold the deposit in trust and return it with interest within 14 days.
- Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
- Dispute body: Residential Tenancies Branch -- https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/
General information only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancies Branch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use a specific lease form in Manitoba?
No mandatory form is required in Manitoba. No mandatory form. Manitoba RTB offers a free standard tenancy agreement. Standard RTA terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy.
What deposit can I collect in Manitoba?
Security deposit max 1/2 of first month's rent. Must be held in trust and earn interest. Give the tenant a deposit receipt. Maximum: Max 1/2 of first month's rent.
Is a move-in inspection report required in Manitoba?
A move-in inspection report is not legally required in Manitoba, but the RTB provides a Rental Unit Condition Report and recommends using it to protect both parties.
Do I need a landlord licence in Manitoba?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Manitoba. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence — check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Manitoba?
Notice required: 3 months' written notice. Annual increases limited by the provincial rent increase guideline.
Related guides
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer