Security deposits in Manitoba: what a landlord can charge and must return

• A security deposit can be up to half of the first month’s rent.
• A pet damage deposit is separate.
• Tell the tenant about the deposit before they sign, and give a receipt.
• Interest is payable from the day you receive the deposit until you return it.
• If there are no claims, return everything plus interest within 14 days after the tenancy ends.

The limit is half of the first month’s rent, worked out on the full rent, not a discounted one. For $800 rent that is $400. It is collected at the start of the tenancy, or when someone takes over the agreement.

The landlord must tell the tenant about the deposit before the agreement is signed, and give a receipt showing the amount, the date received, and the addresses of the unit and the complex.

This is a separate deposit, collected before the tenant gets the pet. For deposits collected on or after August 1, 2014 the limit is one month’s rent. Only one can be charged however many pets there are, and none can be charged for a service animal. The limit was lower for earlier deposits, so check the Branch’s page for older tenancies.

Interest is paid from the date you receive a deposit until you return it. The government sets the rate, so look up the current one with the Branch.

If there are no problems, the deposits and interest go back within 14 days after the tenancy ends. A landlord may deduct unpaid rent or tenant services charges, damage caused by the tenant or their pets, and dirt they left behind.

A claim against the deposit has to be sent to the tenant in writing, and if it is smaller than the deposit the rest goes back. If you disagree, either side can ask the Branch to decide. It tries mediation first, then an officer decides from the information sent in, or after a hearing.

• Give the receipt on the day you take the deposit, and keep your copy.
• Write down the unit’s condition at move-in and again at move-out, with dated photos. Tip, not a rule: it is the easiest way to show what changed.
• Put any claim in writing, as the rules require, and send the unclaimed balance with it.

Teno doesn’t track deposits yet. It is built for the day-to-day: your properties, units and rent in one place, tenant invitations by email, notices, and repair requests that both of you can follow.

Residential Tenancies Branch, “Security Deposits” 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.

• Entering a rental unit in Manitoba: the notice a landlord has to give
• Repair requests in Manitoba: who has to do what