Entering a rental unit in Manitoba: the notice a landlord has to give

• Written notice, at least 24 hours and up to two weeks before the visit.
• The notice says why you need to come in and when.
• No notice is needed in an emergency, or when the tenant agrees at that moment.
• Only the landlord or their agent comes in. A landlord who brings in an outside contractor should go with them.

The Branch lists reasons such as making repairs, doing a condition report when a tenancy is assigned, sublet or a pet is added, showing the unit to a buyer, and letting a mortgage lender or insurer inspect it. In each case the notice rules below apply.

The notice must be in writing, say why you need to enter, and give the time of the visit. Give as many details about the reason as you can.

If you can’t know the exact time, for example when an outside company sets the schedule, give a reasonable window. When you control the work, be as specific as you can.

• There is an emergency.
• You are providing a service that is part of the tenancy agreement, such as housekeeping.
• The tenant has given or received notice to move out and you are showing the unit to people who might rent it.
• You are doing the move-out condition report on the day the tenants move out.
• The tenant agrees to the visit at that specific time.

A tenant can ask for a different time or date if they have a good reason. The Branch says that refusing access just because the tenant won’t be home is not a good reason.

Tip, not a rule: offering a second window is usually quicker than arguing about the first one.

• Keep the number of entries down. The Branch asks landlords to limit visits for repairs, other work and inspections.
• Keep a copy of every notice, with the date you gave it.
• Put the reason and the time window in the same message, so the tenant doesn’t have to ask.

In Teno you can send a visit notice to everyone living in a unit. You pick the date, add a note with the reason and time window, and it is emailed from your name or business name. Replies come straight back to you, and the notice stays in the tenant’s account.

Teno doesn’t decide whether an email counts as written notice in your situation. If you’re unsure, ask the Residential Tenancies Branch, or hand over a paper copy as well.

Residential Tenancies Branch, “Privacy” fact sheet. See also the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch.

This is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes Residential Tenancies Branch fact sheets (the editions we used are dated December 2019). Rules and figures can change, so check with the Residential Tenancies Branch before you act.

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