Manitoba resumed setting rent increase guidelines on January 1, 2024, following a two-year rent freeze in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the maximum rent fee changing again in 2025, knowing how much you can charge as a landlord is crucial for avoiding legal trouble and setting expectations for tenants.

In this guide, we’ll explain the key facts you need to know about Manitoba’s rent increase guideline, including the maximum amount you can raise rents and how to notify your tenant. We’ll also cover situations where you may qualify to increase rents by more than the legal limit.

2025 updates to Manitoba’s rent increase guidelines

The rent increase guideline in Manitoba for 2025 is 1.7%. In other words, if you charged your tenant $1,400 monthly for rent in 2024, you can increase the price only up to $1,423.80 in 2025. Only one rent increase is allowed per year.

If you’d like to raise your rent by more than this amount, you must obtain permission from the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). You’ll need to submit your application in writing to the RTB and explain why a higher rent increase is justifiable for your rental property.

You must provide your tenant with at least three months’ written notice using a government-approved form before the new price takes effect. You’ll also need to inform the RTB in writing of your upcoming rent increase within 14 days of notifying your tenant. 

Your tenant can challenge a rent increase by filing an objection with the RTB at least two months before it takes effect.

What properties are affected by the Manitoba rent increase guideline?

The 2025 rent increase guideline applies to most residential rental properties specified in Part 9 of the Residential Tenancies Act, including:

• Houses
• Apartments
• Duplexes
• Suites in a house or apartment
• Mobile homes and mobile home lots

However, some rental units are exempt, including but not limited to:

• Units where the rent price is $1,640.00 or more per month
• Rental units owned and managed by or for the municipal, provincial, or federal governments
• Rental units in residential complexes first occupied after March 7, 2005 (the units are exempt from the guideline for 20 years)
• Nursing homes or personal care home units
• Rental units in hotels or motels
• Student housing

Though the rent increase guideline doesn’t affect the above rental units, you’re still legally required to give tenants a minimum of three months’ notice.

2025 rent increase exceptions

Under exceptional circumstances, you can raise your rent by more than the allowable amount under the rent increase guideline. To do so, you must receive approval from the RTB. 

To request an extra rent increase, apply to the RTB in writing within 14 days of submitting the rent increase to your tenant. You’ll need to pay a fee, which varies depending on how many rental units you owe (the minimum is $150.00.)

The RTB will take several factors into account when deciding whether you can raise your rent beyond the guideline and by how much, including:

• Changes in operating expenses
• Capital expenses (for example, replacing roof shingles or buying new appliances)
• Increased costs due to lack of repairs and maintenance done in previous years
• Changes in services you provide for your tenant
• The size of your current operating loss, if applicable
• The current inflation rate

Your tenant also has the right to comment on rent increases that exceed the annual guideline. The RTB will consider their objections before making their decision.

Get further information about applying for a rent increase above the guideline here.

How to raise rent in Manitoba

Here’s how to go about raising rents in Manitoba in 2025:

Step 1: Determine the new rent price

Start by figuring out your ideal rent price. While this may seem straightforward, it requires planning. Consider how much you’ll need to stay profitable while encouraging your tenants to renew their lease.

Next, check out the rent fees other landlords charge in your area. This ensures your new rental price is fair and reasonable. Otherwise, you risk losing your tenants.

Step 2: Prepare the notice of rent increase

In Manitoba, you’re legally responsible for giving your tenant written notice of a rent increase. Fill out one of the following two forms. 

• Form 1A – Notice of Rent Increase
• Form 3 – Application for Rent Increase Above Amount Permitted by Regulation

Be open with your tenants. Try adding a note to your notice of rent increase form to explain why you’re raising the rent. Helping them better understand your reasoning may make it easier for them to accept the new rental fee. 

Step 3: Notify your tenants of the rent increase

The next step is to submit the Notice of Rent Increase form to your tenants. By law, they must receive the document at least three months before your new rent price applies. Otherwise, the rent increase is invalid, and they don’t have to pay it.

Consider delivering the notice to your tenants in person or sending it by registered mail. You can also email it, but remember to confirm they received your message.

Resolving issues about rent control

Should a dispute arise between you and your tenants about a rent increase, contact the RTB to set up a hearing. The RTB will evaluate your case and issue a resolution based on the procedures and regulations in the Residential Tenancies Act. 

If you disagree with a decision made by the RTB hearing officer, you can request an appeal within 14 days through the Residential Tenancies Commission. 

Our final thoughts

In Manitoba, the maximum amount you can raise a tenant’s rent in 2025 is 1.7%. You must give your tenant at least three month’s notice of the proposed rent price using an approved form, and you can only increase the price once during the year. 

If you wish to increase your price above the 1.7% limit, you must get permission from the RTB and pay a fee. Certain rental properties are exempt from the Manitoba rent increase guideline, including buildings first occupied after March 7, 2005, nursing homes, student housing units, and units where the rent price is at least $1,640.00.

For more details about Manitoba’s 2025 rent increase guidelines, visit the Government of Manitoba website.