Are you having issues with a tenant? Want to know more about your rights and responsibilities as a property owner? If so, you should probably contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).
Most tenants and landlords are already familiar with the RTB. This branch handles everything from providing forms to holding hearings for disputes. We’re going to explain what this organization does in Manitoba, and how they can help you as a tenant or a landlord.
Note: The following information applies specifically to the Residential Tenancies Branch in Manitoba.
What Does the RTB Do?
A common misconception about the RTB is that they only help tenants, not landlords. But the RTB helps both parties to ensure everyone is treated fairly.
Oftentimes, the RTB intervenes to mediate disputes between tenants and landlords. They can help with things like:
- Eviction notices. Is your tenant behind on payments? Are they consistently receiving noise complaints? Have they caused extensive damage to your property? If so, you may be considering evicting them; the RTB can assist with this process.
- Repair orders. Tenants that require repairs can apply for a repair order. If the Branch issues a repair order, the landlord must complete the work by the given deadline.
- Rent increases. When you’re notifying tenants of a rent increase, you must use the forms provided by the RTB.
RTB Hearings
What happens if there’s a dispute between a tenant and a landlord that cannot be resolved on its own? The RTB can hold a hearing to resolve these issues.
First, the tenant and landlord go through the mediation process. A neutral third person is called to mediate a discussion between the landlord and the tenant. It may be regarding a claim, an order of possession, or another disagreement.
It’s almost always better to settle these matters with mediation rather than a hearing; the process is much faster than a hearing, and will not appear on a public record.
But what if those involved can’t reach a final agreement? At this point, the RTB will set up a hearing. This is a more involved process in which the issue is investigated in more detail.
At the hearing, both the tenant and the landlord will need to bring evidence to support their claims. They can also bring witnesses. A hearing officer will listen to what both sides have to say about the dispute. Then, within a few days, they’ll make a decision based on the RTA (Residential Tenancies Act).
Information About Tenancy
The RTB website is a great resource for information about tenancies. You can find answers to common questions about pest infestations, rent increases, and security deposits. But if you have a more complicated inquiry, it’s best to contact the RTB directly.
How Do You Contact the RTB?
Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, it’s important to know what your responsibilities and rights are. If you have any questions about repairs, disputes, or rent issues, you can contact the RTB for more information.
If you want to make a claim, then you will need to call the RTB directly. The branch is not currently accepting walk-ins, so you must contact them to make an appointment. Their Winnipeg office can be reached at 204-945-2476, or via email at rtb@gov.mb.ca.
We Offer RTB Relations Services
Even with all this information, it’s not easy to manage disputes with your tenants. At Premier Property Solutions Inc., we can help.
As part of our Winnipeg property management services, we can manage RTB relations for you, from communicating with the branch to resolving issues with tenants. We’ll also take care of tenant selection, marketing, and rent collections.
Enjoy more freedom when you choose our property management services. Contact us today.
