Manitoba Renter Benefits & Property Credits (2025)

Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC)

The Education Property Tax Credit helps both renters and homeowners with the school tax portion of their property tax or rent. The 2025 maximum claim is $700 per household.

Eligibility

• Must have lived in Manitoba for at least part of the year as your principal residence.
• Renters: Paid rent for their principal residence in MB for at least 90 days in the year. Shared accommodations qualify (see Tips/FAQ).
• Homeowners: Paid property taxes for their principal residence.

Claim Process

• Renters: Claim the EPTC on your Manitoba tax return (MB428). Enter total rent paid, the number of months in the year, and landlord information. The credit is calculated as 20% of your annual rent (up to the $700 maximum).
• Homeowners: Typically claim the EPTC on your municipal property tax bill, which reduces the bill directly. If not claimed on the tax bill, you can claim it on your MB tax return.

Examples

• Renter Example: Paid $900/month for 12 months = $10,800. 20% is $2,160, but the maximum claim is $700.
• Homeowner Example: If your property tax bill is $2,000, and you apply the $700 credit, your bill becomes $1,300.

Rent Assist

Rent Assist is a monthly benefit for low-income Manitobans who pay rent or room and board in the private market (not subsidized housing).

Eligibility

• Must be a Manitoba resident, age 18 or older, renting in the private market (not living in subsidized/social housing).
• Low or moderate household income (based on family size, rent, and net income).
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.

Application Process

1. Apply online at the Manitoba government’s Rent Assist portal or by paper form.
2. Provide proof of rent (lease, rent receipts, or letter from landlord), income (tax return, pay stubs), and household composition.
3. Benefits are paid monthly by direct deposit or cheque. Renewed annually.

Maximum Payments & Stacking

• Maximum payment is based on 75% of the median market rent for your household size, minus a portion of your net income.
• You can receive Rent Assist even if you claim other credits (like GST/HST credit or EPTC).

Seniors' Education Property Tax Credit

Manitoba seniors (65+) may claim an additional EPTC of up to $400, in addition to the base EPTC, for a total of $1,100 in property tax relief.

Eligibility & Claim Process

• Age 65 or older by December 31 of the tax year.
• Principal residence in Manitoba and paid property tax or rent.
• Claim the credit on your Manitoba tax return (MB428S form) or through your property tax bill.
• Income tested: phased out for higher incomes (phase-out starts at ~$40,000 net family income; see MB forms for details).

Example

A 70-year-old single renter, annual rent $12,000, net income $30,000:

• Base EPTC: $700 (max)
• Seniors' EPTC: $400 (max)
• Total relief: $1,100

Tips for Maximizing Property & Rent Benefits

• If you share rent with roommates, each can claim only their portion of the rent on their tax return.
• Always get receipts or a signed statement from your landlord showing total rent paid, rental address, landlord’s name and contact.
• If you move mid-year, claim only the rent/property tax for the months you lived at each address.
• Students and low-income earners should always coordinate EPTC with the GST/HST credit and federal climate action incentives for maximum benefit.
• Missed a claim? File a T1 adjustment (T1-ADJ) up to 10 years back with supporting documentation.

FAQ

• What if my landlord won’t give a receipt? Keep copies of bank statements, e-transfers, or cheques as proof. Document your attempts to get a receipt.
• Can I claim if I live with parents or relatives? Only if you have a formal rental agreement and pay fair market rent.
• Can more than one person claim the EPTC at the same address? Yes, if each pays rent and claims only their share.
• Do I need to report Rent Assist as income? No, Rent Assist is not taxable and does not affect other tax credits.