Avoiding Discrimination and Accessibility Mistakes in Manitoba Rentals

Every tenant in Manitoba deserves a rental experience free from discrimination and with proper accessibility. However, confusion and common mistakes often make it harder for tenants to protect their rights or advocate for necessary accommodations. Understanding how provincially enforced laws protect you can help avoid pitfalls and make the process smoother for everyone involved.

What Counts as Discrimination or an Accessibility Issue?

In Manitoba, the law protects tenants from discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, disability, religion, family status, and more. This also means landlords must make reasonable accommodations for disabilities unless it causes undue hardship.

• Refusing to rent to someone because of their ethnicity, faith, family size, or disability
• Denying accessible features or refusing reasonable modifications (like ramps or grab bars)
• Imposing different terms or additional requirements on tenants from protected groups

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against or need changes for accessibility, there are clear steps you can take.

Common Mistakes Tenants Make (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Not Knowing Your Rights

Tenants sometimes assume everything in a lease is enforceable. In reality, Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act and Human Rights Code protect your right to equal treatment and accessibility.

For a quick reference to specific rules for your province, review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

2. Not Putting Accommodation Requests in Writing

Verbal requests for accessibility features or changes are hard to prove later on. Instead, always put your request in writing, clearly stating what you need and why.

If your landlord denies or ignores your request, you’ll need this record to take further steps.

3. Missing Deadlines or Required Forms

Too often, tenants don’t act quickly after experiencing discrimination. In Manitoba, complaints under the Human Rights Code should be filed within one year of the incident. When it comes to rental concerns, the Residential Tenancies Branch has specific forms for different situations:

• Application for Tenancy Complaint (Form RTB-1): Used when making a complaint about discrimination or accessibility in your rental unit. For example, if you asked for an accessible entryway and your landlord refused, submit this form with supporting evidence. Official Form RTB-1 (PDF)
• Human Rights Complaint Form (Manitoba Human Rights Commission): Use this to launch a discrimination complaint directly under Manitoba’s Human Rights Code. For example, if your landlord advertises "adults only" buildings, this may be a violation. Submit Complaint Online

4. Confusing Maintenance with Accessibility

General repairs and accessibility accommodations aren’t always the same. Repairs are the landlord's duty and can include fixing elevators, heating, or leaks. But accessibility accommodations (such as visual alarms or accessible parking) must be considered separately. For everyday property maintenance, refer to Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

What Manitoba’s Law Says

The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) guarantees fair housing practices, while the Human Rights Code ensures non-discrimination and the right to reasonable accessibility changes. The Residential Tenancies Branch handles rental disputes, while the Manitoba Human Rights Commission investigates specific discrimination complaints.

How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

1. Write down details about the incident—dates, times, names, what happened.
2. Send a formal, dated request—keep a copy for your records.
3. Use the correct form based on the type of complaint (see above).
4. Submit your form as soon as possible—delays can impact your case.

If you need to leave due to a landlord’s persistent discrimination after following these steps, How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant provides helpful guidance.

For safe, accessible housing choices, Explore rental homes in your area across Manitoba and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I think my landlord is discriminating against me?
   Document everything and submit a formal written complaint using the Human Rights Complaint Form or through the Residential Tenancies Branch as needed.
2. Is my landlord required to make my unit accessible?
   If you have a disability, the landlord must make reasonable accommodations unless it would cause undue hardship (such as extreme cost or safety issues).
3. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Manitoba?
   You generally have one year from when the incident occurred to file with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
4. What official forms are needed for discrimination and accessibility complaints?
   You will likely need the "Application for Tenancy Complaint (RTB-1)" or the Manitoba Human Rights Complaint Form, depending on your issue.

How To Take Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation in writing?
   Write a dated, signed letter to your landlord explaining your need and referencing your right to accommodation under the Human Rights Code.
2. How do I file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch?
   Complete Form RTB-1 and submit it in person, by mail, or by email to the Branch with your supporting documents.
3. How do I start a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission?
   Fill out the online complaint form, attach any relevant evidence, and submit it via their website.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Manitoba are protected by law from discrimination and entitled to reasonable accessibility accommodations.
• Always document requests and submit written complaints using official forms.
• Acting quickly and using provincial resources increases your chances of a positive outcome.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): Provincial authority for rental disputes, guidance, and tenant complaints.
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: For discrimination and accessibility complaints and investigations.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: Facts and legal basics tailored to Manitoba tenants.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Full legislation text
2. Human Rights Code (Manitoba): Official statute
3. Residential Tenancies Branch Forms: Official forms list
4. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Official website

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