Manitoba Security Deposits Laws (2026)
About this article
Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
This is the area where Canadian rules diverge the hardest. What a landlord can take, what they have to return, and the deadline for returning it depend entirely on which side of a provincial border you live on.
- British Columbia: half a month's rent maximum, returned within 15 days of move-out.
- Ontario: last month's rent only — straight damage deposits are banned.
- Alberta: one month's rent cap, returned within 10 days.
- Quebec: security deposits are illegal — a landlord can't collect one at all.
One rule does carry across the country: a landlord can only deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. Faded paint, light scuffs, worn carpet from years of walking on it — none of that is yours to pay for.
When does it apply?
- At lease signing, when the deposit is collected.
- At move-out, when it should come back or deductions get itemised.
- Covers all residential tenancies in the province whose rules apply.
What to Do If Your Canadian Landlord Won't Return Your Security Deposit
Photos win deposit cases. Take them before you do anything else.
- Photograph and video everything at move-in and move-out — date-stamped, every room, every defect.
- Request a condition inspection with the landlord at both ends of the tenancy.
- If the deposit isn't returned on time, send a written request by email or registered mail.
- Wrongful withholding goes to the provincial tribunal. Filing fees are low and the process is built for tenants without lawyers.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip the move-in inspection. No baseline, no proof.
- Don't withhold rent to "use up" the deposit. It's a lease breach and a fast track to eviction.
- Don't pay more than the provincial cap. If a landlord asks, point them to the statute and walk if they push back.
- In Quebec, don't pay a deposit at all. It's illegal for them to ask, full stop.
How Manitoba differs from federal law
Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act limits security deposits and sets strict rules for how landlords handle them.
- A landlord can collect a security deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent. This is one of the lowest caps in Canada.
- The deposit must be held in trust and the landlord must pay annual interest on the deposit at a rate set by the province each year.
- The deposit can only be used for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear (scuff marks, minor nail holes, faded paint) is the landlord's responsibility.
- After you move out, the landlord must return the deposit (plus interest, minus any legitimate deductions) within 14 business days if you provide a forwarding address, or hold it in trust for up to 2 years.
- If there is a dispute about deductions, either party can apply to the RTB for a ruling.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
When moving out, provide your landlord with a forwarding address in writing to ensure timely return of your deposit. Do a move-out inspection and take dated photos of the unit's condition. If your landlord does not return the deposit or makes unfair deductions, file a claim with the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403.
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act, CCSM c. R119.3, ss. 41–47 (Security Deposits)
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What is the security deposits right in Canada?
This is the area where Canadian rules diverge the hardest. What a landlord can take, what they have to return, and the deadline for returning it depend entirely on which side of a provincial border you live on.British Columbia: half a month's rent maximum, returned within 15 days of move-out.Ontario: last month's rent only — straight damage deposits are banned.Alberta: one month's rent cap, returned within 10 days.Quebec: security deposits are illegal — a landlord can't collect one at all.One rule does carry across the country: a landlord can only deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear...
When does security deposits apply?
At lease signing, when the deposit is collected.At move-out, when it should come back or deductions get itemised.Covers all residential tenancies in the province whose rules apply.
What should I do if my landlord in Canada is refusing to return my security deposit?
Photos win deposit cases. Take them before you do anything else.Photograph and video everything at move-in and move-out — date-stamped, every room, every defect.Request a condition inspection with the landlord at both ends of the tenancy.If the deposit isn't returned on time, send a written request by email or registered mail.Wrongful withholding goes to the provincial tribunal. Filing fees are low and the process is built for tenants without lawyers.
What mistakes should I avoid with security deposits?
Don't skip the move-in inspection. No baseline, no proof.Don't withhold rent to "use up" the deposit. It's a lease breach and a fast track to eviction.Don't pay more than the provincial cap. If a landlord asks, point them to the statute and walk if they push back.In Quebec, don't pay a deposit at all. It's illegal for them to ask, full stop.
Security Deposits in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.