Summary#
This bill updates Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act. It aims to improve rental information, review rent rules on a regular schedule, protect tenant privacy in old dispute records, and strengthen enforcement.
- Requires landlords to file basic details about each rental unit and their contact information with the Residential Tenancies Branch (the director).
- Sets a formal review of rent increase rules every five years, with public input and a report to the Legislature.
- Limits public access to old orders against tenants after seven years, with some safety and unlawful activity exceptions.
- Lets landlords show a unit to prospective tenants after notice to end the tenancy is given but before the tenant moves out.
- Raises the maximum administrative penalty the director can issue to $10,000 and broadens when penalties can be used.
- Most changes take effect at royal assent; the unit information filing requirement and higher penalties start later on a date set by the government.
What it means for you#
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Tenants
- Older orders against you from the Residential Tenancies Branch will be removed from public view after seven years. You can also apply to have them hidden sooner if the director agrees it is appropriate.
- Orders tied to safety problems or unlawful activity are treated more strictly. The seven‑year automatic removal does not apply, and you can only ask to hide them after seven years.
- If your request to hide an order is refused, you can try again after one year. The director’s decision cannot be appealed.
- Your landlord can show your place to new renters after you have given or received notice to end the tenancy and before you move out, with proper notice.
- You may be able to take part in public consultations when the government reviews rent increase rules.
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Landlords
- You must file details for each rental unit (address, description, your legal name and contact info, and your agent’s contact info) with the director, and update the information within 30 days of any change.
- You may face higher administrative penalties (up to $10,000) if you break the Act or do not follow a director’s order.
- You are clearly allowed to show a unit to prospective tenants after a notice to end the tenancy is given and before move‑out, with required notice to the current tenant.
- Expect periodic reviews of rent increase rules, which could lead to changes over time.
- The filing requirement and higher penalties will start on a future date set by the government; other changes start at royal assent.
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Prospective renters
- You may be able to view units sooner, even while the current tenant is still living there (with notice to the current tenant).
- The government will review rent increase rules every five years, and may adjust them based on public input.
Expenses#
Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.
- The registry and five‑year reviews may require some government resources, but no clear public cost estimate is available.
- Landlords may face new administrative tasks to file and update unit information.
Proponents' View#
- A rental unit registry will improve oversight, make it easier to reach landlords or their agents, and support faster repairs and compliance.
- Regular reviews keep rent increase rules current and balanced, with a chance for the public to weigh in.
- Hiding old tenant orders after seven years helps renters move on from past issues, while safety and unlawful activity exceptions protect others.
- Higher penalties give the Branch stronger tools to enforce the law and deter repeat violations.
- Allowing showings before move‑out reduces vacancy time and helps keep more units available to rent.
Opponents' View#
- Filing and updating unit data adds red tape and costs for landlords, which could be passed on to renters.
- Limiting public access to old tenant orders may make it harder for landlords to screen applicants and manage risk.
- The director’s power to decide whether to hide an order, with no appeal, could feel unfair to some parties.
- Showings before a tenant moves out can intrude on privacy and quiet enjoyment, even with notice.
- Scheduled reviews of rent rules may create uncertainty for housing providers, which could discourage investment.