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NEED TO GET OUT OF A LEASE?

Breaking a lease in Manitoba

This page is the free Manitoba guide. No sign-in. Read on.

Manitoba publishes the longest list of early exits of any province, including a Canadian Forces posting, health, a care home, death, and landlord breach, plus a $75 cap on the consent fee for an assignment or sublet.

  1. 1

    How much notice for a periodic tenancy

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    On a month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives the landlord at least one full rental payment period of notice, delivered on or before the last day of the current period.

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  2. 2

    Fixed term: can it end early?

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    A tenant cannot generally end a fixed-term tenancy before the end of the term, unless they assign or sublet the rental unit. The tenant is responsible for the rent until the agreement is over.

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  3. 3

    Assignment and sublet

    An assignment or subletting is not valid unless the landlord gives written consent.Open this section ↓

    An assignment or subletting is not valid unless the landlord gives written consent. The landlord cannot refuse consent unless they have a valid reason. A landlord may charge the original tenant up to $75.00 for consenting to an assignment or sublet.

    Manitoba does not publish a deadline for the landlord to respond to an assignment or sublet request. That is not the same as saying there is no limit in law; it means no fixed number is published, so ask the Residential Tenancies Branch how long is reasonable in your case.

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  4. 4

    The violence exit

    A tenant may end a tenancy where, because of domestic violence or stalking, they fear for their safety or the safety of a dependent child if the tenancy continues.Open this section ↓

    A tenant may end a tenancy where, because of domestic violence or stalking, they fear for their safety or the safety of a dependent child if the tenancy continues. The tenant requests a certificate to end the tenancy from Manitoba Justice Victim Services, and gives the landlord notice of not less than one rental payment period.

    If you are in danger, call 911. Support is also available across Canada through your local victim services.

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  5. 5

    Other published exits

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    • Canadian Forces posting at least 50 kilometres away: 3 rental payment periods of notice if the tenant is told 3 or more months ahead, otherwise 1, plus a Canadian Forces certificate.
    • A drop in income due to a deterioration of health: 1 rental payment period, plus a doctor's certificate.
    • Accepted into a personal care home, or no longer able to live independently: 1 rental payment period, plus a doctor's certificate.
    • Death of the tenant.
    • Landlord not meeting obligations: 1 rental payment period after a written demand, or 5 days where health or safety is at risk.
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  6. 6

    If your landlord is in breach

    Where a landlord is not meeting obligations, a tenant may end the tenancy on 1 rental payment period of notice after a written demand, or on 5 days of notice where health or safety is at risk.Open this section ↓

    Where a landlord is not meeting obligations, a tenant may end the tenancy on 1 rental payment period of notice after a written demand, or on 5 days of notice where health or safety is at risk.

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  7. 7

    Official sources

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    8. This page tells you what the published rules and documents are. It does not predict what a landlord will agree to or how a tribunal will decide. Following the correct route helps avoid owing rent you did not have to, but nothing here guarantees a particular result. For advice on your situation, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer.

  8. 8

    Common Questions

    What are the ways to break a lease early in Manitoba?Open this section ↓

    What are the ways to break a lease early in Manitoba?

    Manitoba publishes an unusually long list: a Canadian Forces posting at least 50 kilometres away, a drop in income due to ill health, acceptance into a personal care home or being unable to live independently, the death of the tenant, and a landlord who is not meeting obligations. Most require a certificate or a doctor's note and one rental payment period of notice.

    Can my Manitoba landlord charge me to assign or sublet?

    Yes, but it is capped. A landlord may charge the original tenant up to $75.00 for consenting to an assignment or sublet, and cannot refuse consent without a valid reason.

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Where to go from here

All provinces: breaking a lease →Manitoba landlord & tenant guide →I got an eviction notice →

Guidepost is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information about the process for Manitoba. The correct notice, documents, and route depend on your facts; for advice, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer. Full disclaimer. Facts checked September 2026.

Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.