Can Manitoba Landlords Refuse Emotional Support Animals?

Many Manitobans live with mental health disabilities and rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) for daily stability. If you’re renting, you may wonder: can your landlord refuse an ESA, even if their building is “no pets”? Understanding your legal protections can help ensure you enjoy your home fully and without discrimination.

Understanding Emotional Support Animals and Tenant Rights in Manitoba

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort to individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not specially trained for specific tasks, but their presence is crucial for their handler’s well-being. In Manitoba, several laws protect tenants who need ESAs.

What Does the Law Say in Manitoba?

Manitoba’s The Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination based on disabilities, which includes mental health conditions. Landlords are required to accommodate tenants with disabilities, including the need for an emotional support animal, unless doing so would cause them undue hardship (such as severe property damage or significant health and safety risks).

The relevant residential tenancy legislation is The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba).[1] In practice, this means a standard “no pets” policy is not an automatic reason to refuse your ESA if you have documentation supporting your medical needs.

If you are unsure about your rights as a tenant, review the comprehensive Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page for essential information tailored to your province.

How Does This Affect Rental Agreements with 'No Pets' Policies?

If your lease or rental agreement prohibits pets, your landlord may still have a legal duty to accommodate you if your emotional support animal relates to a disability. Accommodations might include permitting your ESA in your unit, provided you supply proper documentation from a licensed healthcare professional.

For more on your legal responsibilities in this situation, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request an Emotional Support Animal Accommodation

To seek an accommodation for an emotional support animal in Manitoba:

  • Obtain a letter or documentation from a recognized healthcare provider describing your disability and the need for an ESA (the letter does not have to specify your diagnosis).
  • Submit your request in writing to your landlord, attaching the documentation.
  • If your landlord refuses or fails to accommodate and you believe this is discriminatory, you can file a complaint with The Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Always keep copies of correspondence and documentation for your records.

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Relevant Manitoba Forms for Tenants

  • Request for Reasonable Accommodation (no standard government form number): Draft a written accommodation request, including your health care provider's note. Example: Send your landlord a request letter with the note attached, asking that your ESA be allowed in your apartment due to your medical needs. Sample templates are available via The Manitoba Human Rights Commission Publications.
  • Human Rights Complaint Form: Use the Human Rights Complaint Form if your request is refused. Explain how you were denied accommodation and attach supporting documents. The Commission will investigate your complaint.

What If My Landlord Refuses? Your Options

If your landlord refuses to allow your ESA without valid, substantiated reasons (for example, if there isn't a significant health and safety risk or heavy financial burden), this could be discrimination under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba).[2]

Complaints to the Human Rights Commission are confidential, and no fees are charged to process a disability discrimination complaint.

Living with an ESA: Tenant Responsibilities

Even if you are allowed an emotional support animal, you must still:

  • Ensure your pet does not damage the property beyond ordinary wear and tear
  • Prevent your pet from disturbing other tenants (noise, safety, etc.)
  • Follow municipal bylaws (licensing, noise, etc.)

Not meeting these responsibilities may result in your landlord seeking additional remedies or damages. For a deeper understanding, consult Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Tenants and landlords both have obligations to respect the rights of others in the rental community—accommodations are required, but so is responsibility.

For those still looking for a new home where support animals are welcome, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with filters for pet-friendly units and inclusive landlords.

FAQ: Emotional Support Animals in Manitoba Rentals

  1. Can my landlord charge me extra rent or a pet deposit for an ESA?
    Landlords cannot charge additional monthly rent or pet fees simply because a tenant has an emotional support animal required for a disability. However, you could be responsible for costs if your animal causes property damage beyond normal wear and tear.
  2. Do I need a specific certification for my support animal?
    No, Manitoba does not require formal certification for ESAs. Instead, you need a letter or documentation from a licensed healthcare professional confirming the animal is required for your disability.
  3. What happens if my ESA disturbs other tenants?
    You may be expected to address the issue promptly. If the situation continues and disrupts other tenants’ enjoyment or safety, the landlord might take action through the Residential Tenancies Branch.
  4. Where can I get help if my landlord refuses to accommodate my ESA?
    You can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. You may also seek mediation or advice from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
  5. Are emotional support animals treated the same as service animals?
    No. Service animals have specific legal protections under accessibility laws, while ESAs are covered under broader disability accommodation rights. The documentation requirements differ.

Conclusion: Key Points for Manitoba Tenants

  • You have a right to request an emotional support animal as a disability accommodation—even in "no pets" buildings.
  • Provide clear documentation from a healthcare professional; your landlord must accommodate unless it causes undue hardship.
  • If refused, you have options: try to resolve, then file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if needed.

Remember, balancing your rights with responsibilities ensures a positive rental experience for everyone involved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Read the full Residential Tenancies Act
  2. The Human Rights Code (Manitoba): View The Human Rights Code
  3. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Official Commission Website
  4. Residential Tenancies Branch: Official Manitoba RTB
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.