Wondering whether a landlord in Manitoba can refuse to rent to you because you have children? This is a common concern, especially for families or roommates sharing housing. Manitoba has strong protections for tenants and families to ensure you are treated fairly throughout the rental process.
Is It Legal for Landlords to Reject Tenants With Children in Manitoba?
In Manitoba, landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you or evict you because you have children. This type of discrimination is prohibited under both provincial and federal law. The Manitoba Human Rights Code protects against discrimination based on family status, which includes having children.
These rules apply whether you're renting an entire unit or just a room in shared housing. A landlord who refuses you solely because you have children may be breaking the law.
Where Do These Protections Come From?
- The Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Enforces the Human Rights Code and addresses complaints about discrimination in housing.
- The Residential Tenancies Branch: Handles most landlord-tenant disputes in the province. Learn more about your rights on their official website.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: Find an overview of rules and protections for Manitoba renters.
What Does "Family Status" Mean?
"Family status" covers a broad range: being a parent, having dependent children (biological, adopted, or under your care), being pregnant, or living with extended family. In rental housing, landlords must not treat you unfairly because of any of these circumstances.
Common Scenarios in Shared Housing
If you're seeking a roommate situation, or applying for a basement apartment, condo, or other shared arrangement, the same rules apply—landlords cannot reject you because you have children.
However, if a roommate (not the landlord) is choosing among candidates to share a lease or sublet, those decisions might not be regulated in the same way. But if the landlord is screening tenants or approving applicants, they must comply with human rights laws.
What Landlords Can (and Cannot) Consider
Landlords can consider your rental references, credit history, and income, as long as these criteria are applied in the same way to all applicants. They cannot ask questions that single out families, such as:
- How many children do you have?
- Are you pregnant or planning to have a child?
- Will your children be noisy?
These types of questions could be seen as discriminatory. If you experience this, you can take action as described below.
If you believe you've been treated unfairly, keep written notes or emails as evidence. It may help if you choose to file a complaint.
Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Manitoba
If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Here’s how:
- Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form (online or PDF)
- When to Use: If you have evidence or reasonable belief that you’ve been discriminated against on the basis of having children or family status in housing.
- Where to get it: Official Manitoba Human Rights Commission website
Complete the form with details of what happened—dates, times, names, witnesses if possible. Include emails, letters, or messages as supporting documents.
Other Tenant Rights and Protections
Your rights as a tenant go beyond protection from discrimination. Manitoba law covers:
- Restrictions on rental deposits (Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know)
- Responsibilities after signing a lease (What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement)
Learn more with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
Practical Advice for Manitoba Tenants
- Document all conversations with landlords, especially if you sense discrimination.
- If an ad states “no children” or you are rejected after mentioning your child, save the listing or correspondence.
- Reach out to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or a tenant advocate for help before moving forward with legal claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord charge me higher rent because I have children?
No, it is illegal for landlords in Manitoba to charge higher rent to families with children. This would be considered discrimination based on family status. - What if a rental advertisement says “adults only”?
Ads specifying “adults only” may violate Manitoba’s Human Rights Code. You can report such ads to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. - Are there exceptions—can anyone refuse to rent to families?
Most residential tenancies must follow the Code. However, rare exceptions exist for certain shared living situations, such as if the landlord is sharing the same kitchen or bathroom in their own principal residence. - Can a landlord evict me if I have a child after moving in?
No. The arrival of a child is not valid grounds for eviction under Manitoba law. Your tenancy and family status remain protected. - Who do I contact if I need tenant support or think I’ve been discriminated against?
You should contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and the Residential Tenancies Branch for advice and to file a complaint.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords in Manitoba cannot refuse to rent to you because you have children—this is protected by law.
- If you experience discrimination, use official complaint forms via the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
- Your rights as a tenant, including regarding deposits and agreements, are safeguarded by the Residential Tenancies Branch and Manitoba Human Rights Code.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Branch – Information and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords
- Manitoba Human Rights Commission – File a Discrimination Complaint
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba
- Manitoba Human Rights Code, official text here
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), read the full Act
- Manitoba Human Rights Commission, File a Complaint: official instructions and forms
- Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba: official site
