WINNIPEG LIVING · BY ALIA LIVING
Heat Not Working in Your Winnipeg Rental? What to Record and Report
Winnipeg’s minimum temperatures and a clear way to report a heating problem.
A cold apartment needs a clear report: the room temperature, time, affected rooms, and whether the heating system appears to be operating. This helps distinguish a comfort concern from a system problem needing urgent attention.
Winnipeg’s published minimums
The City’s residential-property maintenance guide says rental properties must maintain at least 21°C from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 18°C from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It directs residents with property-standard questions or concerns to 311. Landlord–tenant disputes are handled through Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch.
Make the first report useful
- Identify your building and suite in your private message to management.
- Record the time and measured room temperature, if you have a thermometer.
- Say whether one room or the whole home is affected.
- Describe what changed and any visible error message without attempting repairs.
- Ask for the expected response and the appropriate after-hours contact.
A message you can adapt
“The bedroom measured 17°C at 8:30 p.m. today. The thermostat is set to 21°C, and the room has remained cold since late afternoon. Please confirm the next step and whether someone needs access.” Replace those example details with your own observations.
Keep a record and follow up
Save the report, response, and later readings. If the problem continues, update management and contact 311 about property standards or the RTB about tenancy options. If anyone is in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance. Do not treat this article as permission to perform heating repairs or change rent payments yourself.
Source: City of Winnipeg: Residential property maintenance standards. Reviewed October 1, 2026. General information; ask the relevant authority about your circumstances.