-
Can I be evicted for being exposed to COVID-19?
No. The Manitoba Human Rights Commission’s position is that COVID-19 is a disability, and therefore a protected ground under The Human Rights Code. This means your landlord cannot evict you just for being exposed to the virus, or they could face a human rights complaint.
However, if you have the virus and are not doing your part to prevent its spread to others, your landlord may have cause to evict you for endangering the lives of other tenants.
For more information, visit the Commission’s fact sheet on COVID-19 and human rights:
-
Can my landlord raise the rent?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rent increases were frozen from April 1 – September 30, 2020. Beginning October 1, 2020, landlords are allowed to once again raise rent in accordance with provincial guidelines. Your landlord cannot retroactively increase your rent to cover the period from April to September. If you paid any excess rent from April to September, your landlord must reimburse you.
The Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba has released the following COVID-19 Information Sheet for Landlords and Tenants. The information sheet deals with dealing with suspensions of rent increases and Order of Possession hearings.
-
Can my landlord evict me if I cannot afford to pay the rent?
Evictions for not paying rent were suspended from April 1 – September 30, 2020. Beginning October 1, hearings for non-urgent evictions will resume.
-
Can my landlord ban visitors to the building to stop the spread of COVID-19?
Your landlord cannot ban all visitors from the building, but everyone is expected to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are frequently inviting people who are not providing an essential service into the building, your landlord may have cause to evict you for endangering the other tenants.
-
Can my landlord refuse to enter my home for repairs because of fears about the virus?
Your landlord still has a responsibility to maintain and repair your dwelling unit and common areas of the building. If your landlord does not want to enter your unit personally, you can ask them to hire a professional to do the repairs. Most repair workers, such as plumbers and electricians, are essential workers and are still available for hire throughout this crisis.
If you are self-isolating because you have recently been travelling or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, make sure you tell your landlord or the repair workers before they enter your unit, so they can take appropriate safety precautions.
-
What changes have there been about witnessing real property documents?
Temporary changes to how real property documents can be witnessed were introduced by the Registrar General of Manitoba. Witnessing via video link with documentation may be acceptable where the physical presence of a witness is not possible.