Can a Landlord Refuse to Rent to an International Student in Manitoba?

If you are an international student searching for rental housing in Manitoba, you may be worried about whether landlords can legally refuse to rent to you. It’s important to understand your rights under Manitoba law and what to do if you experience discrimination or unfair treatment as a prospective tenant, especially in the context of Canada’s growing, diverse student population.

Understanding Tenant Rights: International Students in Manitoba

In Manitoba, tenant rights are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba^[1] and human rights legislation such as The Human Rights Code. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) oversees rental disputes and landlord obligations across the province.

Is It Legal to Refuse an International Student?

Landlords in Manitoba are generally prohibited from discriminating against prospective tenants on grounds such as national or ethnic origin, citizenship, age, family status, and source of income. This protection is guaranteed under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)^[2], which applies to rental housing.

• Refusing to rent to someone solely because they are an international student, due to their nationality or citizenship, is discriminatory and generally not allowed.
• Landlords may ask for lawful requirements such as proof of income, references, or deposits—but these must be applied equally to all applicants.
• Landlords cannot set a higher rental deposit just because you are an international student; learn more about your protections in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

However, landlords are permitted to screen all applicants for reasons such as credit history, references, and ability to pay rent, as long as these criteria are applied fairly to everyone.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Discrimination can include:

• Being told directly "we don't rent to international students"
• Setting unfair requirements for international students only
• Providing false information to deter your application

If you believe you have been discriminated against, keep records of your communication with the landlord, including emails and text messages.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Manitoba

If you suspect you have faced discrimination, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:

• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission: You can file a complaint if you believe the landlord rejected your application due to your status as an international student or another protected ground. Review the official process at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
• Reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): The RTB can provide guidance if your issue also involves other rental matters, such as deposits or lease terms. Visit the RTB website for support.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

When filing a discrimination complaint, you can use:

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission Complaint Form: This is the official form to begin the complaint process. Download the form from the Commission's process page and follow their instructions on submitting it.
• RTB Contact Request Form: Use this form when asking the Residential Tenancies Branch for help about general rental issues. Find the form and contact details on the RTB Contact page.

Example: Maya, an international student from India, applies for a rental apartment. The landlord emails that the unit is not available to "foreign students." Maya downloads and submits the Manitoba Human Rights Commission Complaint Form to begin a case.

What If You Are Asked for Extra Deposits or Rent?

Landlords must follow specific rules about security and pet deposits. If you are being asked for an extra deposit or rent because you are an international student, this could be discriminatory. Learn about what is and isn’t allowed in Manitoba by reviewing Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If you sign a lease, remember your ongoing rights and responsibilities. After entering a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for next steps about moving in and maintaining your rights.

For more on tenant protections province-wide, see the complete guide to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Those searching for student-friendly rentals or affordable options can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—featuring verified listings, search filters, and a map tool to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a landlord legally refuse to rent to me due to my international student status?
   No. Refusing solely due to your student or citizenship status is generally prohibited under Manitoban human rights laws.
2. What should I do if I suspect discrimination when applying for a rental?
   Document the interaction and file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. You can also contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for support.
3. Can a landlord ask me for a larger deposit because I am an international student?
   No, the deposit amount is regulated under the law and must be the same for all tenants. Any extra requests based on your status could be discriminatory.
4. What questions can a landlord legally ask when I apply for a rental?
   Landlords can ask about ability to pay rent (e.g., income, references) but must apply these questions equally to all applicants, not just international students.
5. Which government office can help me resolve a rental dispute in Manitoba?
   The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) assists with lease enforcement, deposits, and most rental disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for International Student Tenants

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you are an international student or based on nationality or citizenship.
• Document all landlord communications, and know how to contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you suspect discrimination.
• Read up on rental deposit rules and your ongoing tenant rights after signing a lease.

Summary: Manitoba law broadly protects international students from discrimination in rental housing. If you encounter unfair treatment, you have effective resources to support and defend your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), Manitoba – Main contact point for rental disputes, deposits, and general tenancy questions.
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints and learn more about human rights protections.
• Manitoba Rent Relief Fund – Emergency support for tenants struggling with rent.
• Local student advocacy offices at your school (e.g. University of Manitoba Student Union) – for personalized housing support.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba (current statute)
2. The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) (current statute)

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