Eviction Protections in Manitoba
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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?
Your landlord cannot simply tell you to leave. In every province and territory, evictions must follow a formal legal process. That means written notice, a valid legal reason, and — in most cases — a tribunal order before you actually have to move out.
Valid reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, serious damage to the property, illegal activity, or the landlord needing the unit for personal use. Your landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings to force you out — that is an illegal eviction.
Notice periods vary by province:
- Ontario: 14 days for non-payment, 60 days for landlord personal use.
- British Columbia: 10 days for non-payment, 2 months for landlord personal use.
- Alberta and Quebec have their own timelines — always check your province's rules.
When does it apply?
- You rent a residential property anywhere in Canada.
- Applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases.
- Covers apartments, houses, rooms, and most other residential rentals.
What to Do If Your Canadian Landlord Is Trying to Evict You Illegally
- Document everything — keep copies of your lease, all notices, emails, and text messages with your landlord.
- Do not leave voluntarily unless a tribunal has ordered it. A notice from your landlord is not the same as an eviction order.
- Contact your provincial tribunal right away: Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB); BC — Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB); Alberta — Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); Quebec — Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
- Look for free legal clinics in your area that handle tenant issues.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore an eviction notice — even if you think it's wrong, you need to respond within the deadline or you may lose your right to dispute it.
- Don't stop paying rent because of a dispute. Unpaid rent gives your landlord a stronger case.
- Don't agree verbally to move out without getting legal advice first.
- Don't retaliate by damaging the property — it will hurt your case.
How Manitoba differs from federal law
Manitoba tenants are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, CCSM c. R119.3, and the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) handles disputes. A landlord cannot evict you without following the legal process.
- A landlord must give you a proper written notice of termination using the correct RTB form. The notice period depends on the reason: 14 days for non-payment of rent, 1 month for most cause-based evictions, and 3 months for no-fault reasons like the landlord's personal use or demolition.
- If you do not move out after receiving notice, the landlord must apply to the RTB for an order of possession. The RTB will hold a hearing where you can present your side.
- For non-payment of rent, you can stop the eviction by paying all rent owed before the RTB issues an order of possession.
- A landlord who locks you out, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities without an order is committing an illegal eviction. The RTB can order the landlord to let you back in and pay compensation.
- Only a court-appointed officer of the court can carry out a physical eviction after an RTB order has been made.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
If you receive an eviction notice, check the notice period and form. Attend the RTB hearing and bring evidence. If your landlord locks you out illegally, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg) or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free). Free legal help is available from the Telephone Law Line at Legal Aid Manitoba (204-985-8500).
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act, CCSM c. R119.3, ss. 93–109 (Termination of Tenancy)
Common Questions
When does eviction protections apply?
You rent a residential property anywhere in Canada.Applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases.Covers apartments, houses, rooms, and most other residential rentals.
What should I do if my landlord in Canada is trying to evict me?
Document everything — keep copies of your lease, all notices, emails, and text messages with your landlord.Do not leave voluntarily unless a tribunal has ordered it. A notice from your landlord is not the same as an eviction order.Contact your provincial tribunal right away: Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB); BC — Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB); Alberta — Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); Quebec — Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).Look for free legal clinics in your area that handle tenant issues.
What mistakes should I avoid with eviction protections?
Don't ignore an eviction notice — even if you think it's wrong, you need to respond within the deadline or you may lose your right to dispute it.Don't stop paying rent because of a dispute. Unpaid rent gives your landlord a stronger case.Don't agree verbally to move out without getting legal advice first.Don't retaliate by damaging the property — it will hurt your case.
Eviction Protections in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.