What the MB-1 45+ subscription is

The MB-1 45+ is a monthly subscription service offered by Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC) for renters aged 45 and older who meet income requirements. It provides subsidized rental housing — meaning the program pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest based on your income. Unlike emergency assistance, this is an ongoing program: once you're accepted, the subsidy continues month to month as long as you remain may be able to access.

The subscription model means you commit to a monthly payment and receive consistent housing support rather than one-time help. Your actual rent payment depends on your household income and the size of the unit you occupy. MHRC sets the subsidy amount based on a formula that ensures your portion doesn't exceed a set percentage of your gross monthly income.

Key Takeaways

  • The MB-1 45+ is for renters aged 45 or older whose household income falls below Manitoba's income limits, which vary by family size.
  • MHRC pays your landlord a subsidy each month, and you pay the remainder based on what you can afford from your income.
  • You must have a signed lease with a private landlord or approved housing provider to receive the subsidy.
  • The program requires annual income verification to confirm you still meet the income threshold and your rent payment is calculated correctly.
  • If your income increases above the limit or you move, your subsidy ends and you must reapply if circumstances change.

Income limits and who can join

To be considered for MB-1 45+, you must be at least 45 years old and a Manitoba resident. Your household income must fall below the maximum set by MHRC — these limits change annually and depend on how many people live in your home. A single person has a lower income limit than a family of four, for example.

You'll need to provide proof of income for all household members, typically through recent tax returns, pay stubs, or letters from your employer. If you receive income assistance, disability support, or pension payments, those count toward your total household income. MHRC uses this information to determine whether you meet the threshold and to calculate how much you'll pay toward rent each month.

How the rent subsidy is calculated

MHRC does not pay your full rent. Instead, the program covers the difference between your affordable rent amount and the actual rent your landlord charges, up to a maximum subsidy. Your affordable rent is typically set at 30 percent of your gross household income — so if you earn $1,500 per month, your affordable rent would be $450.

If your actual rent is $800 per month, MHRC would pay $350 (the difference between $800 and your $450 affordable amount), and you would pay $450. If your rent is only $400, you pay the full $400 and receive no subsidy that month. The subsidy adjusts each year when you renew, based on any change in your income.

What documents you need to provide

Before MHRC can process your request, you'll need to gather several documents. A signed lease is essential — it must show the monthly rent amount, the landlord's name and contact information, and the unit address. The lease confirms you have a real housing commitment and gives MHRC the details needed to send the subsidy payment.

You'll also need proof of income for the past 12 months. This typically means your last two pay stubs, a recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency, or a letter from your employer stating your annual salary. If you receive benefits, bring the letter from the program showing your monthly payment amount. Proof of residency in Manitoba — such as a utility bill or government ID — is also required. Some landlords may need to complete a form confirming they agree to accept the subsidy payment.

How payments work and timing

Once you're approved, MHRC sends your subsidy payment directly to your landlord each month, usually by the first of the month. You pay your portion separately to the landlord — either through the same payment or as arranged between you and them. This direct-to-landlord approach protects both you and the program: the landlord knows the subsidy is coming, and you're not responsible for holding or forwarding the money.

Processing your initial request typically takes four to eight weeks from the date MHRC receives all required documents. During this time, you should continue paying your full rent to your landlord — do not wait for approval to stop paying. Once approved, the subsidy begins the following month. If you're already behind on rent when you're approved, the subsidy covers only future rent, not arrears.

Renewal and changes to your circumstances

Your MB-1 45+ subsidy is not permanent. Each year, usually around your anniversary date, MHRC will ask you to renew by providing updated income information and confirming your lease is still valid. If your income has increased above the program limit, you will no longer be may be able to access and the subsidy will end. If your income has decreased, your subsidy amount may increase.

You must also report changes immediately: if you move to a new address, your landlord changes, your lease ends, or a household member moves in or out. If you don't report these changes and MHRC discovers them during verification, your subsidy can be stopped and you may be asked to repay overpayments. If you move, you can apply again for a new unit, but there is no may provide of approval — you'll go through the process again with your new lease.

What happens if you no longer meet the requirements

If your income rises above the limit during the year, MHRC may discover this at renewal or through a verification check. When that happens, your subsidy ends, usually with 30 days' notice. You become responsible for paying the full rent to your landlord. There is no gradual phase-out; the subsidy stops.

If you fail to report a change in circumstances — such as moving without notifying MHRC or not updating your income — the program may recover overpayments you received. This can happen months later, and MHRC may deduct the amount from future subsidy payments or pursue repayment through other means. Staying in contact with MHRC and reporting changes promptly protects you from this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any landlord, or does the landlord have to be approved?

Your landlord must be willing to accept the subsidy payment from MHRC and work with the program. Most private landlords can participate, but some may refuse. Before signing a lease, confirm with the landlord that they're willing to accept a housing subsidy. MHRC can tell you whether a specific landlord or property has participated before.

What if my rent increases after I'm approved?

If your landlord raises the rent, your subsidy amount may change. MHRC recalculates based on the new rent amount and your current income. If the increase pushes the rent above what the program will cover, you'll pay the difference. Rent increases must comply with Manitoba's residential tenancy laws, which limit how much and how often a landlord can raise rent.

Can I have roommates or other people living with me?

Yes, but all household members' income counts toward your total. If you have roommates who pay you rent, that income is included in your household total for subsidy calculation purposes. If a roommate moves in or out, you must report it to MHRC so your subsidy can be recalculated.

What if I become unemployed while receiving the subsidy?

Report the change to MHRC as soon as possible. Your income will drop, which may increase your subsidy amount. If you're receiving employment insurance or income assistance, those payments count as income. MHRC will recalculate your subsidy based on your new income level.

Is there a waiting list for MB-1 45+?

Demand for subsidized housing in Manitoba often exceeds available funding. MHRC may have a waiting list, and processing times can be longer during high-demand periods. Contact MHRC directly to learn current wait times and whether new requests are being accepted.