Renovation disputes in Manitoba: small claims before a court officer, and the narrow appeal

Most renovation disputes are about a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of dollars: an unpaid final invoice, a deposit kept for work never done, a floor that has to be redone. In Manitoba these usually go to small claims under The Court of King's Bench Small Claims Practices Act. The process is built to be simple, and it also gives very little room for a second try.

The limit

Section 3(1) of the Act allows a claim for an amount of money not exceeding $15,000, or a higher amount prescribed by regulation, including general damages of up to $2,000. The Court of King's Bench Small Claims Practices Regulation (M.R. 283/2014, section 1.2, as amended by M.R. 44/2024) sets that higher amount at $20,000, in the consolidated version in effect since January 1, 2025. Check the current limit with the court before you file, because the regulation can be changed again. If a renovation claim is bigger than the limit, you either sue in the Court of King's Bench under the regular rules or give up the part above the limit.

Who hears the claim

The Act says a claim must be heard and decided by a court officer, except in cases the Act lists, such as when a court officer directs that a judge hear it in the interest of the administration of justice. There is no general right to insist on a judge. The object of the Act is to decide claims in a simple manner, as expeditious, informal and inexpensive as possible, and the court officer may admit evidence whether or not it would be admissible under the ordinary laws of evidence.

Bring everything the first time

After hearing the evidence, the court officer must decide the claim and issue a certificate of decision with a summary of reasons. That certificate is a judgment of the court and can be enforced. Because the appeal is narrow, the hearing is effectively your one chance to prove the facts. For a renovation dispute that means the contract or written quote, change orders, invoices and proof of payment, dated photos of the work, text messages and e-mails, and any written opinion from another contractor or inspector about the defects and the cost to fix them.

The appeal is narrow

An appeal from a court officer to a judge is only on a question of law or jurisdiction, and only with leave of a judge. Within 30 days after the certificate of decision is filed, the party must file an application for leave, a notice of appeal and a transcript of the hearing or proof that one was ordered. Filing the leave application stays enforcement. The judge's decision on that appeal is final. A party who simply disagrees with how the evidence was weighed generally has no appeal.

Costs

Section 14 lets the decision-maker award costs of up to $500, apart from disbursements, except in exceptional circumstances, plus disbursements reasonably incurred for the claim. Small claims are designed so that each side mostly pays its own way. If you hire a lawyer, expect most of that cost to stay with you even if you win.

Prevention Checklist

• Confirm the current small claims limit with the court before filing.
• Decide whether to sue for the full amount in King's Bench or waive the excess.
• Gather the contract, change orders, invoices, payments, photos and messages before the hearing.
• Get a written opinion on defects and repair costs from another qualified person.
• If you lose, check within 30 days whether there is a question of law or jurisdiction to appeal.
• Expect costs awards to be small.

References

1. Government of Manitoba. The Court of King's Bench Small Claims Practices Act, C.C.S.M. c. C285 (current as of October 28, 2026), Web page, ss. 1(3)-(4), 2.1, 3(1), 8.4, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15. Accessed 2026-11-03.
2. Government of Manitoba. Court of King's Bench Small Claims Practices Regulation, M.R. 283/2014 (current as of November 3, 2026), Web page, s. 1.2: claims up to $20,000 (am. M.R. 44/2024; version in effect since January 1, 2025). Accessed 2026-11-03.

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