Emotional Support Animals in Manitoba Rentals: Tenant Rights Guide

If you live in Manitoba and rely on an emotional support animal (ESA), you may worry about whether your landlord can say "no pets" or deny your accommodation needs. Understanding your rights and how the law applies is crucial to protect yourself.

Emotional Support Animals and the Law in Manitoba

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort to people with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Unlike service animals (such as guide dogs), they do not require special training, but they are recognized under human rights law when medically necessary.

In Manitoba, landlords generally cannot refuse a tenant’s request to keep an ESA if it’s related to a medical or disability need. This is protected under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba). However, there are important steps you need to follow to exercise this right.

How to Request Approval for an Emotional Support Animal

Tenants who require an ESA must provide their landlord with a letter from a licensed health professional (such as a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or nurse practitioner) that confirms the animal is needed due to a disability or medical need. This letter is sometimes referred to as an "accommodation letter."

• The letter should outline why the ESA is needed, but does not have to disclose detailed medical information to your landlord.
• No official Manitoba tenancy form exists for this request; use a letter from your healthcare provider.
• Keep a copy of all communications with your landlord for your records.

If your landlord questions your request or refuses, you can make a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, which enforces human rights protections in the province.

Exceptions and Reasonable Limits

Landlords can only refuse your ESA in very limited circumstances, such as if:

• The animal presents a serious risk to health or safety (and there is evidence to show this)
• The animal causes "undue hardship," such as major property damage or legal restrictions (like dangerous dog bylaws)

Landlords cannot use a "no pets" clause to ban your ESA if you have medical documentation. However, tenants are still responsible for preventing excessive noise, odour, or damage caused by their animal. If problems arise, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for maintaining a healthy environment.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you must ensure your emotional support animal does not disturb other tenants or cause undue damage. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act protects your right to live with your ESA if these expectations are met^[1]. For details about overall tenant and landlord duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If your landlord is refusing your ESA, put your request in writing, include your health letter, and keep a record. Escalate to the Human Rights Commission if needed.

For more about your rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba. Looking for a new pet-friendly place? Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

What to Do If Your ESA Request Is Refused: Complaint Process

Should a landlord deny your ESA accommodation, you may file a human rights complaint. The Manitoba Human Rights Commission is the tribunal responsible for such cases in the province. Here’s a quick summary of the process:

• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and explain your situation.
• Provide copies of the relevant medical letter/referral and any correspondence with your landlord.
• The Commission may help mediate or investigate your claim. Resolution may include ordering your landlord to permit the ESA.

FAQ: Emotional Support Animals in Manitoba Rentals

1. Can my landlord refuse my emotional support animal if there is a "no pets" policy?
   No. If you have proper documentation of medical need, landlords must consider the request, and "no pets" rules do not apply to ESAs protected by human rights law.
2. What evidence do I need for my ESA?
   A letter from a licensed health professional stating you require the animal for medical or disability-related reasons. The letter does not need to share your diagnosis.
3. Am I still responsible for animal damage in my unit?
   Yes. You are responsible for cleaning up after your ESA and paying for any damages it might cause during your tenancy.
4. Can my ESA be any type of animal?
   While a wide range of animals can qualify, unreasonable requests (e.g., exotic or dangerous species) can be denied if they pose risks or contravene local bylaws.
5. Where do I go if my landlord denies my ESA request?
   Start by contacting the Manitoba Human Rights Commission to file a complaint.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Manitoba law protects your right to an emotional support animal with proper documentation.
• Landlords must grant reasonable accommodation unless there is substantial risk or legal reason not to.
• Always document requests and keep communication records in case of disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) – Information on tenant and landlord rights under Manitoba law
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – File a discrimination complaint or ask about accommodations for disabilities
• Manitoba Government - Tenants with Disabilities
• Local legal aid offices or tenant support services (for advice or advocacy)

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1. See The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), Section 137
2. See The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) – reasonable accommodations for disabilities

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