COVID19 Renters

COVID-19

RENTAL INFORMATION

RENT INCREASES

There will be no rent increases starting April 1st 2020 until May 31, 2020, or possibly longer. If your landlord attempts to increase your rent, this is currently illegal until at least May 31, 2020.

EVICTIONS

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) has suspended eviction hearings until at least June 30, 2020, and possibly longer, unless there is a concern over unlawful activity, health, or safety.

This means you cannot be evicted right now for non-payment of rent, or for issues other than unlawful activity, or health and safety matters.

What happens if I don’t pay my rent?

You can still be evicted after June 30 (or later if the RTB extends this timeline).
You will have to pay all your missed payments back after June 30.
You could also be charged late fees on top of everything.
You must continue to pay your rent and fulfill all of your obligations as a tenant to avoid being evicted after June 30.

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT RIGHT NOW?

Talk to your landlord about the situation, and come up with a plan that works for both of you to get your rent paid. For instance, ask if you can pay as much as you have available right now, and set a date for when you think you can get the rest. You can also suggest an installment plan.

If you have lost pay due to coronavirus, you may be able to apply for benefits under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This will include anyone who is laid off or can't get hours, anyone who is sick with coronavirus, folks who must self-isolate, and more.

Tell your landlord if you plan to apply for the CERB, but let them know there will be a waiting period before you can get your benefits. Make sure your plan to pay your rent takes that extra time into account.

If you are on EIA, now is the time to ask your worker to pay your rent directly to your landlord. It will reduce the number of interactions needed to pay your rent, and keep everyone healthier!

If you are being threatened with an illegal eviction or rent increase, or need help or advice, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch or the SNA Rental Safety Coordinator using the contact info below.

ELECTRICITY & GAS

Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro has suspended all hydro disconnections for the time being.

This means your electricity and gas will not be cut off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you do not pay your Manitoba Hydro bills, you can still be subject to large bills and service disconnections after the pandemic has ended.
Please continue to pay your bills--help is available.
See the Manitoba Hydro website for complete information: https://www.hydro.mb.ca/covid19/

GET HELP WITH YOUR HYDRO BILL

WATER

City of Winnipeg

The City of Winnipeg has suspended water turn-offs and late payment charges until at least June 30, 2020.

This means your water cannot be cut off, and you cannot be charged late fees on your water bill until at least June 30, 2020.
If you do not pay your water bill, you may not be charged late fees, but you will still have to pay back what you owe after the pandemic has ended.
Please continue to pay your bills--help is available.
The City will work with you to make more flexible payment arrangements to avoid a major bill after the pandemic.

Every way to submit your meter reading:

Submit your meter reading regularly to avoid being overcharged for estimated bills.

Submit by phone: 204-986-4445

Submit online: Submit Meter Reading

GET HELP WITH YOUR WATER BILL

HEAT

By law, your landlord must keep your rental unit at a certain minimum temperature during the day and at night.

Your landlord cannot turn off your heat if it gets colder than what is specified below, under any circumstances (not just during COVID-19).

Minimum daytime temperature: 21C from 7:00AM-11:00PM
Minimum nighttime temperature: 18.3C from 11:00PM-7:00AM

CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)

If you have lost pay due to coronavirus, you may be able to apply for benefits under the CERB. This will include anyone who is laid off or can't get hours, anyone who is sick with coronavirus, folks who must self-isolate, and more.

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

Notice: The information on this page may become outdated quickly, and is only meant as a guide. Check directly with the source for the most up-to-date information.

How to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch right now:

The RTB office is closed to non-essential walk-ins.
You can still get help if you have an *urgent* matter with your rental situation.
You must call or email to make an appointment.

Phone: 204-945-2476

Email: rtb@gov.mb.ca

Up-to-date information: https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/

SNA Rental Safety Coordinator

Cheryl Starr

Voicemail only: 204-783-5000 Ext. 107

Email: rentalsafety@spenceneighbourhood.org

Facebook/Messenger: Cheryl Spencehousing

How to contact EIA right now:

EIA is currently discouraging walk-in visits.
EIA is discouraging direct calls and emails with your worker; they may not respond to you.
For fastest service, contact the EIA call centre.

Phone: 204-948-2888 (7:00am -7:00 pm, Mon-Fri)

Email:

Up-to-date information: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/

Common EIA Forms:

EIA Rent Form

EIA Direct Deposit Form

EIA Income Declaration Form

Advice on EIA

SNA Homelessness Outreach Mentor

Jasmine Brine

Call/Text: 204-999-4485

Email: row@spenceneighbourhood.org