Rent increase rules in Manitoba

This guide covers Manitoba tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].

Manitoba sets an annual rent increase guideline that caps how much most landlords can raise rent in a given year. The guideline is calculated using Manitoba's Consumer Price Index and announced by the provincial government each year. For 2026, the guideline is 1.8%, effective January 1, 2026, according to the Manitoba government.

Which Units Does the Guideline Apply To?

The guideline applies to most residential rental units, including apartments, single rooms, houses, and duplexes. Certain units are exempt from the guideline, according to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB):

• Units renting for $1,670 or more per month
• Units in buildings first occupied after March 2005
• Certain social housing units
• Units owned or operated by or for a government body
• Non-profit life lease units
• Co-operative housing units
• Caretaker or employee units
• Approved rehabilitated rental units

Even exempt units still require the landlord to provide proper written notice before any rent increase takes effect.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased?

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for most residential rental units.

What Notice Is Required?

Landlords must give tenants at least three months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect, using the official Notice of Rent Increase form, according to the Manitoba government. The notice must include:

• The current rent amount
• The new rent amount in dollars and as a percentage
• The date the increase takes effect
• The applicable guideline percentage

Landlords must also send a copy of the notice to the Residential Tenancies Branch within 14 days of giving it to the tenant.

As an example of how the timing works: for a rent increase to take effect January 1, the tenant must receive notice no later than September 30 of the prior year.

Can a Landlord Increase Rent Above the Guideline?

Yes, but only with approval from the Residential Tenancies Branch. Landlords can apply for an above-guideline increase if they can demonstrate that the guideline amount does not cover their cost increases. Tenants can participate in the review process and submit a response to any such application.

If a landlord applies for an above-guideline increase, a tenant may give two rental payment periods' written notice to end the tenancy, from the time they learn of the application until 14 days after the Branch or Commission issues a decision.

How Can Tenants Dispute an Increase?

A tenant who believes a rent increase is unfair or improperly applied can submit a written objection to the Residential Tenancies Branch. The objection must be received at least 60 days before the increase is scheduled to take effect. If either party disagrees with the Branch's decision, they can appeal to the Residential Tenancies Commission within 14 days. A panel consisting of a commissioner, a landlord representative, and a tenant representative will review the case and issue a binding decision.

The RTB can be reached at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 toll-free in Manitoba.

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