Manitoba Lease Agreement Guide 2026: RTA, RTB, Deposits, 3% Rent Guideline
Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act regulates almost every residential rental in the province, with an annual rent-increase guideline (3.0% for 2026), a security deposit cap of half a month's rent, and a Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) that resolves disputes administratively. This guide walks through what every Manitoba lease must cover, the deposit and rent rules, and the clauses landlords routinely include that aren't actually enforceable.
Sourced from The Residential Tenancies Act, C.C.S.M. c. R119 and the Manitoba RTB's current guidance.
Manitoba's standard residential tenancy agreement
Manitoba doesn't strictly mandate a single form, but the RTB publishes a Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTB-1) that captures every required disclosure. Use it or your own — the Act's terms apply automatically either way.
Key Manitoba rules
Security deposit
Maximum 0.5 of one month's rent for the security deposit. Pet damage deposit is separate and also capped at 0.5 month, but the combined deposit cannot exceed one month's rent. Deposits must be remitted to the RTB or held in trust at a Manitoba financial institution. Interest is paid annually at the rate set by regulation.
Rent control — 3.0% for 2026
Manitoba's annual rent-increase guideline for 2026 is 3.0%. Notice rules:
- Three months' written notice on the prescribed form before any increase.
- Once every 12 months.
- Above-guideline increases require RTB approval based on actual operating cost increases or capital improvements.
- Some buildings are exempt — new construction within 20 years, condos, and units renting above the high-rent threshold (currently $1,640+/month for most building types).
Term and ending the tenancy
Fixed-term leases convert to month-to-month at expiry unless the tenant gives proper notice. Tenants must give at least one full rental period's written notice; landlords must use prescribed RTB forms for cause, non-payment, or own-use grounds. Year-long leases have specific termination rules around the "fixed-term end-date" trap that landlords often misuse.
Entry by the landlord
24 hours' written notice between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for inspection, repairs, or showings. Routine inspections cannot be more frequent than once per month. Emergency entry is allowed without notice.
Clauses Manitoba landlords add that don't actually work
See the Manitoba unenforceable clauses page. Key ones:
- "Security deposit equals one month's rent" — capped at 0.5 month.
- "No interest on the deposit" — RTB-rate interest is mandatory.
- "Rent increases by X% per year (above guideline)" — requires RTB approval.
- "Tenant pays all repairs" — landlord's repair obligation under s. 59 is non-waivable.
- "No pets ever" — cannot apply to service animals (Manitoba Human Rights Code).
- "$50 late fee" — penalty clauses unenforceable; only NSF actual cost.
The Residential Tenancies Branch
Manitoba's RTB handles all disputes between landlords and tenants. The process is administrative and free for most claims. Decisions are written and can be appealed to the Residential Tenancies Commission within 14 days.
Ending a Manitoba tenancy
Landlord grounds: non-payment of rent, breach of obligations, landlord's own use, demolition/major renovation, and end of fixed-term in specific circumstances. Each has a prescribed notice form and notice period (typically 2–3 months). Tenants give one full rental period's notice.
Electronic signatures
Valid in Manitoba. The RTB accepts e-signed leases.
NestBord's Manitoba lease generator handles the deposit caps, rent-guideline disclosures, and required clauses automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I charge as a security deposit?
0.5 of one month's rent, plus an optional 0.5 month pet damage deposit. Combined max one month.
What's the 2026 rent-increase guideline?
3.0%. Above-guideline requires RTB approval.
Does the rent guideline apply to all buildings?
Most. Exemptions include new construction within 20 years of first occupancy, condos, and units above the "high rent" threshold.
How much notice for a rent increase?
Three months' written notice on the prescribed form, once every 12 months.
Can I refuse pets?
Generally yes. Service animals must be allowed under the Human Rights Code.
How do I evict for non-payment of rent?
Serve the RTB's non-payment notice. The tenant can remedy by paying. If not, apply to the RTB for an order of possession.
What if I forget to pay interest on the deposit?
The tenant can apply to the RTB for the interest. It accrues regardless.
How long do I have to return the deposit?
14 days from the end of the tenancy and the tenant providing a forwarding address.
Disclaimer
General information, not legal advice. Consult a Manitoba paralegal or the RTB for specific situations. References to The Residential Tenancies Act are accurate as of 2026.
Build your Manitoba lease in 5 minutes
NestBord's lease generator builds in every clause this guide describes and flags the ones that don't hold up. Free for your first lease.