If you’re a tenant in Manitoba, you may be worried about how your credit history could affect your ability to rent an apartment or house. It’s common for landlords to check credit reports, but can you legally be denied housing just because of bad credit? This guide explains your rights, the relevant laws, and steps you can take if you’re facing rental discrimination over your credit in Manitoba.
Landlord Screening: Is Credit History Allowed in Manitoba?
Landlords in Manitoba are allowed to request your credit information or a credit report as part of the tenant screening process. This is a standard practice intended to assess whether applicants are likely to pay rent on time.
- Landlords must get your written consent to obtain a credit report.
- Credit checks cannot be used to disguise or enable discrimination for reasons protected by law (such as ethnicity, family status, or disability).
- If a landlord intends to deny you based on credit, they should inform you of this reason if you ask.
What Manitoba’s Human Rights Code Says
While bad credit is not itself a protected ground under the Manitoba Human Rights Code, landlords cannot use credit checks to discriminate on the basis of:
- Race or ethnicity
- Age or family status
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
- Source of income (including government assistance)
- Disability or religion
If you feel your credit history is being used as a cover for discrimination against a protected ground, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Applying with Bad Credit: Strategies and Alternative Proof
Even if you have a low credit score, you still have options to increase your rental chances:
- Offer references from previous landlords.
- Provide proof of steady income or savings.
- Present a co-signer or guarantor.
- Suggest paying a larger security deposit (within legal limits) or several months’ rent upfront.
Before offering extra deposits or payments, it’s important to know Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know in Manitoba to avoid overpaying or breaking provincial rules.
The Residential Tenancies Act: Key Protections for Tenants
All tenancies in Manitoba are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (C.C.S.M. c. R119).1 This act requires landlords to treat all potential tenants fairly and prohibits discriminatory practices that violate your rights. However, it allows landlords to assess financial risk using credit as long as it’s non-discriminatory.
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) enforces this legislation and handles rental disputes in Manitoba.2
What Happens After Acceptance?
Once you’re approved and sign a lease agreement, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a Manitoba tenant. What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement covers essentials, including what happens if issues arise during your tenancy.
Official Forms: For Tenants Facing Discrimination
While there is no province-wide form to appeal a denial based solely on bad credit, tenants who believe they were denied for a discriminatory reason can file a formal complaint:
-
Manitoba Human Rights Commission Intake Questionnaire
When to use: If you believe your denial is tied to a protected ground such as race, disability, or source of income.
How to use: Download, complete, and submit the Intake Questionnaire from the official MHRC website. Provide all details and supporting documents making your case.
Action Steps: What to Do If You’re Denied for Bad Credit
- Request a written explanation of the denial from the landlord.
- If you suspect discrimination, gather your correspondence and evidence.
- Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission to discuss options and complaint process.
- For general tenancy questions or disputes unrelated to discrimination, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Broaden your search to other landlords, or check Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for listings with flexible policies.
FAQ: Credit, Discrimination, and Renting in Manitoba
- Can a landlord deny me just for poor credit?
Yes, landlords in Manitoba can use credit history in rental decisions, but they must apply this rule fairly to all applicants and not as a cover for discrimination. - Are there ways to rent in Manitoba if I have bad credit?
Yes. Offer references, proof of income, or a co-signer, and check for landlords with flexible screening policies. - What protected grounds exist if I think I’m being discriminated against?
Protected grounds include race, colour, ancestry, age, family status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, source of income, religion, and disability. - Which authority helps tenants with rental disputes in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) handles all rental disputes and tenancy matters in Manitoba. - Where can I learn about tenant and landlord rights in Manitoba?
Read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a comprehensive overview.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Bad credit alone can be a reason for denial, but discrimination against protected groups is illegal.
- Always ask for a written reason if denied and keep records of all communications.
- Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or RTB if you believe your rights have been violated.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Tenant help, dispute resolution, education
- Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Discrimination complaints and information
- Legal Help Centre (Winnipeg): Free legal advice for low-income Manitobans
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba
