Discrimination & Accessibility Rights for Manitoba Tenants

Every renter in Manitoba deserves fair treatment and equal opportunity to find and keep a home. If you’re concerned about discrimination or how your landlord should accommodate your needs, this guide will help you understand your rights and obligations clearly under Manitoba’s tenancy laws.

What Does Discrimination Mean in Rental Housing?

Discrimination in renting occurs when a landlord treats someone unfairly because of personal characteristics like disability, race, family status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age. The Human Rights Code of Manitoba protects tenants from this kind of unfairness. Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or impose different rules based on these protected grounds.

Accessibility: Your Right to Reasonable Accommodation

Manitoba law also requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This can include allowing service animals, making minor changes (like installing grab bars), or adjusting policies. If a requested accommodation causes “undue hardship” for the landlord, only then may they refuse—but they must give clear, sound reasons.

• Physical modifications (such as ramps or accessible door handles)
• Permitting service animals, even in “no pet” buildings
• Flexible parking or mobility aid storage

An accommodation must be safe and practical for both tenant and landlord.

What If You Experience Discrimination?

If you feel you’ve been denied housing, harassed, or treated unfairly, you are not alone and steps exist to address the issue. First, document what happened, including dates and details. In many cases, you can talk directly with your landlord or send a written request for clarification.

If that does not resolve the problem, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. The Residential Tenancies Branch may also assist, but human rights complaints specifically go through the Commission.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Human Rights Complaint Form:
  Use this when you believe your housing rights under the Human Rights Code have been violated (e.g., refused a unit because of disability). You can find the form and filing instructions on the official Manitoba Human Rights Commission site. Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.
• Request for Reasonable Accommodation (Letter):
  Write a dated letter to your landlord, briefly describing your disability (if you are comfortable) and the specific accommodation you need. Attach supporting documents or a doctor’s letter if possible. This paper trail is important if there’s a dispute later on.

For concerns about living conditions or accessibility-related safety issues, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba for advice or to file a formal complaint about your landlord’s obligations.^[1]

Manitoba’s Laws Protecting Tenants

The main law for renters is the Residential Tenancies Act. This act covers your rights to a safe home, privacy, and non-discriminatory treatment. It outlines how complaints are handled and what landlords can and cannot do.

For an overview of your rights as a tenant here, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Your Landlord’s Obligations

Landlords must:

• Treat all applicants and tenants fairly
• Only refuse a tenant for legal, non-discriminatory reasons (e.g., past non-payment of rent, not a protected ground)
• Provide safe, healthy accommodations
• Consider reasonable accommodation requests unless there is an undue hardship

If you encounter other issues as a tenant—like repairs, health concerns, or feeling your landlord isn’t following the rules—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Documenting Your Experience

Above all, keep a record! Write down what happened, who was involved, and keep copies of all emails or letters. Documentation helps support your case with either the RTB or Human Rights Commission.

Where to Find Accessible Rentals

Looking for housing with accessible features or supportive landlords? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with filters and map tools for accessibility needs.

FAQ: Understanding Discrimination & Accessibility in Manitoba

1. What should I do if I think my landlord is discriminating against me?
   Start by documenting the issue, then consider contacting your landlord in writing. If it is not resolved, you can file a formal complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
2. Is my landlord required to make physical changes for accessibility?
   Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants’ disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Minor modifications are usually required, but major renovations may depend on building structure.
3. Can I have a service animal even if my building has a no-pet rule?
   Yes, "no pets" policies do not apply to service animals needed for a disability. You may need to provide documentation or a doctor’s letter.
4. What laws protect Manitoba tenants from discrimination?
   The Human Rights Code of Manitoba and the Residential Tenancies Act both protect you from unfair treatment and guarantee your right to reasonable accommodation.

How To: Take Action on Discrimination as a Tenant in Manitoba

1. How do I request a reasonable accommodation from my landlord?
   Write a clear, dated letter with your accommodation request, provide supporting documents if available, and keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I file a human rights complaint about discrimination?
   Obtain the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission website, fill it out with details and evidence, and submit it within one year of the incident.
3. What steps should I take if my landlord refuses an accommodation?
   Ask for the reason in writing, then reach out to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for further guidance or to file a complaint.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba tenants are protected under strong provincial laws against discrimination and are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
• File complaints promptly—documentation and timely action help resolve matters efficiently.
• Support and official information are available for all tenants—know your rights and advocate for your needs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Information, forms, and complaint support
• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba: Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: Your key provincial facts page

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1. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) of Manitoba
2. The Human Rights Code of Manitoba – see Section 9
3. The Residential Tenancies Act

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