Making your home in Manitoba
There are different types of housing in Manitoba. Reading this section will help you find a nice, affordable home for yourself or your family.
- Finding a house or apartment
- Rules for renting
- How to buy a home
- Government help with housing
- Residential property taxes
- Utilities (heat, electricity, water, recycling, etc.)
Best source for housing information
The government agency Canada Mortgage and Housing answers all questions about renting, buying, even maintenance and renovation – including the two in-depth guides below written especially for you.
- Newcomer's Guide to Canadian Housing
This free 51-page booklet for newcomers to the Canadian housing market has detailed information on buying or renting a home.
- CMHC Newcomers to Canada and Borrowers Without a Canadian Credit History
New permanent residents often require special underwriting consideration as their credit history may not be readily available. CMHC considers alternative sources of information to validate a borrower's ability and willingness to repay their debts.
Choose where to rent or buy
When you are looking for a place to live consider neighbourhood qualities – the location of schools, shopping, buses, safety, recreational and community services. Housing costs vary by neighbourhood. Winnipeg's inner-city is generally the cheapest.
To find a home check youf local newspaper or website. The most comprehensive listing is Saturday classified ad section of the Winnipeg Free Press. Those listings are also published online at wpgstuff. There are also real estate publications in news stands at banks and convenience stores. Here are some of the free local real estate sites that serve rentor and buyers:
- homebase.ca (rent or buy)
- Winnipeg Free Press online listings (rent or buy)
- Winnipeg Real Estate News (buy)
- rentcanada.com (rent)
- Rent Spot (rent)
- 24/7 Apartments (rent)
- 101Apartments (rent)
- Places4Rent (rent)
- Multiple Listing Service (sale by agent)
- ComFree (sale by owner)
Rules for renting
When you rent a house or apartment you will have to give a "damage deposit" (generally half a month's rent) and sign a "lease." A lease is a binding, legal agreement between you and the landlord (the building owner or manager). It says how much the rent is, how long you agree to stay, and other conditions. Most leases are for one year. If you "break" your lease by leaving before the end you may be responsible for remaining rent.
You should inspect your house or apartment before signing your lease to ensure your landlord does not later charge you for damage that was already there. It is very important that you understand the lease before you sign. If you have questions – or if your landlord does not fulfill the responsibilities specified in the lease, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Residential Tenancies Branch
This Manitoba government department informs tenants and settles disputes with landlords. Its services are free.
- Guides to Renting a Home
Canada Mortgage and Housing has in-depth publications that cover all aspects of renting.
Financial help with housing
If you cannot afford proper housing there may be a government program to help you. For information see our page Financial Assistance.
Buying a home
Need help?
You can look for and buy a house or condo on your own (use the websites above) or with the assistance of a real estate agent. They earn a percentage of a house's sale price. An alternative to a house is a "condo," or condominium. This is a house or apartment that you own but share the cost of common areas with others. Agents (realtors) are listed in the Yellow Pages under Real Estate.
Negotiate purchase terms
Purchase price is always negotiated between the sellor and the buyer. Fridge, stove, drapes, etc. may be included in the sale price. You may want a home inspection before buying. You can negotiate the date to move in. Once you and the owner agree on a price you or your agent writes an Offer to Purchase. It is a legal and binding contract that specifies price and other conditions.
Mortgages
Most people borrow the money from a bank or credit union. Mortgage lenders have different interest rates on repayment terms. Check with a few institutions to find the best mortgage.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing explains home-buying step by step> Their website has a Mortgage Calculator as well as information specifically for newcomers. Also read about how CMHC may help you with your down payment.
Property taxes
Homeowners must pay property taxes each year. The amount depends on the type of home, location and the size of the lot. You can choose to pay your taxes by month. Winnipeg Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) or phone 986-2161.
Utilities
All homes are supplied with utilities – water and sewer service, electricity and, in most cases, natural gas Manitoba Hydro supplies gas and electricity. Residents must pay for these utilities. For rentors some costs may be included in your rent.
Electricity (Hydro)
When you move into your home phone Hydro at 480-5900, so they can measure the amount of electricity (and gas) you use. Heating home with natural gas is much more common than the old fuel, oil.
Water service and sewer service
Phone the City of Winnipeg 986-5858. Water service and sewer systems travel through underground pipelines to homes and buildings in all Manitoba cities and many towns. Most apartment renters are not billed separately for the water they use. However if you rent or own a house, you will receive a bill for the amount of water you use plus a sewer charge. Your bill could arrive monthly or quarterly.
NOTE (rural areas): Houses in some rural districts have an underground water cistern for the water supply and an underground septic tank for sewage. In this case, you must contact local suppliers to have water brought to your home by truck and to have the sewage pumped out of your septic tank. You will find lists of suppliers in your local telephone directory or from the local Municipal Office.
Garbage & recycling
The city picks up your recycling and garbage without charge.
Communications
To learn how to get TV, Internet and phone service go to our page Media & Communications.
