Towers Realty Group will not rent a suite to a new tenant if we know it has bedbugs.
There was a time when bedbugs were extremely rare in Manitoba. But that time is passed, and bedbugs have made their way north.
The reality of the situation is that bedbugs can be found in any style of apartment building, in any neighbourhood. And beyond – bedbugs have been reported in office buildings, movie theatres, and retail stores.
The good news is that pest management companies have gotten extremely efficient at exterminating the bugs. Proper treatment can clear up the problem in a matter of days, but does require a level of resident cooperation.
In the event that a building’s operating costs exceed the guideline amount set by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), the landlord may apply for an above the guideline increase.
This may happen for a number of reasons, but the most common is when significant work above general maintenance is done to a building – whether it be functional (roof replacement, masonry work, air handling systems), or cosmetic (suite rehabs, common area renovations).
In order to apply for an above the guideline increase, the landlord must show that their operating expenses have exceeded the amount of the guideline increase, and submit corresponding documentation to the RTB along with their application. At this point, the RTB will notify tenants that an above the guideline application has been made, giving you the opportunity to review the landlord’s application. You can at that point submit comments to the RTB, which they will consider alongside the application.
Whenever Towers Realty Group applies for an above the guideline rent increase, we strictly follows RTB rules and regulations to ensure that all rent increases are properly administered and as fair as possible.
If you do object to an approved rent increase, you must contact the RTB in writing at least 60 days before the effective date of the increase. The RTB allows objections on the grounds that the landlord hasn’t incurred increased expenses, has removed services or facilities, is not maintaining the unit or building, or that the landlord is not meeting their obligations laid out by the lease agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act.
Sometimes, the increase allowed by the RTB is more than we feel comfortable charging. In that case, we will apply a rent discount to bring the rent the tenant pays down.
Rent increases are the result of increasing costs involved with operating a building.
The Manitoba Government allows for a rent increase to happen once every 12 months. Tenants must be given three months prior written notice of a rent increase.
The amount of the increase is approved by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). Each year, the RTB will set a rent increase guideline amount, tied to the consumer price index as published by Statistics Canada.
In the event that a building’s operating costs exceed the guideline amount the landlord may apply for an above the guideline increase.
You are always welcome to contact us regarding any questions or disagreements you may have. Towers Realty Group places great importance on treating our residents with respect, and strongly believes that transparency and open communication is one way to do this. However, if you feel a conversation with us isn’t sufficient, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).
The RTB exists to help both tenants and landlords navigate the legislation that governs the rental industry in Manitoba.
The RTB can help you by providing information on important matters, and mediating disputes between tenants and landlords. The RTB provides information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and will investigate problems and hold hearings to make decisions and issue orders on certain issues.
It is your right as a tenant in Manitoba to contact the RTB if you feel you aren’t being treated fairly. For more information, you can visit their website at gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb.
Base rent is the maximum amount of rent that landlords can charge on a unit. We may feel that the amount of the base rent is above what the market can support, so we will apply a discount to the rent.
Rent discounts are reflected in your lease, and cannot be changed during the term of your lease, but are subject to change at renewal. Rent discounts are separate from move in bonuses and referral bonuses, so they can be combined with either bonus.
Some background: The apartment rental industry in Manitoba is governed by a provincial entity known as the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), which is responsible for enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act (the act of legislation that governs residential rentals in Manitoba).
The RTB sets the maximum allowable rent (base rent) for all apartments. Rent discounts are decided by the landlord.
We do! Towers Realty Group offers a referral bonus at all of our properties.
If you are a resident in good standing, you can receive a $250 referral bonus in the form of a $250 rent credit for every successful referral you make.
The referral bonus does not apply to sublets or assignments.
Simply fill out a referral bonus form and send it with your friend when they apply for their suite.
It is a requirement that every applicant see an apartment for rent before submitting an application. However, if you don’t live in Winnipeg, that is not always possible. Call our leasing agent at 204-956-2739 and we will do what we can to help find you an apartment to rent.
Towers offers move in bonuses on select apartments for rent throughout the year. These promotions are typically limited time offers, and are subject to change or may end at any time, and are only valid when posted on our website.
Move in bonuses are available to new residents only, and are not applicable to assignments, unit transfers or moves within the same building. Tenants in good standing moving from one Towers Realty Group apartment to another are eligible. Move in bonuses cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion, and are not applicable to sublets or assignments of tenancy.
Move in bonuses are applied as rent discounts, and tenants will receive the bonus in one of the following ways:
a) receive a credit on their account in the amount of the move in bonus in the case of bonuses advertised as a dollar amount, or;
b) receive a credit on their account in the amount of one or more months’ rent and parking as advertised (as noted on their lease) in the case of a bonus advertised in months’ free.
Move in bonuses are applied automatically upon the signing of a new lease. In the case of a bonus advertised as one or more months’ free rent, tenants will receive credits for rent and parking charges listed on their lease. Additional rental items such as month to month parking spaces or locker rentals are not included.
Call your caretaker. Our caretakers can handle most issues that arise. For larger issues, they will refer the matter to your building’s Property Manager who will then get our maintenance team involved.
You can also request maintenance online through our resident services portal. Once you have registered, you can use the portal to request maintenance, plus pay rent, download forms, and keep up to date on what’s happening in your building.
We do. Please contact our office at 204-956-2739 for details on what is required in order for us to accept and process your application.
