What are the most common illegal reasons a landlord might deny my application?

Illegal reasons include discrimination based on protected characteristics (such as race, disability, family status), demanding extra conditions based on personal characteristics, or retaliation because you asserted your tenant rights.

Can a landlord require a higher deposit from me compared to others?

No. Manitoba law requires landlords to treat all tenants equally when it comes to security deposits.

How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?

You have up to one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Is it possible to resolve a denial without filing a formal complaint?

Yes. Discussion or mediation through the Manitoba Human Rights Commission can sometimes resolve issues informally.

Where can I learn about general tenant and landlord rights in my province?

Detailed information is available on the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page.

Challenging Unfair Rental Denials in Manitoba: Tenant Rights Guide

Discrimination & Accessibility Manitoba published June 19, 2025

If you believe you've been unfairly denied a rental opportunity in Manitoba, you have protections and options under provincial law. Understanding your tenant rights can help you spot discrimination, respond thoughtfully, and appeal a decision if a landlord refuses your application for an unjust or unlawful reason. This guide walks Manitoba tenants through the steps to challenge unfair denials, including which agencies to contact and forms you may need.

Recognizing Unfair Rental Denial

Landlords in Manitoba are legally required to treat all rental applicants fairly and without discrimination. Denying an application for reasons based on protected grounds, such as race, ethnic origin, religion, age, family status, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation, is not allowed under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba).

Common Signs of Discrimination:

Being told a unit is no longer available, only to see it re-listed shortly after.
Receiving extra requirements or background checks not imposed on other applicants.
Comments or questions about your family, disabilities, or background.

Sometimes, denials might not be obviously unfair. If you suspect discrimination, document all communications and keep copies of your application and related emails or texts.

What Landlords Are Allowed to Consider

Landlords may lawfully deny an application for reasons such as:

Poor credit history or a reference indicating unpaid rent or damage
Inability to demonstrate ability to pay rent
False information on a rental application

However, any denial based on a protected ground is prohibited. Learn more about landlord and tenant rights in Manitoba on the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba page.

Immediate Steps If You Experience an Unfair Denial

Ask the landlord (politely and in writing) for a reason your application was denied. Request this by email whenever possible for documentation purposes.
Gather all supporting documents, including your application materials, communication records, and notes about any interactions.
Review the Manitoba Human Rights Commission's tenancy rights page for guidance.
Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you believe discrimination occurred.

If your denial is related to a specific rental condition or deposit request, it may help to read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for background on proper legal requirements.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint in Manitoba

If you suspect you were denied a rental due to discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the official tribunal responsible for handling such cases.

Relevant Legislation

The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) covers discrimination in housing.
The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) sets out landlord and tenant responsibilities.

Forms and How to Use Them

Human Rights Complaint Form: Download the official complaint form (PDF)
When to Use: If you believe you were denied a rental for a discriminatory reason, submit this form to the Commission. Describe your experience, include evidence, and attach relevant documents.
Process Example: Jane is denied an apartment after mentioning she uses a wheelchair. She gathers her emails with the landlord and fills out the complaint form with those details. Jane then submits the completed form to the Commission by email, mail, or in person as explained on the form's instructions page.

The Human Rights Commission may offer mediation or launch an investigation. Timely filing is important. Visit the official complaint process page for step-by-step guidance.

Other Avenues: Appeals Under the Residential Tenancies Act

Although the Residential Tenancies Branch mainly deals with issues after a tenancy has started, if you feel a landlord's actions violate provincial rules for advertising or selecting tenants, you may contact the Residential Tenancies Branch. They can answer questions and offer information on next steps.

For a broader understanding of common tenant challenges and how to assert your rights, read Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Tenants should always document communications, keep records, and act quickly if they feel rights are being violated. Waiting too long may affect your case or your ability to apply for help.

Additional Tenant Protections

Apart from discrimination laws, renters in Manitoba are protected against unreasonable application fees and misleading advertising. Review your eligibility, confirm the landlord's reasons in writing, and know that you do not have to accept unfair treatment.

Looking for alternative rental options? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and browse safe, up-to-date listings by city or province.

FAQs: Challenging Rental Denials in Manitoba

What are the most common illegal reasons a landlord might deny my application?
Illegal reasons include discrimination based on protected characteristics (such as race, disability, family status), demanding extra conditions based on personal characteristics, or retaliation because you asserted your tenant rights.
Can a landlord require a higher deposit from me compared to others?
No. Under Manitoba law, all tenants must be treated equally regarding security deposits. Read more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?
Generally, you have up to one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Is it possible to resolve a denial without filing a formal complaint?
Yes. Sometimes a conversation with the landlord or a mediator at the Human Rights Commission can resolve the situation quickly, especially if misunderstandings are at play.
Where can I learn about general tenant and landlord rights in my province?
Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for detailed, province-specific information on housing law and your rights.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

If you believe your rental application was denied unfairly, act quickly, collect evidence, and reach out for help.
File a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you suspect discrimination.
Manitoba law protects you from rental denials based on many personal characteristics—know your rights and review official resources.

When in doubt, seek guidance from official agencies and tenant support services in Manitoba.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Manitoba Human Rights Commission: File discrimination complaints and access info on your housing rights.
Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Guidance on tenancy laws, dispute resolution, and general rental questions.
Legal Aid Manitoba: Free or low-cost legal assistance for low-income tenants.
For general housing help and tenant support groups, visit New Journey Manitoba - Housing Resources.