Renting in Manitoba: rights, rent increases and average rents

Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in Manitoba, how rent increases work, what rents cost and which programs help.

Who to contact

Residential tenancies in Manitoba are handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch. It explains the rules, provides the official forms and settles disputes between landlords and tenants. Official site ↗

Rent increases

The 2027 rent increase guideline is 3.0%, effective January 1, 2027. Tenants must receive written notice at least three months before an increase takes effect.

Exceptions and details

Exempt from the guideline: units renting for $2,000 a month or more starting in 2027 (up from $1,670), and buildings first occupied after March 7, 2005, for 20 years.
A landlord can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for an increase above the guideline, and sets the rent for the first tenant of a new unit.

Source: official rent increase page ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Average rents by city (2025)

City	Studio	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	3 bedrooms
Winnipeg	$914	$1,232	$1,570	$1,849
Portage La Prairie	$656	$829	$1,257	$1,359
Thompson	$866	$1,007	$1,136	$1,163
Brandon	$652	$810	$1,096	$1,327
Steinbach	$792	$944	$991	$1,402

Average rent of occupied units in CMHC's survey (Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0133-01). Asking rents for vacant units are usually higher. All cities →

Help paying rent

Rent Assist — Monthly rent help for low-income tenants, whether or not they receive EIA.

The Canada Housing Benefit is delivered by each province and territory, and people with low income may also qualify for social assistance shelter amounts. All programs →

Before you sign

Get the lease in writing and keep a copy.
Ask what is included: heat, electricity, water, parking, internet.
Photograph the unit on move-in day and note existing damage.
Check what deposit is allowed in this province before paying one.
Buy tenant insurance: the landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.