WINNIPEG LIVING · BY ALIA LIVING
Can My Landlord Enter My Winnipeg Rental While I’m Away?
What to check on an entry notice and how to communicate scheduling concerns.
Being away from home does not by itself prevent a landlord from entering a Manitoba rental with proper notice. Knowing the entry rules makes it easier to plan around maintenance and raise a concern clearly.
Notice and reasonable timing
The RTB says a landlord usually needs to give at least 24 hours’ written notice, no more than two weeks ahead. Entry must be at a reasonable time. Each affected tenant needs notice; a general notice in a shared hallway is not enough. You do not have to be present. Exceptions apply: for example, showing the unit to prospective tenants after notice to end the tenancy has been given follows different rules.
When the time creates a real problem
Explain the problem promptly and propose a reasonable alternative. RTB guidance says simply being unable to attend is not a valid reason to change entry. A specific scheduling concern is more useful than a blanket refusal; if you cannot agree, ask the RTB for help.
Prepare a short access message
A useful message could say: “I received the notice for Tuesday’s repair. Please confirm the expected time window and whether I need to clear the area under the sink.” Add practical information about pets or access needs without sending unnecessary personal details.
If entry concerns you
Keep the notice, date, time, purpose, and relevant messages together. Describe what happened factually when asking for advice. Do not rely on a general article to decide whether a particular entry was lawful; the RTB handles landlord–tenant entry disputes.
Source: Manitoba RTB: Privacy and entry. Reviewed October 1, 2026. General information; ask the relevant authority about your circumstances.