Manitoba RTB Hearing Process: What Landlords Should Expect

The Three-Level System

Manitoba has a three-tier structure for resolving tenancy disputes:

1. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) — the primary tribunal. It handles intake, mediation, and adjudication of disputes including Orders of Possession and Monetary Orders.
2. Residential Tenancies Commission (RTC) — the appellate body. It reviews RTB decisions on appeal.
3. Court of King's Bench — the enforcement arm. Certified RTB or RTC orders are filed here to obtain a Writ of Possession for sheriff execution.

Most landlord matters — non-payment, breach of rules, security deposit disputes, and possession applications — start and finish at the RTB.

Filing a Complaint or Application

Submit your application to the RTB office in Winnipeg (1700-155 Carlton Street) or the Brandon regional office. Each application type has its own form and filing fee. An Order of Possession application costs $60.

After filing, the RTB issues a formal Notice of Hearing specifying the date, time, and location. Your job is to serve the tenant with a copy of your application at least five days before the hearing (shorter notice only with the Director's permission).

What Happens at the Hearing

Before the hearing, a screening officer offers mediation when both parties are present. If they choose mediation and settle, a mediation officer records a written mediated agreement, which is binding; if they cannot agree, a hearing officer hears the case.

If mediation does not resolve the matter, the hearing proceeds formally:

• Both sides present their case — documents, photographs, receipts, and witnesses
• The Hearing Officer questions both parties
• The hearing is an administrative process, not a criminal trial. Witnesses are not sworn in, and the Hearing Officer weighs the evidence for credibility and relevance.

After considering both sides, the Officer issues a written order. For possession matters, the order states the exact date and time the tenant must be out. For money disputes, it specifies amounts owed.

Preparing Your Case

The strongest landlord cases come down to paperwork. Bring:

• The signed tenancy agreement (Form 1 or 1.1)
• The termination notice you served (Form 8, 10, 11A, etc.)
• The sworn Declaration of Service
• Warning letters (for cause-based terminations)
• Rent ledger or bank records (for non-payment)
• Photographs (for property damage claims)

Missing even one of these — especially proof of service — can result in a dismissed application.

After the Decision

If the RTB rules in your favour and the tenant does not comply, you can enforce the order through the Court of King's Bench as a Writ of Possession. If the decision goes against you, you have the right to appeal to the Residential Tenancies Commission within the statutory time limits.

Our Ending a Tenancy in Manitoba guide includes an RTB Application Checklist and a Proof-of-Service Log to help you build a hearing-ready file from the start.

See more Manitoba guides →