As of April 2026, filing a standard claim for an Order of Possession at the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) generally costs $60 CAD. Other applications, like asking for an above-guideline rent increase, can range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the size of the building.
When disputes arise between a property owner and a renter, the ideal solution is to work things out through friendly conversation. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Whether you are dealing with a tenant in Winnipeg who has stopped paying rent, or a landlord in Brandon refusing to return a security deposit, you may need government intervention. 📍
In Manitoba, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) has exclusive jurisdiction over these residential disputes. Instead of going to a regular civil court, you take your lease agreement issues to the RTB. While the process is designed to be much cheaper than hiring a full-service law firm for a lawsuit, there are still mandatory filing fees you must pay to get your case heard. Knowing these costs upfront helps you decide if pursuing a legal claim makes financial sense.
Step-by-Step Process for Filing an RTB Claim in Manitoba
Filing a claim requires specific paperwork and adherence to strict timelines. Whether your rental unit is located in Thompson, Selkirk, or Winnipeg, the administrative process is standard across the province.
Step 1: Attempt to Resolve the Issue Directly
Before paying any government fees, the RTB expects you to try and solve the problem yourself. 🗂️ Send a formal written demand to the other party. For example, if a tenant is late on rent, issue a standard Notice of Termination for Non-Payment of Rent. Often, receiving a formal warning is enough to prompt a resolution.
Step 2: Complete the Correct Application Form
If the issue persists, you must fill out an RTB claim form. Landlords seeking to evict a tenant will use the form for an Order of Possession. Tenants seeking to force a landlord to do repairs will use a different specific application. These forms are available online or at the RTB physical offices in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson.
Step 3: Pay the Mandatory Filing Fee
When you submit your application, you must pay the required government fee. 💳 You can pay via credit card, debit, or certified cheque. The RTB will not begin processing your file or schedule a hearing date until the money clears. Keep your receipt, as you can often ask the hearing officer to force the losing party to reimburse you for this cost.
Step 4: Serve the Notice of Hearing
After filing, the RTB will give you a Notice of Hearing document. You are legally responsible for serving this document to the other party. You must deliver it in person, or use registered mail so you have a tracking number as evidence. Regular mail is generally not acceptable for legal service in Manitoba.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing
Finally, you will attend the scheduled hearing to present your evidence. 🖥️ You can bring photographs, witness statements, and copies of the lease agreement. The hearing officer will review everything and issue a legally binding Order.
How Much Does it Cost in Manitoba?
The RTB keeps standard dispute fees relatively low to ensure access to justice for both renters and property managers. Here is a breakdown of the typical fees you may encounter as of April 2026:
| Type of RTB Application / Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Claim for an Order of Possession | $60 |
| Claim for Compensation (e.g., unpaid deposits) | $50 |
| Application for Substitutional Service | $20 |
| Above-Guideline Rent Increase (19 units or less) | $150 |
| Above-Guideline Rent Increase (20 to 49 units) | $500 |
| Above-Guideline Rent Increase (50 units or more) | $500 + $5 per unit (max $1,000) |
| Hiring a Process Server (Optional) | $75 to $150 per attempt |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Submitting the paperwork and paying the filing fee only takes a few hours if you do it online or in person. ⏱️ However, waiting for your actual hearing date is the longest part of the journey. In Manitoba, it generally takes 4 to 8 weeks to get in front of a hearing officer for standard claims. Under section 153(2) of the Act, decisions are made rapidly after the hearing: an Order of Possession is typically issued within 2 business days, while a Claim for Compensation is usually decided within 4 business days (though complex cases can take 10 to 14 days).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get my filing fee back if I win the case?
Yes. When you fill out your claim form, you can request that the filing fee be added to the total amount owed by the respondent. If the hearing officer rules in your favour, they will generally order the losing party to reimburse your $60 fee.
Is there a fee waiver for low-income tenants?
Yes, but the criteria are very strict. Under Manitoba’s Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines, the RTB will not waive fees simply based on standard low-income pay stubs. Instead, you must provide official proof that you currently receive benefits under the provincial Employment and Income Assistance Act (EIA) or receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) under the Old Age Security Act to qualify for an exemption.
Do I have to hire a lawyer to go to the RTB?
No, the RTB is designed so that landlords and tenants can represent themselves. However, if your case is highly complex, you are fully entitled to hire a local law firm to present your evidence and speak on your behalf.
Can I email the hearing notice to my tenant?
Generally, you must serve legal documents in person or via registered mail. Email is only allowed if the tenant has previously agreed in writing (usually in the lease agreement) to accept legal documents electronically.
What happens if the other party ignores the RTB Order?
If a tenant refuses to leave after an Order of Possession is granted, you must take the RTB Order to the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench to obtain a Writ of Possession, which allows a court bailiff to physically remove them.
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