Renting out property in Manitoba
Manitoba sets an annual rent increase guideline that applies to most units, with exemptions for higher-rent units, newer buildings and social housing. Security deposits are capped at half a month's rent, a separate pet damage deposit is allowed, and deposits earn interest at a rate the province sets. The Residential Tenancies Branch handles information, mediation and decisions.
Rent increases
- Rent control
- Rent control: annual guideline applies to most units
- How often
- Generally once every 12 months
- Written notice
- Written notice that meets the Act's requirements, received at least three months before the increase. For a January 1 increase, the tenant must receive it by September 30.
- Current guideline
- 1.8% for 2026. The 2027 guideline is 3.0%, effective January 1, 2027. Landlords can apply for more if the guideline does not cover cost increases.
Security deposits
- Maximum
- Half of the first month's rent (based on full rent, not a discounted rent)
- Who holds it
- The landlord
- Interest
- Paid from the day the deposit is received until it is returned, at the provincial rate: 0.5% for 2026 (also 0.5% for 2025).
- Returning it
- If there are no problems, return all deposits with interest within 14 days of the end of the tenancy. To keep any part, send the tenant a written claim and return any unclaimed balance; disagreements go to the Branch.
- Pet deposits
- Allowed: one pet damage deposit of up to one month's rent, regardless of the number of pets. Not allowed for tenants who rely on a service animal.
Other essentials in Manitoba
- Guideline exemptions: units renting for $2,000 or more a month (the threshold for 2027), buildings first occupied after March 2005, various social and government housing, co-ops, not-for-profit life lease units and approved rehabilitated units.
- Entry: at least 24 hours' written notice (up to two weeks in advance) listing each proposed entry time, at a reasonable time. Each tenant needs their own notice; a posting in the hallway is not enough.
- Showings: after notice to end the tenancy is given, you may show the unit to prospective tenants without advance notice, though letting the tenant know is advised.
- Claims against deposits can be for unpaid rent or services, damage, or a dirty unit, and must be made in writing.
How Propvara helps MB landlords
- Track the security deposit and pet damage deposit separately in tenancies and deposits, with an alert when a deposit's holder is not recorded.
- Rent change history shows each unit's last increase date. Province-aware rent increase checks and notices will help you meet the September 30 deadline for January increases.Coming soon
- Track Manitoba Housing and other rent supplement contracts with agency and tenant portions that change over time.
- Timestamped repair photos and case history support deposit claims at the Branch.
Manitoba landlord questions
What is Manitoba's rent increase guideline?
1.8% for 2026 and 3.0% for 2027. It applies to most units unless an exemption applies, such as a building first occupied after March 2005.
How much security deposit can I take?
Up to half of one month's rent, plus a pet damage deposit of up to one month's rent if you allow pets.
What interest do I owe on deposits?
The rate set by the province, 0.5% for 2026, from the day you receive the deposit until you return it. The Branch has an online interest calculator.
When must I return the deposit?
Within 14 days of the end of the tenancy if you are not making a claim. If you are, give the tenant written notice of the claim and return any unclaimed amount.
Official sources
- Manitoba: Rent increase guideline
- Manitoba: Guideline fact sheet (PDF)
- Manitoba: Deposits fact sheet (PDF)
- Manitoba: Deposit interest rates
- Manitoba: Privacy and entry
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the Residential Tenancies Branch or a lawyer before acting.
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